Cite a contemporary moral issue in our society. Apply one ethical theory learned in class { Utilitarian Ethics} to judge this moral issue. Use the theory’s claims in each paragraph to back up and support your arguments. You must have a minimum of five paragraphs. Apply 4 point utility Benthanm’s and FELICIFIC CALCULUS EXPLAINED NOT applying the ethical doctrine is an automatic zero. MLA format. I need a TURNITIN report.
Title: The Utilitarian Analysis of Capital Punishment
Introduction:
One contemporary moral issue that continues to elicit intense debate and scrutiny in our society is capital punishment. Also known as the death penalty, it involves the execution of individuals who have been convicted of heinous crimes. Applying the ethical framework of Utilitarian Ethics, specifically the four-point utility theory proposed by Jeremy Bentham, we can critically analyze the moral implications of capital punishment. Utilitarianism posits that actions are morally right when they promote the greatest overall happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. This essay aims to evaluate capital punishment through the lens of Utilitarian Ethics, using Bentham’s Felicific Calculus as a framework for analysis.
First Point: Intensity
The first point of Bentham’s Felicific Calculus is intensity, which refers to the strength or degree of pleasure or pain generated by an action. In the context of capital punishment, the intensity of pleasure or pain is primarily focused on the experience of the offender. Utilitarians argue that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed, and that it should deter potential offenders from engaging in similar acts. However, it is crucial to consider the intense suffering experienced by the individual being executed. Utilitarian theory demands that the overall pleasure generated by the act should outweigh the intensity of pain inflicted on the offender. It is possible that the intense suffering of the offender may not significantly contribute to the overall happiness of society, particularly if alternative forms of punishment can achieve the same deterrent effect. Thus, the utilitarian analysis of capital punishment reveals a tension between the desire for justice and the potential for excessive suffering, which challenges the ethically justifiable grounds for its implementation.
Second Point: Duration
The second point of Bentham’s Felicific Calculus is duration, which refers to the length of time that pleasure or pain lasts. In the case of capital punishment, the duration of the punishment is, by definition, permanent. Critics argue that the irreversible nature of the death penalty prohibits any possibility of rectifying potential errors in the criminal justice system. Utilitarians believe in maximizing happiness, which includes minimizing unnecessary suffering. Hence, the duration of capital punishment might be seen as inherently incompatible with this ethical framework. Furthermore, the time and resources invested in lengthy appeals processes and maintaining death row inmates could be better utilized to address root causes of crime or to rehabilitate offenders, thereby potentially producing more long-term happiness for society. The utilitarian analysis thus favors alternative forms of punishment that allow for the possibility of reformation, providing a more sustainable approach to reducing future harm and maximizing overall happiness.
Third Point: Certainty or Uncertainty
The third point of Felicific Calculus is certainty or uncertainty, which relates to the probability of an action producing pleasure or pain. In the case of capital punishment, certainty refers to ensuring that the punishment is imposed only on those who are unequivocally guilty. The risk of executing an innocent person introduces the potential for enormous pain and suffering, not only for the wrongly convicted individual but also for their families, loved ones, and society as a whole. Utilitarians argue that the punishment should be proportionate to the likelihood of guilt, ensuring that the certainty of the crime is established beyond a reasonable doubt. The ethical implications become more complex considering the racial, socioeconomic, and systemic biases that have been demonstrated to exist within the criminal justice system. The utilitarian analysis calls for critical scrutiny of the potential errors and biases within the capital punishment system, in order to minimize suffering and maximize overall happiness.