Utilitarianism

The action if morally good that creates the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Of course this consequentialist ethical theory is of secondary importance, but that which helps the majority feel happy or protected is important and must be heeded by ethicists.

My reaction as a principled moderate: utilitarianism is a second level moral requirement upon the individudal and upon all citizens.

The Kantian nonconsequentialist ethical theory is closer to what is our primary moral duty. We should do what is right because that act, in and of itself, is the way for us or any other person in identical circumstances, to act. That is our imperative.

We should do our duty and do what is right, but we also need to be aware of the consequences of our actions, relying upon feedback from others, rethinking the rightness and outcome of our decisions, as to how they influence neighbors, family, the community and future generations.

Common sense, practical considerations, showing mercy and forgiveness, and utilizing our moderate sense of when to follow the exception, not the strictly binding moral law--all these inputs will move our moral choice selected away from rigid, fanatical concluding and destructive, absolutist traps.

As a general rule, what is good for the individual (but each individual must be maverized for this to work) is what is good for society as a consequence.

The greatest good and the greatest happiness for the majority if citizens can be defined as what is variably and opendedly good for each maverizing individul within that community or nation.