Communal Supportive Action Theory - Assignment Example

Communal Supportive Action Theory Definition: If actions are measured to profit one-self in short term then these actions will lead to limited benefit to such an individual and also less external or communal support in long term. However, if actions are directed towards mutual advantage of other fellow beings then such actions would produce long term communal support and benefit for the individual and society both (financial, physical, sentimental or psychological). Three significant ethical principles of the theory:Individuals cannot live or survive alone, as they are intrinsically habitual to live and survive in communities.

Therefore, their actions and decisions directly influence such communities.Individuals need to sacrifice or compromise their preferences in order to attain communal support.Self-less or communal approach produces long term support, pleasure and benefit for both society and individual. Explanation: The theory of ‘Communal Supportive Actions’ determines that how people with self-centered approach and self-less approach influence and sustain their dignity in the society and how they benefit it in long and short term.

The initial part of the theory describes how people with measurable approach calculate their actions to benefit them self only, but they suffer long term loneliness, lack of support and pleasure and disheveled reputation eventually. On the other hand, considerate individuals take a course of action which is less beneficial for them, but more beneficial towards larger humanity then they would earn long term support, respect, fiscal and sentimental advantage over the former one. Explanation with Example:The ‘Communal Supportive Action’ theory entails the idea of pleasantly surviving and sustaining in a society.

This theory lays stress on the fact that individuals neither live alone nor their actions are impact less. Hence, if they take actions according to their ease, preference and lifestyle they would be withholding the notion of communal advantage. For instance, if garbage is thrown out of a house and dumped in a street, the trash would make the passage narrow, would produce long term detrimental effects (health), would make a good home for pests and rats, would make the area look dirty and that would automatically devaluate the community.

These self-centered actions are taken on the bases of personal priorities (shortage of time, lack of strength to walk extra mile, lack of sense of cleanliness and lack of respect for others living in the surrounding). Ethical theory consistent with an objective or subjective approach:If one assesses the abovementioned theory with regard to objective approach then one realizes that Welfares, NGO’s, non-profitable organisations, religious and community beneficial services always concentrate on larger good instead of personal ones.

Moreover, if individuals focus on their preferences then they attain short term benefit and lack of dignity in the society as well. For instance, if a person is taking interest on his given loan then he will be attaining short term benefit on the given loan, but in the long term; borrower and other social acquaintances would consciously avoid doing business with him ever. Similarly, if the given amount would have been just a loan then the lender would have attained respect and trust for long term.

Consistent with the idea, “the ends justify the means”?For the sake of Communal Supportive Action, one could breach moral norms like confidentiality, promise, lie and hide. For instance for the sake of help, individuals can disclose private information of another needy person. To help orphanage children or to help the elderly; one could break promise to loved ones. To receive increased fiscal support for a devastated area, one could exaggerate and obtain extra help, to hide the news of ‘terminal disease’ from an ailing or dying person.

Reference:Top of FormMill, J. S., & Bentham, J. (1974). Utilitarianism: On liberty : essay on Bentham. New York: New American Library.Bottom of Form