Read Chapter 2 and watch Week 3 Lectures. Choose a contemporary moral issue in our society and apply the ethical principle of Utilitarianism to this moral issue. You must pick a moral issue that you and apply the utilitarian claims to back up your arguments. The paper must be done in MLA format with a minimum of 500 words *You must apply the Four major points of Utilitarianism apply Bentham’s Felicific Calculus, and apply the utilitarian claims under course materials.
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on maximizing utility or happiness. It is based on the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In this paper, I will apply the ethical principle of Utilitarianism to the contemporary moral issue of climate change.
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects the entire global population. The increased greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities have led to rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and numerous other negative impacts on the environment and human well-being. It is crucial to address this issue from an ethical perspective to determine the best course of action.
Utilitarianism can provide guidance in evaluating the moral implications of climate change and determining the best course of action. According to Utilitarianism, actions are judged by their consequences and the overall happiness or utility they promote. In the case of climate change, the consequences are widespread and affect not only the present but also future generations.
The first major point of Utilitarianism is that actions should promote the greatest amount of happiness or utility. By mitigating and adapting to climate change, we can prevent or minimize the negative consequences it poses to human well-being. This includes protecting people from extreme weather events, ensuring access to clean air and water, and preserving natural resources for future generations. These actions would maximize overall happiness and utility by improving the quality of life for the greatest number of people.
The second major point of Utilitarianism is that happiness is the ultimate moral goal. Climate change threatens the well-being and happiness of both present and future generations. By taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to clean energy sources, we can prevent or reduce the negative impacts of climate change, leading to a happier and healthier world.
Bentham’s Felicific Calculus can be applied to the issue of climate change to assess the overall happiness or utility of different courses of action. The Felicific Calculus involves calculating the intensity, duration, certainty or uncertainty, propinquity or remoteness, fecundity, purity, and extent of consequences of an action.
Intensity refers to the strength of the pleasure or pain caused by an action. In the case of climate change, the intensity of the negative consequences, such as increased flooding or food scarcity, can be significant. By addressing climate change, we can reduce the intensity of these negative consequences and promote greater happiness and utility.
Duration refers to the length of time the pleasure or pain lasts. Climate change has long-lasting and far-reaching effects on ecosystems and human societies. By taking action now, we can minimize the duration of negative consequences and ensure a better future for generations to come.
Certainty or uncertainty relates to how likely the pleasure or pain will occur. While there is scientific consensus on the reality of climate change, there may still be uncertainties regarding specific impacts. However, given the potential severity of the consequences, it is prudent to take action to address climate change and minimize uncertainty.
Propinquity or remoteness refers to how soon the pleasure or pain will occur. Some negative consequences of climate change, such as sea-level rise, may take years or decades to manifest fully. However, by addressing the issue now, we can prevent or mitigate these consequences, ensuring a better future for future generations.
Fecundity relates to the likelihood that an action will lead to further pleasures or pains. By addressing climate change, we can promote positive ripple effects, such as improved public health, sustainable economic growth, and the preservation of ecosystems. These positive consequences further enhance overall happiness and utility.
Purity refers to the extent to which an action produces pleasure without cost or pain. In the case of climate change, transitioning to clean energy sources may involve some costs initially. However, in the long run, the benefits in terms of reduced climate change impacts and improved well-being for all outweigh these costs.
Extent considers the number of people affected by an action. Climate change affects the entire global population, with vulnerable communities being disproportionately impacted. By addressing climate change, we can ensure a more equitable distribution of happiness and utility by protecting the most vulnerable.
In conclusion, applying the ethical principle of Utilitarianism to the moral issue of climate change highlights the importance of taking action to mitigate and adapt to this global problem. By promoting the greatest happiness and utility for the greatest number of people, we can address climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to clean energy sources. The use of Bentham’s Felicific Calculus further supports these actions by evaluating the consequences of different courses of action in terms of intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent. By considering these factors and promoting actions that maximize overall happiness and utility, we can work towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.