Reference no: EM133088075
Theories: Utilitarianism and Deontology
Objective:
- Analyse an ethical situation and apply a utilitarian approach
- Analyse an ethical situation and apply a deontological approach
- Discuss examples from popular culture of ethical dilemmas
Question 1: Discuss the benefits of adopting ethical theories for guidance with ethical decision making.
Question 2: Describe the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Which is your preferred approach? Why? How does Mill's views differ from Bentham?
Question 3: Describe an ethical dilemma where you have observed the participants adopting a utilitarian approach. Detail the facts of the situation, and how utilitarianism was applied to resolve the issue.
Question 4: Describe the difference between rule deontology and act deontology. Which is your preferred approach? Why?
Question 5: Describe an ethical dilemma where you have observed the participants adopting a deontological approach. Detail the facts of the situation, and how deontology was applied to resolve the issue.
Case Study - Nimal'sEthical Dilemma
Question 6. Using utilitarian ethical theory (consequence based):
a. Identify who benefits or suffers (and how) from the consequences (whether as an individual or as a member of a group of people) if Nirmal decides to accept the tender from company A?
b. Identify who benefits or suffers (and how) from the consequences if Nirmal decides to accept the tender from company B?
c. Using only your answers to question 6, parts a, and b, decide which path Nirmal should take to maximise the greatest good for the greatest number of people and give the main reasons for your decision.
Question 7. Using deontological ethical theory (consequence based):
a. What duties does Nirmal have in this situation to company A, company B, his own organisation, his professional association, his religious community, his friend and the country of his birth?
b. Using only the list of duties compiled in your answer to question 7 a, decide which path Nirmal should take. Give your reasons.