Please can some one help me with answering the questions at the end and best des
ID: 386899 • Letter: P
Question
Please can some one help me with answering the questions at the end and best describe . In l 842, a ship struck an iceberg, and more than 30 survivors W!sle crew!were crowded into a lifeboat planned to hold 7. As a storm threatened, it became clear that the lifeboat would have to be lightened if anyone were to survive The captain reasoned that the right thing to do in this situation was to force some individuals to go over the side and drown (die). Such an action, he reasoned, was not unjust to those thrown overboardj ii, for they would have drowned anyway. If he did nothing, however, he would be responsible for the deaths of those whom he could have saved. Some people opposed the captain's decision. They claimed that if nothing were done and everyone died as a result, no one would be responsible for these deaths. On the other hand, if the captain attempted to save some, he could do so only by killing others and their deaths would be his responsibility; this would be worse than doing nothing and letting all die. The captain rejected this reasoning. Since the only possibility for rescue required great efforts of rowing he captain decided that the weakest would have to be sacrificed. In this situation it would be irrational, he thought, to decide by drawing lots who should be thrown overboard. As it turned out, after days of hard rowing, the survivors were rescued and the captain was judged for his action. Did the captain make the right decision? Why or why not? Which ethical theory or theories could be applied here? Ethics
Explanation / Answer
The men & women were asked to get into rowing for the ship to reach its destination. The weakest who no longer have the strength will drown. The rest will reach home safe. It is better to save some, rather than none.
The theory of deontology is applicable as the captain should adhere to his duties, and, obligations when making a decision. It is his duty to save those on the ship in case of a situation as stated. The ethical dilemma is resolved by
Utilitarianism is also applicable. The captain should be able to predict the consequences for an action.