ETHICAL THEORIES APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS

Topic 

ETHICAL THEORIES APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS

Instructions 

Use each of the four primary ethical theories we have studied (Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Social Contract Theory) to analyze Jean’s actions in this situation and to determine whether, under each theory, Jean acted ethically or not. You should begin by providing a brief explanation of how each theory works — in other words, discuss the basic principles of each theory, and how it is used to reach an ethical decision. (2 points for each theory) Next, apply each theory to the above situation, explaining the analysis that you would go through for each theory in reaching a decision. (4 points for each theory) Finally, provide your “final answer,” including why each theory would condemn or justify Jean’s actions.

Answer Preview

Act Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that refers to the viewing of an action as morally correct depending on its rightness or wrongness (Mulgan, 2007). This rightness and wrongness are arrived at by weighing the consequences of the said action. The theory relies on the principle of best decisions to actions that will guarantee increased happiness over another available course of action. Its main criterion lies in the ability of an action to increase happiness and actions are judged solely by virtue of its consequential ability to bring happiness. Act utilitarianism does not focus on the action taken but the outcome (Mulgan, 2007).

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