An Exploration of Utilitarian Context in the Short Story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"
An exploration of utilitarian context in the short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”
In the story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” there is an underlying instrument for gaining opulence. The instrument in this story is a strain on one’s moral code and buried deep in tradition. Mrs.Le Guinn, the author of “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, utilizes this short story to portray how utilitarianism is justified, accepted, and deemed tolerable within society, even to the point of sacrificing the innocent to create an inescapable relative happiness.
Utilitarianism’s is based on a basic moral principle of utility. Utility in this context could be defined is a form of “happiness”. A textbook definition of utilitarianism is, “The morally best (or better) alternative is that which produces the greatest (or greater) net utility, where utility is defined in terms of happiness or pleasure. We ought to do that which produces the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greater number of people” (Mackinnon). This is an applicable definition of Utilitarianism and shows the flaws with this theory instantly. According to this definition, an action of pure distaste toward another entity could be possibly justified by this principle of utility. The question arises who can justify figuratively or literally killing something innocent for something beneficial to others. Is it possible to have something so good that it can weigh out the harm it does and if there is who is at liberty to decide this matter? “Utilitarianism, as a consequentialist moral theory, holds that it is the consequences or ends of our actions that determine whether particular means to them are justified. This seems to lead to conclusions that are contrary to commonsense morality. For example, wouldn’t it justify punishing an innocent person, a “scapegoat” in order to prevent a great evil or promote a great good?” (Mackinnon). These definitions are directly related to this farce Utopia.
In the story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” there is an underlying instrument for gaining opulence. The instrument in this story is a strain on one’s moral code and buried deep in tradition. Mrs.Le Guinn, the author of “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, utilizes this short story to portray how utilitarianism is justified, accepted, and deemed tolerable within society, even to the point of sacrificing the innocent to create an inescapable relative happiness.
Utilitarianism’s is based on a basic moral principle of utility. Utility in this context could be defined is a form of “happiness”. A textbook definition of utilitarianism is, “The morally best (or better) alternative is that which produces the greatest (or greater) net utility, where utility is defined in terms of happiness or pleasure. We ought to do that which produces the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greater number of people” (Mackinnon). This is an applicable definition of Utilitarianism and shows the flaws with this theory instantly. According to this definition, an action of pure distaste toward another entity could be possibly justified by this principle of utility. The question arises who can justify figuratively or literally killing something innocent for something beneficial to others. Is it possible to have something so good that it can weigh out the harm it does and if there is who is at liberty to decide this matter? “Utilitarianism, as a consequentialist moral theory, holds that it is the consequences or ends of our actions that determine whether particular means to them are justified. This seems to lead to conclusions that are contrary to commonsense morality. For example, wouldn’t it justify punishing an innocent person, a “scapegoat” in order to prevent a great evil or promote a great good?” (Mackinnon). These definitions are directly related to this farce Utopia.
Cited: Erb, Scott. Maine. n.d. 22 2 2012 <Main.edu>. Guin, Ursula K. Le. "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas". n.d. Mackinnon, Barbara. Ethics "Theory and contemporary issues" Second Editon. Boston: Clark Baxter, n.d.