Jeremy Bentham Is Complete Opposite Of Kant
English philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill introduced the theory of Act Utilitarianism. This theory completely contradicts Kant’s categorical imperative theory. The basic formula of this theory is the sum of happiness and unhappiness of the concerned parties. Happiness is counted as a positive number while unhappiness is counted as a negative number. These numbers added together determine if the action taken was ethical or unethical.
The theory of Act Utilitarianism is based on the Principle of Utility also known as the Greatest Happiness Principle. If an activity causes more benefit, then harm then the act is Ethical. If it causes more harm, then benefit then it is unethical. To measure the total happiness, Bentham and Mill proposed 7 components to be considered. Duration, intensity, certainty, experience, propinquity, fecundity, and purity. Although this theory takes more work and disregards our sense of duty, it has a more practical approach then Kant’s theory. These 7 attributes will be used to analyze the “Insect Allies” program. The mission to protect crops in the US is seen as a danger by several scientists. This method mainly affects insects and plants. Just by examining their process, it can be determined that the program is intense, and the duration is long. Using a gene-editing procedure to give insects modified viruses is an extreme and extraordinary way to transfer strong genes to plants. Not only will the plants be affected but the insects transferring the viruses will also experience some type of change.
This technique is also 100 percent certain since the program had already started in 2017 and spread through half of the country. More and more farms are now using this technique. The fecundity of this program is high. If one essential gene is taken out of the insect, or if the gene is mutated in any way, the insect can turn into a biological weapon. Scientists are concerned about the use of these biological weapons against other countries’ crops. Insects also can not be controlled once they are released. If these insects are holding any type of dangerous genes, then not only are crops in danger but humans can be affected as well. Although this method has a good performance, it does affect insects. The side effect this procedure has on insects is not disclosed by the program. However, if there are any side effects, then there will be more pain then pleasure meaning the overall purity will be negative. The Propinquity is positive since insects feed on plants. Insects and plants have a mutualism relationship and therefore it is easier to use insects as a means. The last attribute of the Act Utilitarian theory is the extent, the number of beings affected. This attribute is difficult to measure since insects, plants, and humans can both be affected negatively if the insects are turned into biological weapons. This is one of the drawbacks of the Utilitarian theory. It is hard to predict the consequences.
In this case, there is a high chance that the insects can turn into biological weapons. Several countries like to keep themselves armed with the best resources. This can easily be added on their list. Overall, “Insect Allies” is unethical according to the total happiness of the affecting parties. Only 2 out of the 7 attributes are positive while 5 are negative. Unlike Kant’s theory, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart’s theory takes every being into consideration. This means that animals and plants are also considered. While examining the program, it clear that the sum of the overall benefit is negative.
