-
Essay / The Ethics of Suicide: A Comparative Analysis - 901
Mills' theory is divided into two different types, the act and the rule. Act utilitarianism focuses on individual actions and their consequences. Deciding whether an action is right or wrong depends on whether or not the outcome serves the greatest good for the greatest number of people possible (Brannigan 148). Suicide, especially in response to the utilitarianism of the act, could only be considered ethical if it provided the best consequences for everyone involved – in this case. Rule utilitarianism, on the other hand, states that an action should be taken when, in accordance with a specific rule; it serves the greatest good for the greatest number possible (Brannigan 148). For suicide to be ethical by this standard, one would have to argue that the consequences of this act are a better option than other rules (e.g., suicide is wrong). Because suicide generally causes more harm to the extended family and society, suffice it to say that it would not meet the standards of rule utilitarianism (Feldman