Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility. It suggests that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, a utilitarian might argue that the sheriff should lie and frame the innocent man to prevent the riots. The potential harm that could come from the riots, including destruction, injury, and death. The potential benefit of maintaining peace and order in the town. The negative impact on the innocent man being framed. However, it's important to note that utilitarianism doesn't condone actions that violate basic human rights, even if they result in greater overall happiness. Framing an innocent person could be seen as a violation of these rights. Kantian ethics, on the other hand, is a deontological theory that emphasizes duty and moral rules. According to Immanuel Kant, lying is always morally wrong, regardless of the consequences. A Kantian would likely disagree with the utilitarian advice in this scenario. Kant believed in the principle of universalizability, which means that if an action is right/wrong in one situation, it is right/wrong in any similar situation. If lying is wrong, then it is always wrong, even if it could prevent a riot.