Question

Select one contemporary ethical, social, or political issue. How would a utilitarian approach that issue? How would a Kantian approach the issue? (You may

consider Kant’s Principle of Universalization or his Principle of Humanity, or both.) With which approach, if either, do you agree and why?

You’ll want your answer to convey that you understand both the utilitarian and Kantian approaches to ethics, and can apply these approaches to a particular issue. Be sure you don’t sell short the last part of the question: you’ll need to explain why we should favor one approach over the other (or favor neither approach).

Answer 1

ISSUE TO BE DISCUSSED-- ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY(ART)

There are ethical,social and political issues related with the assisted reproductive technology. This technique uses the method of the in-vitro technology to fertilize the embryo donated by a mother and the implantation of this embryo for growth and development inside the body of the surrogate mother. The fertilization takes place under specific experimetal conditions with the help of the sperm cells. The american fertility services set forward rules and regulations in 1986 for carrying forward this technique. The ethics conduct includes the preservation and hiding of the name and information of the donor for the birth of the child and the amount to be given for donating the male and female gametes and ovary. The health, safety and the hygiene of the surrogate mother is a concern. The facility should be approved from the medical council of the country with approval of the license. The genome and the genetic studies of the sperm and egg is carried out to ensure that there are no congenital defects in the child. The genes influencing the external characteristics should be labeled before the formation of the babies and the parents of the child to be born should consult a counselor before using the technique of the in-vitro fertilization.

Utilitarianism approach to the study of the technique of the ART includes: The feeling of happiness, pleasure and satisfcation to the couple who are biologically infertile and impotent to give birth to a child and thus can use this technique developed through the medical advancement to give rise to the progeny. The moral code of conduct and human ethics should be followed when considering the use of the modern medical techniques like in-vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technology to give birth to a new child. It gives intense pleasure and self -satisfaction to the couple who can pay appropriately to raise a child for themselves. This act should not be considered as a motive for stealing with negative intent or the misuse of the modern medical technology but should be considered as a boon with the advancement of the medical technology and should be conducted with license and obeying of all the rules and recommendations set by the medical council.

ART usage in the Kant deontological theory: The kant deontological theory explains the significance of doing good deeds and practices and that the results that are obtained are the basis of the type of the deeds and practices that have been achieved and performed by the person. The result that is achieved is due to these actions performed in the society. The actions performed by the persons should be universal and should be implemented everywhere in the world. The technique of the ART and in-vitro fertilization should be implemented throughout the world with proper use of medical facilities, rules, norms and regulations in the society. It becomes a law if it abides by a set of regulations and should be used for the benefit of the mankind and the humanity. There should be sense of good will ,attitude and character in a person to help others in the society without attaining and achieving any personal objectives.

Both the theories of Utilitarianism and Kant principle of Universalization are important for the survival of the person and to achieve happiness, satisfaction, and peace in life.