Do utilitarians and deontologists both believe that human beings have autonomy?

Do utilitarians and deontologists both believe that human beings have autonomy?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only in some interpretations
• D. Autonomy is irrelevant to both

Answer: (B)

Autonomy, the capacity to think through choices and govern one’s own actions, is treated as a fundamental feature of moral agents in both utilitarian and deontological ethics. In deontological ethics, especially Kantian, autonomy is central: rational beings legislate moral law for themselves and must be treated as ends in themselves because of their capacity to reason and make voluntary, principled choices. In utilitarianism, actions are judged by their consequences for welfare, which presupposes that individuals have preferences, feelings, and the ability to make and pursue goals. Philosophers like Mill also defend liberty on utilitarian grounds, arguing that freedom of thought and action helps people develop their capacities and overall happiness. So, both frameworks assume that human beings have autonomy, even though they emphasize different aspects of how that autonomy matters for moral evaluation.

Autonomy, the capacity to think through choices and govern one’s own actions, is treated as a fundamental feature of moral agents in both utilitarian and deontological ethics. In deontological ethics, especially Kantian, autonomy is central: rational beings legislate moral law for themselves and must be treated as ends in themselves because of their capacity to reason and make voluntary, principled choices. In utilitarianism, actions are judged by their consequences for welfare, which presupposes that individuals have preferences, feelings, and the ability to make and pursue goals. Philosophers like Mill also defend liberty on utilitarian grounds, arguing that freedom of thought and action helps people develop their capacities and overall happiness. So, both frameworks assume that human beings have autonomy, even though they emphasize different aspects of how that autonomy matters for moral evaluation.