Cite a contemporary moral issue in the society.Apply one ethical theory learned in class (utilitarian) to judge this moral issue. Use a theory claim each paragraph to back up and support your argument. You must have a minimum of 5 paragraphs and apply 4 points utility Bentham’s Felicific Calculus Explained NOTE :APPLYING THE ETHICAL DOCTRINE IS AN AUTOMATIC ZERO MLA FORMAT REQUIERED I NEED A TURNIN IN REPORT
Title: The Utilitarian Perspective on the Moral Issue of Capital Punishment
Introduction:
Contemporary societies face numerous moral issues, and one particularly contentious topic is capital punishment. This paper applies utilitarian ethics to assess the morality of this practice. Utilitarianism, as propounded by Jeremy Bentham, posits that the moral value of any action is determined by the overall happiness it produces. In order to evaluate the moral standing of capital punishment from a utilitarian standpoint, this analysis will employ Bentham’s Felicific Calculus. This ethical framework assesses utility based on four key point utility calculations: intensity, duration, certainty, and extent.
Paragraph 1 – Intensity:
The intensity of the pleasure and pain produced by capital punishment is a central factor in determining its moral status under utilitarianism. Proponents argue that capital punishment provides a sense of justice and closure to victims’ families, thereby generating intense pleasure. However, this pleasure is specific to those directly affected by the crime and does not extend to society as a whole. On the other hand, opponents contend that capital punishment inflicts intense pain on the individual being executed and their loved ones, without necessarily achieving a proportional increase in overall societal happiness. Evaluating the intensity of the pleasure and pain associated with capital punishment is crucial in determining its moral permissibility.
Paragraph 2 – Duration:
The duration of the pleasure and pain caused by capital punishment is another crucial consideration in applying utilitarian ethics. Supporters argue that the punishment provides a lasting deterrent effect on potential offenders, thereby increasing overall societal happiness in the long run. However, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent remains mixed, weakening this argument. Additionally, opponents assert that the suffering experienced by criminals and their families due to capital punishment is irreversible and can last a lifetime, potentially perpetuating a cycle of pain and grief. The duration of both the pleasure derived from justice being served and the pain endured by criminals and their families requires careful evaluation in assessing the morality of capital punishment.
Paragraph 3 – Certainty:
The certainty of the outcome is an important aspect when considering the utilitarian analysis of capital punishment. Proponents argue that the death penalty ensures a certain and irreversible punishment for the most heinous crimes, thereby fostering a sense of certainty and deterrence in society. However, the possibility of wrongful convictions and the irreversibility of the death penalty raise concerns about the potential for experiencing intense pain and suffering from executing an innocent person. The lack of certainty in accurately determining guilt demands cautious consideration when applying utilitarian reasoning to assess the morality of capital punishment.
Paragraph 4 – Extent:
The extent of the pleasure and pain caused by capital punishment must be examined to determine its moral permissibility from a utilitarian perspective. Proponents assert that capital punishment serves as a powerful public deterrent, providing a sense of justice for heinous crimes and thus contributing to societal wellbeing. Conversely, opponents argue that capital punishment not only affects the individual being executed but also leads to indirect harm by perpetuating a culture of violence and vengeance. Moreover, the psychological impact on those who participate in carrying out executions can create long-lasting negative consequences. Analyzing the overall extent of pleasure and pain caused by capital punishment is crucial in its moral evaluation.
In conclusion, this analysis focused on applying utilitarian ethics, specifically Bentham’s Felicific Calculus, to examine the moral issue of capital punishment in contemporary society. Evaluating the intensity, duration, certainty, and extent of the pleasure and pain produced by this practice allows for a comprehensive assessment of its moral permissibility. It is essential to conduct thorough calculations within the framework of utilitarianism to make informed judgments regarding the morality of capital punishment.