Utilitarianism vs. Deontology

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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 to this intrinsic good as a means to an end. In the case of Bentham and Mill who were both hedonists, they believed that only the feelings of pleasure and pain are of intrinsic value; and that happiness was a balance of pleasure over pain.

Deontology

The term "deontology" comes from the Greek words deon, meaning "duty," and logos, "science." Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes the relationship between duty and the morality of an action. For deontological ethics, an action is considered morally good because of its inherent characteristics, not because of its consequences. It argues that some acts are morally obligatory, regardless of their impact on human welfare.

The first to define deontological principles was the 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). According to Kant, the only good thing without qualification is a good will; it acts in accordance with and out of respect for the moral law, rather than out of natural inclinations. Kant viewed the moral law as a “categorical imperative”; that is, an unconditional command that can be established by human reason alone.

Utilitarianism vs. Deontology

Focus

Utilitarianism is consequentialist; it focuses on the consequences of an action to determine its morality. While deontology places emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of an action; it focuses on duty and adherence to rules or principles, regardless of consequences.

Basis of Morality

Utilitarianism says that a person ought to act to maximize happiness or pleasure and to minimize unhappiness or pain. Deontology emphasizes acting in accordance with moral law, which is determined by reason and can be expressed as a categorical imperative.

Flexibility

Utilitarianism is context-dependent; it may permit actions like lying if they maximize overall happiness. Deontology, however, is rigid; it holds that the moral law such as “do not lie” always applies.

References

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Deontological Ethics." Encyclopedia Britannica. March 27, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/deontological-ethics.

West, H.R., Duignan, B. "Utilitarianism." Encyclopedia Britannica. April 21, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/utilitarianism-philosophy.

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