Reference no: EM133231549

Case Analysis: Utilitarian or Kantian?

Direction:

In this activity, you are asked to analyze a moral scenario. You will be asked to make a judgment about what you think is the right thing to do in that situation using Kantian and Utilitarian Ethics, and why you think so.

Case scenario:

Mr. Lordy del Rosario has recently completed his PhD in Chemistry, and, like any other PhD candidate, finds it extremely difficult to land a job after completing his degree. Mr. del Rosario has a family, and his wife works hard to support them. While she is supportive of Lordy, his difficulty finding a job puts a serious strain on their relationship. An older chemist who knows Lordy tells Lordy that he can get him a job in a laboratory. The laboratory pursues research into chemical and biological warfare. Lordy, however, is opposed to chemical and biological warfare, and he therefore cannot accept the job. However, if Lordy refuses the job, it will go to a colleague of Lordy's who does not have any reservations about chemical and biological warfare. Indeed, if this colleague takes the job, he will pursue the research with great zeal. For what it's worth, Lordy's wife is not against chemical and biological warfare. Should Mr. del Rosario take the job or not?

Question 1: From a Kantian perspective, what should Mr. del Rosario do? Why?

Question 2: From a Utilitarian perspective, what should Mr. del Rosario do? Why?

Question 3: After analyzing the dilemma using these two frameworks, which is recommended? Why? Justify your answer.