So it's the middle of the night, and I should be studying. Well, I really should be sleeping, but I procrastinated writing my final paper for Ethics, and put off studying much for my theory final and Ethics final that are both on Monday. So I've been sitting on the couch for most of the day, laptop in lap, writing my
And yes, it is as exciting as it sounds...
What would one write if they were to write an Ethics paper, you ask? Ok, so you didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway. Our instructor gave us a few scenarios to choose from, or we could pick our own ethical dilemma (but really, who has the brain power for that so near the end of the semester? I mean, really), then we have to argue for whatever side we choose to take on that dilemma, and support it with at least two of the theories we studied this semester.
Ok. I should not be writing anything. Did you read that last
So the scenario I chose was that I have to pick between saving the life of one child or 100 adults. I cannot choose both. Whichever I don't choose will die. I know a few people picked that same topic, and most picked that they would choose to save the 100 adults. This goes back to a principle proposed by John Stuart Mill among others, of utilitarianism. Basically, the more ethical choice is the one that brings about the greatest good to the greatest number of people.
Based on that, it would seem logical to save the 100. After all, 100 is more than one, thereby fulfilling the basic premise of the theory, right?
Well, yeah, probably. But I chose to go one step further and say that I would not choose to save the 100 adults. I also would not choose the one child. Strictly using the view supported by Mill it would seem that saving the 100 adults would bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. After all, 100 people would get to keep their lives.
But what if those 100 adults were people who were chosen specifically for the fact that they have no living relatives, and no other social relationships? And what if the one child had a large extended family (think Duggar sized), with strong social ties. Letting the 100 adults perish would affect 100 people. Choosing to let the child die could affect many more than that.
And now I have officially blogged more about my paper than I've actually written...
On that note, I leave to finish my outline that's also due (because apparently this is elementary school english class, not a college level Ethics class), and to throw some more of my paper together.
Sorry this wasn't the most interesting post. I will be returning to the regularly scheduled
P.S. Speaking of the Duggars, if you haven't heard, Michelle Duggar gave birth to her 19th child this week. Baby Josie was born prematurely, and is currently in the NICU. No matter what your thoughts on the size of their family, please take a moment to say a prayer (or send positive thoughts, or do whatever you do) for the Duggar family and their new baby girl.
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