Philosophy 11 assignment 2 okay essays, but the description of ✓ Solved

The ethical approaches are often presented in a muddled and sometimes misstated manner. In the context of the case where an innocent man is arrested for murder, the police chief faces a critical decision. Should he save the innocent man or adhere to the majority's opinion within the community? The implications of his decision could significantly affect other innocent lives in the locality.

The chief must navigate this complex ethical landscape using various moral theories. The ethical relativist perspective suggests that morality is defined by the norms of the local community. Therefore, the ethical relativist would likely support the majority's view of lynching the innocent man, believing that this action would maintain societal happiness and protect the majority of innocent citizens (Mizzoni, 2017). However, this approach raises moral concerns about the value of one innocent life in the face of many lives that could potentially be saved.

Conversely, the ethical egoism perspective emphasizes the importance of individual interests over collective ones. From this viewpoint, the police chief might prioritize saving the innocent man and his family, rejecting the majority's opinion because it does not align with the truth or justice of the situation. This approach does not consider majority welfare or possible consequences but focuses solely on the moral obligation to protect the innocent.

The divine command theory proposes that moral actions should align with divine expectations and commands. Under this theory, the best course of action would be to save the innocent man, as this aligns with the notion of upholding justice as defined within religious or spiritual frameworks.

Utilitarianism, on the other hand, argues that the moral choice should aim to produce the greatest good for the most people. In this case, the utilitarian perspective could justify sacrificing the innocent man’s life to save a larger number of innocent citizens, positing that the death of one could be overshadowed by the survival of many. However, this approach raises ethical dilemmas regarding the value of individual lives and the inherent right to life.

Deontological ethics would focus on the rules and obligations set forth within the local laws and moral frameworks, independent of the consequences of actions. The police chief's decision-making would be guided by existing laws regarding murder and justice, emphasizing adherence to established protocols over personal moral considerations.

Virtue ethics, in contrast, emphasizes the moral character and virtues of the decision-maker. The sheriff's integrity, courage, and commitment to justice would play crucial roles in his decision. From this viewpoint, saving the innocent man reflects moral courage and a commitment to individual rights, irrespective of the potential backlash from the community.

In my personal view, every action should stem from a commitment to moral ethics. As a leader, it’s crucial to make decisions guided by a framework that values human dignity over the pressures exerted by communal sentiments. I would advocate for saving the innocent man, recognizing that the moral imperative to protect an innocent individual outweighs the potential for greater harm to others. This perspective echoes the divine command theory, emphasizing that ethical decisions should reflect moral truths rather than popular opinion.

Ultimately, the ethical landscape is complex, but leadership requires navigating these challenges with a focus on moral principles. The innocent man’s life must be preserved as a testament to the value of individuality and justice, reinforcing the idea that ethical considerations should not be left to the whims of societal pressures or majority beliefs.

References

• Crane, A., Matten, D., Glozer, S., & Spence, L. (2019). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press, USA.
• Crisp, R. (2019). Sacrifice regained: Morality and self-interest in British moral philosophy from Hobbes to Bentham.
• Mizzoni, J. (2017). Ethics: The basics (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (2015). Utilitarianism. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
• Kant, I. (2012). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Fletcher, J. (1997). Situation Ethics: The New Morality. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Rachels, J. (2013). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.