eassy 500 words. Judge the medical case studied in class during Week 8 in the Discussion Board.In the video, philosophers applied the three major ethical principles you learned in this class: Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Ethics. In a essay, ethical theory to decide the moral course of action in the medical case of the premature twins studied in class. Apply the ethical theory in each paragraph to support your arguments throughout the entire essay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9ttMAQr_A

Title: Judging the Ethical Dilemma in the Case of Premature Twins: An Analysis of Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Ethics

Introduction:
In the given video, an ethical dilemma is presented concerning the medical case of premature twins. This essay aims to apply three major ethical principles, namely Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Ethics, to judge the moral course of action in this case. Each ethical theory will be analyzed in separate paragraphs throughout the essay, providing arguments and supporting evidence to evaluate the actions taken by the medical professionals.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative:
Kant’s Categorical Imperative is based on the principle of universalizability and the idea of treating individuals as ends in themselves, rather than mere means to an end. When analyzing the medical case of the premature twins through the lens of Kantian ethics, it becomes evident that the actions taken were morally problematic. The decision to allocate the limited resources available to only one of the twins, effectively sacrificing the other, contradicts the principle of treating individuals as ends in themselves. According to Kant, every person has inherent dignity, and it is morally impermissible to treat one person as a mere means to benefit another. In this case, the medical professionals should have explored alternative solutions, such as seeking external assistance or utilizing other medical resources, to ensure the well-being of both twins.

Utilitarianism:
Utilitarianism assesses the ethicality of an action based on its overall consequences, seeking to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of individuals. In the case of the premature twins, the decision to allocate limited resources to one twin was made with the intention of maximizing the chance of survival for that individual. From a utilitarian perspective, this decision may be deemed ethically justifiable. However, in this case, it is important to consider the long-term consequences and potential negative effects on the individuals involved. By sacrificing one twin for the sake of the other, a sense of guilt and emotional burden may be imposed on the surviving twin, negatively affecting their future well-being. Additionally, the family members, both biological and adoptive, may experience emotional distress, potentially outweighing the benefits gained from saving the life of one twin. Therefore, while the decision may have been intended to maximize overall well-being theoretically, it fails to consider the long-term consequences and potential harm caused to the individuals involved, thereby presenting ethical concerns under a utilitarian framework.

Virtue Ethics:
Virtue Ethics focuses on the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtuous qualities. In the given medical case, acting virtuously would involve exhibiting compassion, empathy, and integrity towards all parties involved, including the twins and their families. The decision to allocate limited resources to only one twin, while well-intentioned, lacked empathy and failed to consider the impact on the other twin and their family. A virtuous action would have necessitated a more comprehensive approach, taking into account the well-being of both twins and seeking a solution that could potentially benefit both individuals. Furthermore, the medical professionals could have displayed integrity by openly communicating the scarcity of resources and engaging in collaborative decision-making with the families. By involving the families in the decision-making process, a more ethical and compassionate approach could have been adopted, aligning with the principles of Virtue Ethics.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the ethical dilemma presented in the case of premature twins raises complex moral questions that can be analyzed through the lenses of different ethical theories. Kant’s Categorical Imperative highlights the violation of treating individuals as mere means to an end. Utilitarianism raises concerns regarding the long-term consequences and potential harm caused to the individuals involved. Lastly, Virtue Ethics stresses the importance of exhibiting virtuous qualities such as empathy, integrity, and compassion. Considering these ethical theories, it becomes evident that the actions taken in the case of the premature twins were ethically problematic and could have been improved through alternative approaches that consider the well-being and dignity of all parties involved.