Abstract The paper discusses utilitarianism, an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good. The paper then looks at deontological ethics that believes a person has certain duties which he should carry out. The paper looks at Immanuel Kant's deontological beliefs of moral duties and discusses how duty requires a defense lawyer to zealously represent the defendant even if he/she knows that a client is guilty and believes that if the client is not imprisoned, he/she will commit more crimes. The paper further explains that an attorney is required to not take a case in which he cannot give zealous representation.
From the Paper "Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good or the greatest number. As articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, this ethic holds that the two controlling emotions in life are pleasure and pain. Man prefers pleasure. Thus, for the isolated individual, an action producing pleasure is good; an action producing pain is bad. For a person in society, an action is good if the pleasure felt by all those affected is greater than the pain felt by those affected. (Hollinger 2002, pp. 32-33; Bentham, 1949; Mill, 1979)"
Abstract This essay brings out the positive and negative points in the three major systems of morality: teleology, deontology, and the Aristotle's virtue-based systems of morality. It then explains why Mill's theory of Utilitarianism (teleology) would be better in today's society.
From the Paper "The majority of the population, probably including yourself, claims they act "morally". Many of these people ask other people to act "morally", but when you ask these "moral" people what morality is they stand there for a minute, and almost every single person will give you the wrong answer. So what is morality? In brief, morality is a basic set of principles that people follow. A perfect example would be Osama Bin Laden, a man that believes completely in what he does, and does it to his best. He has his own set of "morals" which he follows perfectly. He is acting morally. On the other hand we have Saddam Hussein; he does not follow any set of standards consistently, and therefore is not considered "moral". Obviously someone who acts morally may be acting morally according to their set of standards, but in our opinion are very wrong. This is because we have different systems of morality. There are three major systems of morality: Immanuel Kant's theory of Deontology, Aristotle's theory on Virtues, and finally the theory of Utility, or the Utilitarian principles of Teleology."
Abstract This paper examines the practice of "ambulance chasing" to determine whether it is a service or a disservice to victims of a disaster. The author considers the issue from the perspective of three philosophical models used for determining the ethical course of action, including the teleological approach, the deontological approach and the relativist approach. The paper then concludes that the decision to limit severely or disallow ambulance chasing seems to be the most ethical decision and explains the reasoning behind this conclusion.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Fact Gathering
Ambulance Chasing is a Global Problem
Making Cases
Determining the Ethical Issue
Principles on Which to Base Ethical Decisions
The Relativist Approach
The Deontological Approach
The Teleological Approach
Alternatives Based on the Relativist Approach
Alternatives Based on the Deontological Approach
Alternatives Based on a Teleological Approach
Consequences
The Decision
From the Paper "Deontology demands a good and a bad element. It is difficult to delineate either of these absolutely in the case of ambulance chasing; it is easy in such cases as murder. To force application of this test in the case of ambulance chasing results in an artificially rigid interpretation of right and wrong, and it does so, moreover, before the facts in any given case are known. In the case of the train derailment in California, it is clear that the suicidal man who left his truck on the tracks was acting unethically. However, beyond that, there is no clarity."
Abstract This paper discusses how the theories of utilitarianism and deontology both establish the act of prenatal gender selection as being morally and ethically wrong. It looks at how relational ethics focuses not on the act but on the person, but there is awareness of ethical principles. It also contends that nurses must use and understand the ethical perspectives and apply them in their everyday practice and how even though they will always be faced with ethical dilemmas, they are obligated to provide appropriate and quality care in every situation.
Outline:
Introduction
Position on Ethical Issue
Ethical Theories
Utilitarianism
Utilitarian View of the Issue
Deontology Deontological View of the Issue
Relational Ethics
Relevance to Nursing and Relational Ethics
Nursing Perspective
Conclusion
From the Paper "On the basis of relational ethics, relationships are the site for ethical action and healthy and ethical relationships allow for human growth (Bergum & Dosseter, 2005). The focus is on the relationship where the nurse and client are connected. Rather than making judgments regarding the rightness or wrongness of actions, this is an action ethic because people act in ways that result in goodness but without being absolutely sure if they are right (Bergum & Dosseter). The important point is that people often take the action that appears wise but also experience some uncertainty about their choice. What gives moral meaning to the action is the relationship. The action chosen is not simply done but changes over time with new experience. "
Abstract Robert Latimer actively euthanized his daughter when she was twelve years old by placing her in his truck and allowing the deadly carbon monoxide fumes to envelop her, which killed her. This paper discusses how his actions were no different, by any moral or philosophical view, than a relative pulling the plug (or feeding tube) that sustained a suffering patient who had not expressed his or her will to remain alive. The paper attempts to understand Latimer's action by looking at the outcome (for the utilitarian view) or the intention (for the deontological view) and contends that neither of those were simply death. The paper concludes that this case of active euthanasia is morally permissible.
Outline:
The Utilitarian View
The Deontological View
Objections from the Utilitarian View
Objections from the Deontological View
From the Paper "A utilitarian view certainly allows for suicide, if the suffering is greater than the overall value of the life in question. Assisted suicide (and active euthanasia) may be regarded by utilitarians as superior to prolonging one's life of pain, and it is almost certainly better than passive euthanasia by this view. Passive euthanasia, which is legally better, as there is no "action" of killing (but rather an inaction which leads to death), will generally have much more pain and suffering as someone starves to death or is debilitated further until their death. Active euthanasia gets around this, and minimizes the pain and suffering that would be at least somewhat prolonged by sustaining a life of suffering, or prolonging it for some time by passively allowing someone to die. "
Abstract This paper begins by distinguishing between the two theories: Deontological approaches have, as the overarching "one" a norm or norms by which we live. Consequentialist ethics, in judging acts, rests on a controlling factor, such as agape love, the greatest good for the greatest number or increasing the total pleasure of man. Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses such as the danger of "I was just following the rules" in the deontological approach and consequentialism's main weaknesses of measurement; something such as love being indefinable Though they are different, they both lack from being isolated from the other and the more existential and community based ethical systems.
From the Paper "A deontological approach to ethics is self-justified and intrinsically grounded. Its reference point is a norm or authority or being against which or who there is no argument (Gill P.5). In contrast, the consequentialist approach looks at the end product of a rule or act. The consequences are measured against a certain standard or goal in order to determine if they are desirable. For instance murder is wrong because society would break down if it weren?t treated that way (P.7). They both have certain deficiencies that outweigh their strengths if they are used in isolation. They need to be informed by one another and by a third dimension, which could be called the existentialist. Only then do they make a useful organic whole."
Abstract The paper provides an overview of Kant's deontology theory and its implications. The paper then argues that Kant's theory presents indisputable support for the death penalty in our society today.
Outline:
Kant's Deontology Kant and the Death Penalty
Conclusion
From the Paper "To start with: what is deontology? The word's most basic definition is etymological: the study of duty. Unlike utilitarian philosophy, which can be summed up in the rather trite and shopworn "the end justifies the means," deontology does not assign much importance to an action's consequences, focusing instead on its motives. Or, more concisely: deontology detects moral worth in motives, rather than in outcomes (McCormick 8d). The implications of this are monumental, as Kant is basically arguing that an action may lack moral worth even if its outcome is desirable and, conversely, that an action whose outcome is questionable may be considered "good." To understand these conclusions, it is important to elaborate further on Kant's ideas of categorical duty as opposed to contingent, or hypothetical, duty."
Abstract This paper discusses the debate over the death penalty in the United States. It specifically examines capital punishment from the perspective of the utilitarian as well as the deontological moral theories in order to help us understand the issue better. The paper argues that in the interest of the greater well-being of the society it is permissible to award the death penalty for the worst and barbarous criminals acts.
Table of Contents:
Thesis
Introduction
Capital Punishment
Utilitarian and Deontological Perspectives
Conclusion
From the Paper "Punishments are imposed to reduce the probability of crimes happening and for restoring social order. The assessment as to whether Death penalty is essential or if it can be substituted with non-lethal alternatives is complicated. Ethical, moral and spiritual considerations are to be evaluated in deciding upon whether or not capital punishment is necessary. Sympathetic considerations must not allow an escape hatch for convicted heinous criminals who have seriously undermined social order and harmony by breaking the law. Sometimes the perpetrator is in flagrant violation of ethical and moral laws (like terrorists and serial killers) and hence under these circumstances the moral dilemma, even if it arises, is only superficial. Capital punishment, thus, cannot be totally dismissed as unjust, and in the interest of greater well-being of the society it is permissible to award death penalty in such situations."
Tags: capital punishment, society criminals murder
Abstract This paper presents a case study of an employee who was asked to resign after she hired an investigator to collect information and find out who was leaking important company information. The paper discusses whether it was correct to ask her to resign even though she had the company's best interest at heart. The case is examined according to a deontological and utilitarian framework.
Tableof Contents:
The Case Outline
Deontological Utilitarian
Why is it a Legal Issue?
From the Paper "The law sides with the victim and hence no matter how Dunn tried to explain it, she couldn't possibly prove that it was all legal. This was an illegal activity which is punishable by law and hence she was asked to resign. We may argue that since the action itself was wrong but intention was good, Dunn could be excused. But that is not how law sees it. The law is concerned with the means and not exactly the intention in mind. Dunn should have been more mindful of the legalities involved with such actions. It is strange that a woman at her position was not aware of the laws."
Abstract This paper looks at Kant's use of deontological ethics - moral obligation, or duties that a person must perform to lead a peaceful existence. The author discusses the law of Traditional Duty Theory and problems with the theory.
From the Paper "All duties to others are the most basic since this must follows the mandate of natural law that we are to be sociable. Towards God, we have a theoretical duty to know the existence and nature of God and a practical duty to worship God, both internally and externally.
Towards ourselves, we have duties of the soul which means developing one's skills and talents and duties of the body which means not neglecting our bodies through gluttony or drunkenness and not killing oneself.
Concerning duties towards others these are ?divided into absolute duties which are binding on people and conditional duties which are the result of contract between people. Absolute duties should be to avoid wronging others, treating people as equals and promoting the good of others. First of the rules is to keep one's promises."
Abstract The writer gives a brief description of the fundamental tenets of the two ethical perspectives before analyzing the case directly. The paper first looks at the 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant, who held that morality is based on deontological theories?specific and foundational principles of obligation. The other philosophy addressed is that of Clement of Alexandria, who taught virtue ethics.
From the Paper "In Virtue ethics, morality is derived from externally-imposed rules, such as "don"t kill," or "don"t steal." Therefore, individuals are acting correctly only when they conform with rigidly defined rules. By following these rules, they will develop good habits of character ("Ethics"). In this paper, the text "Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved," by Clement of Alexandria, will be used to represent the ethical perspective. God's will and salvation are the external elements that shape the laws of morality in this case. Therefore, people are encourage to developed the "soul's virtue" in order to claim the "prize" of salvation. Otherwise, they faced the threat of being destroyed by God (Clement of Alexandria 307). Therefore, the ideal rich man in this description is one who uses his possessions wisely by generously extending them to others in need. Therefore, he shows that he is not enslaved to his possessions; instead, he holds the wealth in his soul and is therefore in touch with God's spirit (Clement of Alexandria 303)."
This paper discusses that the consideration of the social responsibilities of engineers involves the concept of introducing normative values into the generally positivist practice of engineering.
Abstract This paper explains that the introduction of normative values into the practice of engineering requires the application of systems of ethics and ethical principles to the process of engineering practice and engineering management. The author believes that ethical principles create a framework that permits the anticipation of conflict in relation to proposed actions or decisions in a variety of situations. The author says that utilitarianism and deontology tend to command the greatest level of attention in ethical considerations involving the business and the economy.
From the Paper "Autonomy requires that an engineer be independent in action and decision-making and accept responsibility for her or his actions and the consequences of those actions. Autonomy, however, may also be interpreted to mean that others also have the right of self-determination concerning actions that affect their lives. The ethical principle of autonomy is especially applicable to those cases where the autonomous rights conflict with one another."
Abstract This paper discusses how Immanuel Kant is a very controversial philosopher and how he argues from a Deontological standpoint that actions are determined as good in themselves, not by their consequences. It describes Kant's moral law and his Categorical Imperative and then offers a critique of Kant, based on the fact that he contradicts himself, he does not allow for satisfaction from good will, and his moral theory is fundamentally flawed.
From the Paper "Kant then gives us the first formulation of the categorical imperative. "Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law" (P. 312). In other words, before you act, you should consider upon what principle you are acting. Then be sure that it is reasonable to will that that particular principle be a universal law applicable to everyone at every time. Kant gives four examples to illustrate this point (I will discuss two of them). One of the examples is of a man who has been going through a series of misfortunes and is considering suicide. His maxim is that due to self-love, it is acceptable to take your own life to prevent the evil that its longer duration would bring. But this cannot be adopted as a universal law of nature."
Abstract This paper stresses that successes in cloning mammals have added urgency to ethical questions concerning the possible human cloning. The author explains that the utilitarian philosophy states that worth or value is derived or determined solely by utility; therefore, cloning is acceptable and will bring great things in the future.The paper relates that, from a deontological point of view, moral decisions should never be made on the basis of likely outcomes of actions; therefore, the deontologist feels that the worth of outcomes is completely irrelevant because of the question of moral obligation.
From the Paper "With that being said, a person who is a follower of the deontological thinking may feel that the scientists have over stepped their boundaries. "Are these arguments simply irrational, emotional responses to the moral issue" A deontologist would say no: These arguments, for the deontologist, are quite legitimate and reasonable justifications of the normative claim that it would be immoral to continue to use the anatomy. What is relevant is the nature of the action itself. Certain types of action--such as the involuntary use of a person's remains--are wrong regardless of their outcomes, according to the deontologist. The aim of deontological theory is to define the basic normative principles that provide sound justification for this ethical position.? (Kellenberger, J ) God is the creator and it is man's duty to worship ? not create."
This paper discusses, by assailing deontological ethics and virtue ethics and defending utilitarianism, a medical ethics case in which the medical professionals must decide whether or not to perform gender-altering surgery.
Abstract The paper explains that utilitarianism states that the morality of a surgical gender assignment can be derived as an outcome that would be considered either good or bad; the overall morality of the philosophy and procedure would then be determined based on the positive or negative outcome. The author points out that medical ethics does not fall under deontological ethics because the philosophy states that there are absolute right and wrong answers for every case. The paper relates that, in a situation like surgical procedures, the solution to any problem must be derived on a case-by-case basis and, therefore, cannot have one universal truth; doctors do not have the freedom to decide the future of the newborns without statistical proof that their decision will benefit the child.
From the Paper "In this scenario, the surgery for many years was considered as a good alternative to going thorough life deformed. In the case study, it was uncovered that the twin John/Joan, as she aged, was not at all happy with her situation after it was documented in medical journals as a highly successful pro-surgery example. The results of the case study for the twin John/Joan was completely wrong and could even be considered a serious act of malpractice. The twin's brother even said that his medically altered sister was very manly throughout her early years and even suggested that she always wanted to be a garbage man. ?At the age of six or seven, Joan told her brother she wanted to be a garbage man: "Easy job, good pay."? Since the twin John/Joan's case was the basis for surgery in the majority of cases, it also should be the basis to not perform the surgery from this point forward. The utilitarianism moral issue now says the medical community should not perform the surgery in the bulk of the cases and it is also morally wrong to withhold the fact that the surgery was performed."
