Ethical Theories Conceptual Philosophical Discussion Sample

Question Synopsis

The assignment includes calculating the utility of an ethical issue derived from one of two scenarios and applying the deontological perspective. The first scene demonstrates a ferry’s emergency situation in which shoving a man off a ladder would save numerous lives, at the expense of the man’s life. In the second vignette, it is a war case during WWII when telling a lie to the enemy can save more people but harm a less privileged group of people. The response must include a decision and a justification of that decision based on the principles of utilitarianism, which are aimed at the maximization of the individuals’ happiness and well-being, and deontology, which views the morality of the action itself as paramount regardless of the consequences.

Subject Code : PHI2EPP
University : La Trobe University Gradesaviours is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university.
Subject Name : Arts and Humanities

Synopsis

Answer Synopsis

In the ferry emergency vignette, the decision not to push the man off the ladder by prioritizing the lives of his family members highlights the different conducts that appeal precisely to the principle of respect for people’s right to live (Kant, 2017). This approach relies on moral obligations as opposed to the success, which makes it hard to determine between utilitarianism and deontology to apply during an emergency. In the same regards, another theory known as utilitarianism would rationalize the act of pushing the man to get more people saved because it seeks to promote the greatest happiness to the highest number possible (Mill, 2012). Thus, this argument highlights the challenges in ethical decision making since people’s rights and rationality clash (Tseng & Wang, 2021). Finally, it enlightens how deontological duty influences moral actions in an emergency condition.

Question 1

Vignette 1: Ferry emergency

Decision in the Crisis

In the situation of the sinking ship in 1987, it would be morally wrong to push the man stuck off a ladder (Kant, 2017). This choice, based on deontological principles, shows a commitment to the value of every life. It does not sacrifice one person for the possible good of the group. Instead, it protects everyone's freedom of life and respect, which aligns with deontological principles. This choice shows how hard it is to make moral choices in real life, balancing the conflict between utility and deontological views while still respecting each person's worth (Tseng & Wang, 2021).

Utilitarian Considerations

From a practical point of view, not pushing the man off a ladder is the worst thing to do. Utilitarian ideas, like Mill's concept of utility, support actions that make everyone happier and healthier (Mill, 2012). Pushing the man away could be okay as a practical way to protect the bigger picture by saving more lives. Still, putting individual respect ahead of group results highlights the complex problems and limits of using only a utilitarian approach to real ethical problems. It shows how complicated it is to make moral choices when practical ideals and individual rights are at odds.

Deontological Principles

The result aligns with deontological principles, similar to Kant's focus on moral responsibilities and people's inherent worth (Kant, 2017). Instead of forcing the man off a ladder, it supports his fundamental right to life and treats everyone with care, no matter what might happen. This dedication to seeing people as ends in themselves, not just means to an end, clearly shows how deontological concerns significantly affect moral choices in emergencies. It means sticking to principles that value human freedom and respect, showing how deontological theories affect people's dealing with morally tricky situations.

Reference List

Kant I. 2017. Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, translated by J Bennett. Early Modern Texts.

Mill JS. 2012. Utilitarianism. In Great Philosophical Arguments, edited by L Vaughn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 490-493.

Tseng, P.E. and Wang, Y.H., 2021. Deontological or utilitarian? An eternal ethical dilemma in outbreak. International journal of environmental research and public health , 18 (16), p.8565.

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