Since I never got any real help with this. I'll repost the question, reworded.

I have to compare and contrast two theories in ethics. So I've chosen Utilitarianism and Hedonism. Explaining what each are, how they are used today, and a summary of how they are different.

Thank you for posting the names of the two theories.

Utilitarianism is the theory that the ends justify the means. In other words, a person can do anything so long as it accomplishes his goals. The wildly flucuating gas prices seem to be an example of utilitarianism. The companies want to make profits so they charge a lot to customers in order to make their big profits.

Hedonism is the theory that anything is good so long as it brings immediate pleasure. Young children are essentially hedonistic, as are those who overindulge in food or alcohol because they bring immediate pleasure without considering the consequences.

Check these sites for much more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism

http://www.utilitarian.org/utility.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonism

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hedonism/

Sure, I'd be happy to help you with that! Let's start by explaining what Utilitarianism and Hedonism are:

1. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on the consequences of actions. It suggests that the moral value of an action should be determined by its overall utility or usefulness in maximizing happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. In other words, an action is considered morally right if it produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

2. Hedonism: Hedonism is an ethical theory that emphasizes pleasure and happiness as the primary goals of life. It holds that pleasure is the ultimate intrinsic good and that individuals should strive to maximize their own pleasure and minimize their pain. Hedonism can be split into two forms: ethical hedonism, which suggests that pleasure is the sole intrinsic good, and psychological hedonism, which argues that people are always motivated by their own pleasure-seeking desires.

Now, let's see how these theories are used today:

Utilitarianism finds its applications in various fields and decision-making processes. It is often used in consequentialist ethics, which evaluates actions based on their outcomes. For example, when determining public policies, utilitarian thinking may be applied to maximize overall societal well-being. However, it is important to note that utilitarianism can raise concerns about issues such as the potential sacrifice of individual rights or the difficulty of accurately measuring happiness.

Hedonism, on the other hand, is commonly associated with personal lifestyle choices. People often adopt hedonistic perspectives in seeking pleasure and pursuing activities that bring them happiness and fulfillment. However, it is essential to balance immediate gratification with the long-term consequences and consider the well-being of others.

Now, let's compare and contrast Utilitarianism and Hedonism:

Comparison:
- Both Utilitarianism and Hedonism focus on the pursuit of happiness and well-being.
- Both theories aim to maximize pleasure or happiness in some way.

Contrast:
- Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, which means it evaluates actions based on their outcomes and impact on the greater good. Hedonism, on the other hand, primarily focuses on individual pleasure and personal happiness.
- Utilitarianism considers the overall welfare of society and emphasizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, while Hedonism is more concerned with individual pleasure.
- Utilitarianism often requires making decisions that may sacrifice personal happiness or pleasure for the greater good, whereas Hedonism focuses solely on individual pleasure and happiness.

Remember, when comparing and contrasting theories, it's important to provide specific examples and details to support your points. Additionally, utilizing scholarly sources and reputable references can add depth and credibility to your analysis.