A Dilemma and My Solution Based On Utilitarianism Ethical Model
A Dilemma and My Solution Based On Utilitarianism Ethical Model
(Assignment # 1)
Prepared by : Efren A.
Course-Section : GNED212-091
Instructor : Mr. Paul B.
Class : Friday Afternoons
Part 1: Utilitarianism Ethical Model
Many people from all walks of life have trouble making decisions in their everyday lives, especially on tough or critical situations that may even involve life and death considerations. To address this issue, there are four ethical models and four ethical principles developed as guidance in making decisions in an ethical way. One of the four ethical models is the Utilitarianism. This model is based on the principle that the best decision is the one that gives benefits to most or causes harm to least number of people, regardless of its implications to other ethical models like deontology (duties and obligations), virtues or rights. According to Catherine Rainbow, the utilitarian ethical theory is founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action. To a utilitarian, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most people is the choice that is ethically correct. One benefit of this ethical theory is that the utilitarian can compare similar predicted solutions and use a point system to determine which choice is more beneficial for more people. This point system provides a logical and rationale argument for each decision and allows a person to use it on a case-by-case context (Rainbow).
In Utilitarianism Ethics developed by Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer, the example used to illustrate this theory was the case of Oliver North when he was asked to explain why he lied to congressional committees regarding his role in the Iran-Contra affair, where he replied, “Lying does not come easily to me. But we all had to weigh in the balance the difference between lies and lives." North's method of justifying his acts of deception is a form of moral reasoning that is called
(Assignment # 1)
Prepared by : Efren A.
Course-Section : GNED212-091
Instructor : Mr. Paul B.
Class : Friday Afternoons
Part 1: Utilitarianism Ethical Model
Many people from all walks of life have trouble making decisions in their everyday lives, especially on tough or critical situations that may even involve life and death considerations. To address this issue, there are four ethical models and four ethical principles developed as guidance in making decisions in an ethical way. One of the four ethical models is the Utilitarianism. This model is based on the principle that the best decision is the one that gives benefits to most or causes harm to least number of people, regardless of its implications to other ethical models like deontology (duties and obligations), virtues or rights. According to Catherine Rainbow, the utilitarian ethical theory is founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action. To a utilitarian, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most people is the choice that is ethically correct. One benefit of this ethical theory is that the utilitarian can compare similar predicted solutions and use a point system to determine which choice is more beneficial for more people. This point system provides a logical and rationale argument for each decision and allows a person to use it on a case-by-case context (Rainbow).
In Utilitarianism Ethics developed by Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer, the example used to illustrate this theory was the case of Oliver North when he was asked to explain why he lied to congressional committees regarding his role in the Iran-Contra affair, where he replied, “Lying does not come easily to me. But we all had to weigh in the balance the difference between lies and lives." North's method of justifying his acts of deception is a form of moral reasoning that is called
Cited: Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer. "Utilitarianism Ethics." Issues in Ethics V2 N1 (Winter 1989) (1989). Rainbow, Catherine. "Principles and Theories." 2002. Davidson College. .