How does utilitarianism contradict the fundamental ethical p

How does utilitarianism contradict the fundamental ethical principle: the end does not justify the means?

Solution

Solution :

Utilitarianism maintains that we should judge the ethical merit of an action by the consequences it produces . Particularly an action is good to the extent to which it tends to promote the greater happiness for the greater number of people . An action is bad to the extent to which it produces the opposite of happiness .

The ethical theories have adopted principles that contradict each other at a very fundamental level . Utilitarians say that , if the creation of the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people will be acheived by telling a lie , then it is the morally correct thing to do . It is the end result , or the consequence , that is of moral importance and not the means used to acheive it . This is against the fundamental ethical principle which says the end does not justify the means.