Read Answer: Think about the ethical theories and approaches in this section and the moral conflicts you have experienced in the past. Have you used one of these approaches to resolve a conflict? Which theory or approach have you used? Follow the 3 x 3 rule: minimum three paragraphs Minimum of two references, not older than 2015. APA style (intext citations and references) Plagiarism FREE
Ethical theories and approaches play a crucial role in resolving moral conflicts. In the past, I have encountered moral conflicts and have used one of these approaches to come to a resolution. In particular, I have employed the utilitarian approach, which is based on the principle of maximizing overall happiness or the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This approach allows for a thorough analysis of the consequences and impacts of various actions, helping to guide decision-making in complex moral dilemmas.
In one instance, I encountered a moral conflict at my workplace. I was part of a team that was tasked with developing a new product for the company. During the development process, the team discovered a flaw in the design that could potentially compromise the safety and well-being of the customers. This situation presented a moral dilemma as we were under pressure to meet a tight deadline and launching the product would bring substantial financial benefits to the company. On the other hand, releasing a flawed product could lead to harm for the customers.
To resolve this conflict, I applied the utilitarian approach. I began by considering the potential consequences of both options. If we proceeded with launching the product, the company would likely gain significant financial profits, leading to the happiness of the shareholders and employees. However, there was also a risk of harm to the customers, which would result in their suffering. On the other hand, if we postponed the launch to fix the flaw, the financial gains would be delayed, leading to potential disappointment and frustration for the stakeholders. However, by addressing the issue, we would ensure the safety and well-being of the customers.
By considering the consequences of our actions, I realized that the utilitarian approach guided me towards choosing the option that would maximize overall happiness. In this case, it meant delaying the launch and rectifying the flaw in the design. Although this decision might have temporarily disappointed some stakeholders, it was necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of the customers, which would ultimately lead to long-term happiness.
One of the key strengths of the utilitarian approach is its ability to objectively evaluate the consequences of different actions. By considering the overall happiness of individuals affected by the decision, it provides a framework for making ethical choices that have a positive impact on the greatest number of people. However, this approach also has its limitations. It does not necessarily take into account the rights and dignity of individuals. In the example mentioned earlier, the utilitarian approach prioritized overall happiness but did not address the potential violation of customer rights by releasing a flawed product.
In conclusion, ethical theories and approaches, such as the utilitarian approach, play a significant role in resolving moral conflicts. Through the utilitarian approach, I have been able to analyze the potential consequences of different actions and make decisions that maximize overall happiness. While this approach has its strengths, it is important to recognize its limitations and consider other ethical theories that may address different aspects of moral conflicts, such as individual rights and dignity. Ultimately, the application of ethical theories helps guide decision-making in complex moral dilemmas and ensures that the actions taken have the best possible ethical outcomes.