Utilitarianism and Deontology in Real-World Scenarios

(Privacy Concerns in Big Data and Technology)

Joan C. Balato

Seth G. Trinidad, LPT, MA Ed

December 08, 2023

ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 1

Understanding Utilitarianism and Deontology

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that looks at right and wrong based on what
happens due to actions. It believes that the best choice is the one that helps the most
people. This approach can even say that military force or war is okay if it leads to the best
overall. In business, people often use utilitarianism to make moral decisions because it
helps systematically weigh the costs and benefits.

Deontology, a branch of ethical theory associated with the ideas of philosopher

Immanuel Kant, revolves around the concept of using rules as a guide to distinguish right
from wrong. Kant emphasizes that ethical actions should align with universal moral laws,
essentially straightforward principles like "Don't lie, don't steal, don't cheat." Deontology
emphasizes the inherent morality of actions, grounded in applying these universal rules
rather than focusing solely on the outcomes or consequences. This approach contrasts with
utilitarianism, for instance, by prioritizing the adherence to moral principles over pursuing
the most significant overall good.

Utilitarianism and deontology are two ways people think about right or wrong. Even
though they have differences, the two also have some similarities. Both say there are
universal rules for making moral decisions, and they disagree with the idea that what's
right can change depending on who you ask. Utilitarianism and deontology care about
other people's well-being and say we should think carefully before making moral choices.
Simply put, they believe we should use our cognitive ability and consider what's best for
everyone when deciding what's right. However, they have different main ideas –
utilitarianism says that the best choice is the one that makes the most people happy. At the
same time, deontology says the best choice follows specific rules no matter the outcome.
So, they're similar in some ways but still have significant differences.

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ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Utilitarianism and deontology take different paths when it comes to making ethical
decisions. Utilitarianism is like a happiness guide, suggesting that the best choice is the one
that brings the most happiness to the most people. For example, if you have cookies and
sharing them with friends makes everyone happy, utilitarianism would say go for it. On the
other hand, deontology is like having a rulebook for being a good person. It says you have
specific rules or duties and must follow them, even if it doesn't lead to the happiest
outcome. So, if you promised not to eat cookies before dinner, deontology would have you
stick to that promise, even if sharing them would make others happy. In summary,
utilitarianism is about creating the most happiness, while deontology is about following the
rules no matter what.

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ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 2

Analyzing Real-World Scenarios

In the fast-evolving world of technology, big data is a double-edged sword—fueling

progress but also sparking privacy worries. In today's digital realm, where information
flows effortlessly, the massive amount of data generated raises crucial questions about
keeping personal privacy safe. Privacy concerns encompass issues like data breaches, data
brokerage, data discrimination, and how data is collected and stored. Data breaches
happen when unauthorized access occurs to sensitive information. Data brokerage involves
selling unprotected and incorrect data, leading to flawed algorithms due to false
information. Organizations may use customer demographic data to create algorithms that
profile and unfairly penalize individuals based on age, gender, or ethnicity, resulting in data
discrimination. Lastly, storing sensitive information on the cloud, rather than on physical
devices or networks, poses potential risks.

A utilitarian approach to handling the ethical issue of privacy concerns in data

management would prioritize actions that maximize overall well-being and minimize harm
for the most significant number of people. In this context, it would involve implementing
measures that enhance data security, prevent breaches, and mitigate the risks associated
with data discrimination. The focus would be on achieving the greatest good for the
majority by safeguarding privacy and minimizing the negative consequences of data
breaches and discrimination. Potential outcomes include enhanced data security, fair
algorithms to reduce discrimination, improved trust through transparency, ethical data
brokerage, minimized negative consequences from breaches, and overall societal well-
being. This approach seeks to strike a balance that benefits society while upholding ethical
standards in data management.

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ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

A deontological approach to the ethical challenges in data management involves

adhering strictly to ethical principles and rules, irrespective of the potential outcomes. In
addressing data breaches, the emphasis would be on implementing robust security
measures and encryption protocols in line with established privacy laws and regulations.
Regarding data brokerage, ethical guidelines would discourage the sale of unprotected or
incorrect data, promoting honesty and transparency in data handling. To tackle data
discrimination, the approach would reject the development of algorithms that unfairly
penalize individuals based on demographics, insisting on fair and unbiased treatment. A
deontological perspective on data collection and storage would prioritize transparent
communication with individuals and ensure that storing sensitive information on the cloud
aligns with legal and ethical standards. A deontological approach to data management
underscores the importance of following established moral rules, focusing on actions'
inherent rightness or wrongness rather than their consequences.

In data management, a deontological approach introduces moral rules and duties

centered on upholding privacy, honesty, transparency, non-discrimination, and compliance
with legal regulations. These principles conflict with utilitarian considerations when
pursuing overall well-being requires compromises with individual rights or ethical
principles. For instance, the obligation to safeguard privacy contradicts utilitarian
perspectives that might prioritize accessing specific data for the greater good. Similarly, the
deontological focus on non-discrimination may clash with utilitarian aims that favor
algorithmic decisions geared towards maximizing overall benefits, potentially at the
expense of fairness to individuals. Achieving a balance between these conflicting
perspectives demands nuanced ethical reasoning, acknowledging that adherence to specific
rules may clash with the practical goal of enhancing overall well-being, requiring
thoughtful consideration in ethical decision-making.

Page 4 of 11
ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 3

Comparative Analysis

Utilitarianism focuses on improving things for everyone, providing clear standards

and flexibility in challenging ethical situations. But it has downsides, like possibly
overlooking individual rights and struggling to predict outcomes accurately due to its focus
on consequences. Also, the idea that happiness is subjective makes it tricky to apply
universally. Conversely, deontology keeps things clear and consistent by sticking to moral
rules and protecting individual rights. However, it can be inflexible, lead to conflicts of
duties, and lack guidance in tricky situations. A mix of both approaches could be an
excellent middle ground, ensuring we consider overall consequences and stick to critical
moral principles when dealing with privacy concerns in data management.

Determining which ethical theory provides a more viable or ethical solution for the
complexities of real-world issues, such as privacy concerns in data management, is
challenging and often depends on the specific context and values involved. Both
utilitarianism and deontology offer valuable insights but may have limitations in certain
situations. For privacy concerns in data, a mix of both could work. This "consequentialist
deontology" approach means thinking about overall consequences while sticking to critical
moral rules. Utilitarianism focuses on improving things for most people, but we need
deontology to protect individual rights and privacy. For example, following privacy laws
(deontological) can go along with efforts to improve well-being through good security
practices (practical).

In the real world, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Making ethical decisions needs
careful thinking about the specific situation, possible outcomes, and moral principles.
Balancing utilitarian and deontological ideas brings a much more flexible and complete
ethical framework for handling privacy challenges in data management.

Page 5 of 11
ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

In simpler terms, deciding what's right in different situations, like dealing with
privacy in data, depends on the specifics. Imagine it's like choosing the best tool for the job.
There are two main tools: utilitarianism, which looks at making things better for everyone,
and deontology, which sticks to specific moral rules. Sometimes, using a bit of both makes
sense, like having a mix of tools in a toolbox. Let's call it a "case-to-case" approach.

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ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 4

Reflection

A blended approach combining elements of utilitarianism and deontology could

provide a more well-rounded and comprehensive solution to addressing privacy concerns
in big data and technology. Utilitarianism, focusing on maximizing overall happiness or
well-being, can contribute by assessing the consequences of data usage on a societal level.
Considering the potential benefits and harms to the majority, this approach can guide
decisions that enhance technological advancements while safeguarding privacy.

Simultaneously, integrating deontological principles into the framework ensures a

commitment to respecting individual rights and upholding moral duties. This means
establishing clear rules and ethical boundaries for collecting, processing, and utilizing
personal data. Such rules might include obtaining informed consent, transparent data
practices, and implementing robust security measures.

This blended approach acknowledges the complexity of privacy issues in big data
and technology. It recognizes the need to balance the collective good with individual rights,
considering the potential societal benefits of technological advancements while
safeguarding the fundamental principles of privacy and ethical conduct. By weaving
together utilitarian considerations and deontological principles, a more comprehensive and
ethically sound solution can emerge, fostering an innovative technological landscape that
respects individuals' rights and dignity in the digital age.
Combining utilitarianism and deontology in ethical decision-making offers a
balanced and flexible approach. By integrating utilitarian considerations of overall well-
being with deontological principles emphasizing individual rights and moral duties,
decision-makers can navigate ethical dilemmas more effectively. This blended approach
allows for a nuanced evaluation of consequences and intentions, considering both short-
term gains and long-term impacts. It provides clear ethical guidelines while maintaining

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ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

adaptability to diverse contexts. Moreover, the combination fosters public trust by aligning
decisions with societal values, resulting in a more comprehensive and widely accepted
resolution of ethical challenges.

Conclusion

Applying utilitarian and deontological perspectives to real-world scenarios provides

valuable insights into ethical decision-making. Utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing
overall happiness, teaches us to weigh consequences and prioritize the greater good. On
the flip side, deontology emphasizes following principles and duties, highlighting the
importance of respecting individual rights and moral obligations.

By combining these perspectives, we create a balanced approach that considers

both the well-being of the majority and the protection of individual interests. In practical
decision-making, this blended framework proves flexible, adapts to different situations,
and considers both short-term and long-term impacts. This approach guides responsible
decision-making and builds public trust by aligning choices with shared societal values.
These ethical theories play a crucial role in helping individuals and institutions make
thoughtful and moral decisions in the face of complex ethical challenges, contributing to a
more ethical and responsible society.

Page 8 of 11
ETHICS (GEC 8)
Naga College Foundation
Mt Villanueva Avenue, Naga City
Seth G. Trinidad
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

References:

Talend. (n.d.). Big data and privacy: What companies need to know. Talend - a
Leader in Data Integration & Data Integrity. https://www.talend.com/resources/big-data-
privacy/
Ethics Unwrapped. (2023, February 22). Utilitarianism - ethics unwrapped.
https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/utilitarianism
Ethics Unwrapped. (2022, November 5). Deontology - ethics unwrapped.
https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/deontology
utilitarianism essay topics. (n.d.). http://portanywhere.com/kf7s5388/archive.php?
391fe5=utilitarianism-essay-topics
Rachel Garris - Writing portfolio. (n.d.). Clippings.me.
https://www.clippings.me/users/rachellynngarris

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