STEP FIVE: The Ethics of the Alternatives Question 1: How to decide on the best alternative using ethical principles? Deciding on the best alternative could be done through asking the questions that are associated with each of the utilitarian, rights and justice principles, then determining how each alternative is rated according to each theory, and at last, selecting the best alternative once each have been rated as right or wrong. Utilitarian Principle: The utilitarian approach judges actions based on their consequences by the amount of pleasure and pain they bring upon. Hence, the action that brings the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people should be chosen. Here, we should ask ourselves which alternative would maximize utility …show more content…
Justification can be given by demonstrating why the theory(ies) show(s) that option as the best and how this fits better into our idea of what the good life is than the options recommended by the other ethical theories. If it came down to the straightforward certainty that, subsequent to examining each one of the options with rationality, objectivity and respect, I simply do esteem one alternative, theoretical approach, or perspective highlighted by one theoretical approach, or one value typified by one alternative. In this case, I will most likely be unable to say why I incline toward that alternative aside from the way I choose to live my life and what my experience has shown me. Some worry that the fact that they do not have another definite standard to appeal to means that their decision is irrational or unjustified. However, if one has made his/her decision based on the careful consideration required by the seven step method, and justified his/her decision through showing why it is the best alternative according to at least one ethical theory, then the decision is considered to be
The method of ethical decision making which was developed by Dr. Cathryn A. Baird presented two components contained in all ethical decisions which are; The Four ethical Lenses and the 4+1 Decision process. The Four Ethical Lenses issue claims that different ethical theories and the means in which we tend to approach the situations which form part of our ethical traditions are looked at in four different perspectives. From each perspective there are different values on which to decide whether the action taken is either ethical or not and each lens also lays emphasis on determining whether the decision made is of ethical requirement. In the 4+1 Decision Process, people who are responsible for making final decisions in an organization do it
Every day we are faced with certain situations that challenge us with how to act in an ethical manner. It can be human nature to feel unsure or conflicted with the correct moral choice. Some can say that one should know how to handle such dilemmas and others may say that there should be a reference of some sort to help guide through such conflicts. Sometimes we know the answers and sometimes we are unsure of how to handle certain situations. Most times we go through life wondering what we should do. As I become further educated on the different theories of ethics, I believe there are answers that are available in guiding one through an ethical dilemma and or judgment. I will discuss Vincent Ruggiero’s three basic criteria, Robert Kegan’s order of consciousness, the three schools of ethics and the correlation between all three.
Utilitarianism considers the pleasure and pain of every individual affected by an action. It also considers everyone to be equal and does not permit an individual to put their interests or relationships first. After this it attempts to provide an objective, quantitative method for making moral decisions. Utilitarianism is not able to assign quantitative measures to all pleasures and pains, and does not address the issue of some pleasures and pains that cannot or should not be measured-such as human life or human suffering.
The easiest way to resolve an ethical dilemma is to work through a straightforward five-step decision method called the Baird Decision Model. The first step is Being Attentive. This step has two pieces: figuring out what exactly is going on in the situation and then determining what ethical values are conflicting with each other.
During the course of living human being are subjected to many controversial arguments and ethical stations. Education in concept of ethical reasoning and in the fundamentals of the principles are important for one to be skilled in ethical reasoning. Ethical reasoning is a very important element in human nature of living either professionally or individually. Ethical reasoning offers critics with the capability to represent viewpoints, ideas and make judgement. Moreover ethical reasoning enable critics’ to consciously give examination for them to reach a solution that does not harm anybody else. Ethical reasoning can be defined as arguing the wrong and the right of human behavior.
To apply utilitarianism to this ethical controversy one has to evaluate which option would benefit society
The utilitarian faces many problems because he loses any ability to live a personal life. By this is meant that in making decisions the utilitarian must consider the steps which lead to the highest level of goodness in society. The utilitarian reaches for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Two main aspects dominate the light of utilitarian beliefs. The consequentialist principle explains that in determining the rightness or wrongness of an act one must examine the results that will follow. The utility principle is that you can only deem something to be good if it in itself will bring upon a specific desired state, such as happiness or fulfillment. There are two types of utilitarians: Act utilitarians and Rule
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, as explained by the philosopher Mill. Given several choices, a utilitarian would pick the morally correct choice by using the Greatest Happiness Principle (487). By looking at whether the consequences of an action will produce the greater happiness for the greater number of people than another action would, one can
According to Kant´s ethics, I would choose the same option. I am able to determine what is good by reasoning and I think that this is the best option for both parts.
Utilitarianism is the argument that all actions must be made for the greatest happiness for the greater number of people (Bentham, 42). However, utilitarianism cannot always be the basis of one’s decisions due to the fact that people need to look out for their own pain and pleasure before consulting others’ wellbeing. I will first explain the arguments of the utilitarianism ideal. Then I willl explain why this argument is unconvincing. Ultimately, I will then prove why people consider their own happiness before considering others. Thus showing the utilitarianism view is implausible due to the need for people to consider their own happiness when making decisions or else they themselves will be experiencing the most pain and unhappiness.
I think that the topic of Utilitarianism is interesting to me since I find myself using the greatest happiness principle throughout an everyday basis.Utilitarianism is defined as the ethical doctrine that virtue is based on utility.Utilitarianism is essentially whichever action creates the most happiness for the greatest number of people is the right answer. People have considered utilitarianism controversial since not everyone agrees that the greatest happiness principle leads to the right choice,but rather to the wrong decision. The way that we approach this issue could potentially have severe consequences, on issues like immigration reform,campus carry,etc, if not agreed upon with the use of the greatest happiness principle. In this argumentative paper, I will argue that using utilitarianism and the greatest happiness principle would lead to the to the right decision.
To make an ethical decision, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate immoral options and select the best and ethical alternative. It is a process of choosing the best ethical option among the alternatives.
Before a good outcome to an ethical dilemma is achieved obstacles must be overcome through argumentation and analyzing the
The utilitarian theory would approach the ethical dilemmas by a identifying the stakeholders for the situation, and the possible consequences on these stakeholders, also it requires thinking broadly for consequences and impact on the society level not only on the close circle around the dilemma (Trevino p40).
Utilitarianism is a theory aimed at defining one simple basis that can be applied when making any ethical decision. It is based on a human’s natural instinct to seek pleasure and avoid pain.