Question

Providencia an ethical decision towards the case of the Bakun Dam. In addition, discuss the downside of Utilitarianism.

Answer 1

Bakun Dam a major power project in the forests on Borneo is constructed by the government of Sarawak, Malaysia, is the Asia's highest dam. The government promised many benefits upon the construction of the dam. It promised a sustainable development, employment opportunities, fair compensation and resettlement of the indigenous people, besides generating electricity that would generate income for government for infrastructural development of the area. Though the promises were the best, but, what it brought was destruction of the ecology of the areas which not only destroyed rare indigenous flora and fauna, but also caused severe changes in the life style of the indigenous people. They were not given the fair recompensation as promised also, resettlement worsened their problems. This project also proved to be an economic failure, as being situated in an remote area, the electricity from plant needs undersea cables and overlands cables, this would increase the price of electricity from this plant. Hence, the government had to abandon to sell electricity. The electricity consumption in Serawak area is less than its production from the plant. Thus, this plant has caused, ecological crisis, socio-cultural issues and is a economic failure.

From the view point of ethics, this project is unethical on the grounds that it has caused destruction to valuable ecology of Borneo's forest which is irreversible. It has caused severe issues in the lives of the indigenous people. It has not fulfilled the proposed aim of economic development. Thus, this project has caused harm from all the aspects and has negativily impacted the lives of people and the ecology.

This dam is an example of downside of utilitarian principle the act that brings more good to more number of people is ethical. However, this dam that was constructed at the cost of the ecological destruction neither brought good to the people nor to the government. Also, any act that costs destruction to flora and fauna, causes problem to the indigenous people cannot be justified as the cost for the good for more number of people is too high and are irreparable, and cannot be justified as ethical.