Question

covers the moral theories of Mill’s utilitarianism, Kant’s deontology, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics. No other moral theories are permitted on this contains three moral dilemmas, each of which must be solved using a different moral theory. Be sure to cite your sources.

Solve each of the following dilemmas using one of the following theories: Mill's utilitarianism, Kant's deontology, or Aristotle's virtue ethics. Explain the different aspects of the theory you are using, and clearly show how that theory prescribes a certain action for the person involved in the dilemma. Be as thorough and complete as possible. Remember, this is not a test of your opinion; it is a test of correct application of moral theories. You must give a precise answer to the bolded questions at the end of each passage. Once you have used a moral theory, you cannot use it again. By the end of the you should have used all three theories once. For , if you use utilitarianism to solve the first dilemma, you must use either deontology or virtue ethics to solve the second dilemma, and the remaining theory to solve the last dilemma. There is NO "correct" theory to use for a particular dilemma; that decision is entirely up to you. You may find it easier to use a particular theory for a particular dilemma, and if so, do so. You DO NOT need to explain why you have chosen to use that particular theory. Good luck!

1. Jack is a government employee, working for CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit). Jack’s job is to discover terrorist plots, and attempt to stop acts of terrorism. He has done so within the bounds of the law in the past.

Jack has been told of an alleged plot to take over an elementary school. The plot involves taking school children hostage, and then executing the children until the terrorists’ demands are met. At this point, Jack is about 70% sure that the terrorist plot is a real, imminent threat.

Jack has been told that a man named Eli probably has knowledge of the current whereabouts of one of the suspected terrorists. Eli is a well-trained spy of an enemy nation. Jack finds Eli at home with Eli’s wife, and Jack breaks into the house and keeps Eli and the wife prisoner. However, Eli claims to have no knowledge whatsoever of the suspected terrorists, or of any terrorist plot. Jack knows that torturing Eli for information would be useless, since part of Eli’s spy-training prepared him not to give in to physical torture. However, the wife has had no such training, and Jack can tell that Eli loves his wife very much. Jack thinks that if he tortures the wife in front of Eli, Eli might reveal some information to save his wife from horrible pain.  Should Jack torture Eli’s wife? (Remember to use one of the three moral theories acceptable for this test to solve this dilemma. Any discussion of any personal opinion, religious perspective, or theory other than the moral theories acceptable for this test will result in a score of "0" for this question.)

2. Tamara's best friend, Janine, who had been having bad luck the past couple of years developing good relationships, finally meets the "man of her dreams." She has been dating him for several weeks. There is only one problem: this man is married. To further an already complicated situation, this married man’s wife is Tamara’s other friend, Susannah.

One day when Susannah is having coffee with Tamara, Susannah tells Tamara that she suspects her husband of having an affair. Because Tamara knows her husband, and she and the couple have many mutual friends, Susannah asks Tamara if she has heard the rumor and, if so, if she has any information about the affair. Susannah is shocked and distraught about the possibility of the rumor being true, but is hoping that either the rumor is false, or if true, to work with her husband to save their marriage. Tamara knows that the rumor is true, and Tamara knows that the husband is having an affair with Janine, but she is friends with both women. What should Tamara say to Susannah? Be specific in exactly what you think Tamara should say. (Remember to use one of the three moral theories acceptable for this test to solve this dilemma. Any discussion of any personal opinion, religious perspective, or theory other than the moral theories acceptable for this test will result in a score of "0" for this question.)

3. An employer who is considering hiring Eva has asked Donna, Eva’s former supervisor, for a report on Eva. In truth, Eva’s work for Donna has been only average. However, Eva is Donna’s friend, and Donna knows that Eva probably will not get the job if she says anything negative about Eva, and Donna knows that Eva desperately needs the job. Further, Donna knows that if the situation were reversed, she would not want Eva to mention her deficiencies. Nevertheless, it has been Donna’s policy to reveal the deficiencies of employees when she has been asked for references by employers, and she knows that some of Eva’s faults may be bothersome to this particular employer. Finally, this employer has leveled with Donna in the past when Donna has asked for a report on people who have worked for him. Should Donna reveal deficiencies in Eva’s past performance? (Remember to use one of the three moral theories acceptable for this test to solve this dilemma. Any discussion of any personal opinion, religious perspective, or theory other than the moral theories acceptable for this test will result in a score of "0" for this question.)

Answer 1

1. Yes, Jack should torture Eli’s wife. According to Mill's utilitarianism, the best action is the one that maximizes the overall well being while minimising suffering. In this case, the torture of the wife can result in information that can save the lives of many elementary school children. This seems to be the best possible outcome for the greater good of the society including the children, teachers, parents and government officials, while harm is being inflicted to the least number of people, that is, Eli and his wife.

2. Tamara should tell Sussanah everything she knows about the affair, that her close friend has been dating her husband for several weeks now. According to Kant’s deontology approach, lying to others is morally wrong because one’s action of lying leads other people to decide differently had they known the truth, thereby undermining their intrinsic dignity and autonomy. In this case it would cause Sussanah to carry on the relationship with her husband without attempting to make any amends in the relationship.

3. Yes, Donna should reveal deficiencies in Eva’s past performance. Aristotle's virtue ethics states that honesty is a desirable human characteristic to possess. In Donna’s case, although the lying maybe for a compassionate cause to protect Eva, it would she would be fair (another virtue) to the new employer and potential employees only if she gives an honest account of Eva’s past characteristics.