Utilitarianism claim in a contemporary moral issue Pick any moral issue and use Utilitarianism to approve/defend it 500 word discussion board in MLA format Needs works cited Watch short video but be sure to not discuss the professors opinion…must be the application of the utilitarian claims in my own words. Video: Purchase the answer to view it

Title: Utilitarianism and its Application in Contemporary Moral Issues: An Analysis

Introduction:

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that proposes the moral worth of an action should be determined by its utility, or the amount of happiness or pleasure it produces. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. In this paper, we will apply utilitarianism to a contemporary moral issue and discuss its application in defending or approving it.

Contemporary Moral Issue: Animal Testing

One prominent moral issue in contemporary society is the ethical treatment of animals, particularly in the context of scientific experimentation and product testing. Animal testing involves subjecting animals to painful procedures in order to assess the safety and efficacy of various products, such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. Critics argue that this practice is inhumane and violates the rights of animals. However, from a utilitarian perspective, there are several arguments that can be made to justify or defend the use of animal testing.

Utilitarianism and Animal Testing:

Utilitarianism focuses on the impact of actions on the overall well-being of individuals, including both humans and non-human animals. Proponents of utilitarianism argue that animal testing can be justified if it ultimately leads to greater happiness for the greatest number of beings. They contend that the potential benefits obtained from scientific advancements, drug development, and increased human safety outweigh the harm caused to animals during the testing process.

Utility and Human Welfare:

The main focus of utilitarianism is the maximization of overall happiness or pleasure. In the case of animal testing, utilitarianism assesses the utility derived from scientific progress and human welfare. The use of animal testing has contributed to numerous medical breakthroughs, leading to the development of life-saving drugs and treatments. These advancements enhance human well-being and increase overall happiness. Utilitarianism argues that the potential relief from pain, suffering, and disease for a significant number of individuals justifies the sacrifice of a lesser number of animals.

Mill’s Harm Principle:

John Stuart Mill, a prominent utilitarian philosopher, introduced the principle of harm as a key aspect of utilitarian ethics. According to Mill’s Harm Principle, actions that cause harm to others can be justified if they lead to overall happiness or prevent greater harm. When applying this principle to animal testing, proponents argue that the potential suffering and sacrifice of animals are outweighed by the benefits gained in terms of human health and well-being. By preventing harm to humans through testing new drugs, vaccines, and medical procedures on animals, utilitarianism supports the ethical justification of such actions.

Alternative Testing Methods:

Opponents of animal testing often argue that alternative testing methods, such as in vitro testing or computer simulations, should be used instead of animal experimentation. While these alternatives have their merits, utilitarianism would consider the effectiveness and efficiency of these methods in producing reliable results. If animal testing currently provides the most accurate and reliable data for ensuring human safety and well-being, utilitarianism argues that these methods should be utilized until superior alternatives are available. The primary goal of utilitarianism is to maximize overall utility, and if using animals in testing currently provides the greatest benefits, it can be defended from the utilitarian perspective.

Balancing Animal Welfare and Human Benefits:

Utilitarianism is concerned with the collective welfare and happiness of all sentient beings. When weighing the impact of animal testing on animal welfare against the potential benefits to humans, utilitarianism aims to strike a balance. Efforts should be made to minimize animal distress and suffering through the use of ethical guidelines and regulations in animal experimentation. By ensuring ethical treatment and minimizing harm to animals, utilitarianism seeks to maximize overall utility while acknowledging the importance of animal well-being.

Conclusion:

Utilitarianism provides a theoretical framework for analyzing the ethical dimensions of contemporary moral issues, such as animal testing. While opponents argue against the use of animals in experimentation due to concerns about animal rights and welfare, utilitarianism offers a perspective that prioritizes overall happiness and well-being. By considering the benefits gained from scientific progress and human welfare, utilitarianism justifies the use of animal testing as long as it leads to the greatest overall utility. Nonetheless, it is crucial to continuously evaluate and explore alternative testing methods to ensure ethical treatment and minimize harm to animals. Ultimately, utilitarianism provides insights into the complex ethical considerations involved in addressing contemporary moral issues.