Major Ethical Theories Analysis - Essay Example

ID # Ethical Theories Act Utilitarianism Act Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory for the reason that it conforms ethically right actions, the actions we are forced to perform, are selected by determining the outcomes that those actions are expected to produce. Briefly if we explain Act Utilitarianism it necessitates that we look to non-moral outcomes of actions as simply a suitable method to put together moral decisions. In fact, act utilitarianism can spotlight on some sort of non-moral good like a suitable objective, the most leading appearance of utilitarian theory guides us to perform in an attempt to achieve the maximum contentment possible (LawAndBioEthics; Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). Additionally, one of the major uncertainties in the Act Utilitarianism is that it appears to be too lenient, able to justifying some crime, and yet making it ethically compulsory, if simply the worth of the particular outcomes of the particular act is great enough. In addition, there is another major uncertainty and that is act-utilitarianism is much better in theory than in practice, as we barely ever have the time as well as the information to forecast the outcomes of an act, review their worth, and formulate judgments through probable alternative acts (Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, Jean has used illegal means to bring a prescription. In this situation, Pierre’s life was in danger and due to un-availability of medicine he can die. According to Act Utilitarianism the act of Jean has created happiness and offered a great deal of relief from pain. According to Act Utilitarianism Jean has performed a rightful and legal action that ultimately saved someone’s life. Rule Utilitarianism Oxford moral philosopher R. M. Hare presented a 2-tiered theory that is known as rule utilitarianism. According to this theory, without doubt happiness is the eventual moral value; the means to go after it can be not direct. In this scenario, a 2 tiered theory would assess categories of events normally similar to as telling the truth, murder, remaining realistic in a wedding, breaking promises, regarding parents, caring for children, punishing the innocent, etc. However, some of the categories of proceedings are assessed rather than individual proceedings, a large number of people need to be measured in such estimated scenario should all in a culture be permissible to cheat? If a wide-ranging moral exclusion besides cheating creates more pleasure, then rule utilitarians would ease the moral rule "Don't Cheat." (LawAndBioEthics; Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In addition, the rule utilitarianism is a quasi rule oriented structure where policies perform a vital role; however the system completely relies on a standard. In this scenario, the fundamental utilitarian principle is utilized, with facts regarding social communication, to derive rules. Additionally, once the systems are prepared, no direct computation of utility is required. Moreover, the law has to be pursued even if the individual measures produce more pain as compared to pleasure (LawAndBioEthics; Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, Jean is performing a wrong deed. In the light of Rule Utilitarianism, Jean is going against her personal code of law. This leads her to guilty of crime for using his job authority for illegal task. On the other hand she also saved the life of Pierre; this situation takes her to another aspect that she has performed a rightful job. Kantiansim Kantiansim is a viewpoint of ethics that is presented by Immanuel Kant. In this theory, Kant supposed that people should take care of as an end as well as never as a simple means to an end. On the other hand, it is immoral to utilize people for our own personal objective since people are important in themselves. In addition, Kantianism is a non consequential theory outlining the act itself is more significant as compared to the results of that act. In fact, Kant’s theory is an instance of a deontological ethical theory that states that these theories are about the appropriateness or injustice of the proceedings does not rely upon their penalty however on whether they accomplish our duty (Answers Corporation; California State University). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, Jean saved a life and apparently performed a good deed. However in case of Kantiansim she is guilty of a crime. Kantiansim is revolving completely around duty rather than feelings and emotions. So Jean has performed a wrong deed that makes her law breaking citizen. Social Contract Theory The social contract theory involves that in initial history man depends on the state of nature and there exists no administration. In fact, every man was simply as protected as his own power as well as mental consciousness could offer him. Hence, by supporting one another to formulate a state with the agreement, men in a given region joined jointly, every yielding personal liberty as essential to encourage the safety as well as happiness of all. In addition, with this agreement the associates formulate a government. The social agreement offers rights as well as tasks to both the government and the citizenry (Villanova University). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, social contract theory will apply on persons’ moral aspects of judgment of a person’s act. According to social contract theory Jean performed a social and humanitarian job to save someone’s life. So the social contract theory will consider Jean as a person who has not performed any illegal act. According to this theory Jean is not a criminal. Conclusion As Jean’s nephew Pierre is bitten by an exotic tropical insect and suffers a severe allergic reaction. In this situation Jean’s nephew's life is under danger. She has performed an illegal action to save the life of a person. In this overall situation, I have assessed that though the actions of Jean were illegal however saving human life is one of the most valuable actions of our society. We can override rules and laws in an attempt to save someone’s life. For example, there is a building set on fire. We need to save people inside that building though they are a murderer or criminal. In this report, I have assessed 4 theories, Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Social Contract Theory. Three out of four theories have confirmed that Jean is not a criminal. It is assessed that she has performed a good job, even she used her authority in a wrong way but she still saved a life. This is perfectly according to a natural human code of law and ethics so it is concluded that Jean has performed a rightful job. References Answers Corporation. What is Kantianism? 2012. 14 September 2012 . California State University. KANTIAN ETHICS. 2012. 14 September 2012 . LawAndBioEthics. ACT-UTILITARIANISM. 2012. 13 September 2012 . Utilitarianism. Act-Utilitarianism. 2012. 14 September 2012 . Utilitarianism2. Rule-Utilitarianism. 2012. 12 September 2012 . Villanova University. SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY. 1983. 14 September 2012 . Read More