Reference no: EM133404195

Read the scenario below. First, solve the case based on rule utilitarianism and act utilitarianism in two different paragraphs from two perspectives.

Ethical Case:

Princess Aethelflaed, the daughter of the King Alfred of Wessex (849-899), was captured by Vikings. The Vikings sent a message to Alfred to say that they would agree to release her in exchange for 10000lb weight of silver and 1000lb weight of gold. They said she would be tortured, humiliated, and killed unless the payment was made. King Alfred assembled his council to make a decision. The King's Grand Advisor said: "If we give the Vikings that amount of silver and gold, then they will assemble a terrifying army to invade Wessex. Many men of Wessex will die and many women of Wessex will be tortured and humiliated. Instead, we should assemble the army to attack them. It is tough to say, but we should leave the Princess in their hands. We will call her the martyr of Wessex." He summarized by saying, "Your Majesty You are the King of Wessex before being her father." However, the Queen argued as follows: "We should give the Vikings that amount of silver and gold to save the Princess. It might be dangerous for our country, but she is our beloved daughter and we cannot leave her in their hands to be tortured, humiliated, and killed. She summarized by saying, "Your Majesty You are her father before being the King." (Adapted from The Last Kingdom, season 2).

First task: Imagine you are a member of the King's council and your moral theory is rule utilitarianism. What would be your advice? Support your moral advice by your argument on the basis of your moral theory.

Second Task: Imagine you are a member of the King's council and your moral theory is act utilitarianism. What would be your advice? Support your moral advice by your argument on the basis of your moral theory.