Language and Philosophy

In this post, we’re going to look at the differences between utilitarianism and deontology. But before we do, let’s first have an overview of each one, starting with utilitarianism. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that stems from the late 18th- and 19th-century English philosophers Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). It argues that an action is right if it tends to promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong if it tends to produce unhappiness or pain—not just for the agent of the action but also for everyone affected by it. Utilitarianism is a type of consequentialism, which means that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences. In assessing the consequences of an action, utilitarianism relies upon a theory of intrinsic value; meaning, it holds something to be good in itself, apart from its consequences, such as, for example, happiness; and that all other values are believed to derive their worth from their relation t...

Postmodern literature is a form of literature that emerged during the 1950s. It was mainly a reaction against modernism (especially against its distinction between “high art” and everyday life), World War II, and post-war events such as globalization and the rise of mass media and consumer culture. Postmodern literature rejects traditional narrative forms and experiments with new literary techniques, genres, styles, etc. It is marked by a decentralized structure (lacking clear leaders and a cohesive direction) and embraces chaos and disorder (portraying a world that is disconnected and dehumanizing). It uses elements such as intertextuality, pastiche, fragmentation, metafiction, and magical realism. While its major themes include feelings of alienation, anxiety, and the meaninglessness of human existence. It is important to note that postmodernism in literature is not an organized movement with leaders or central figures. Therefore, it is then difficult to say if it has ended or when i...