Ethics For Life Class: Must Be 250 Words, Must Cite Workin

Ethisc For Life Class Must Be 250 Words Must Cite Workin The Past Fe

Ethisc for Life class. Must be 250 words must cite work. In the past few decades, women have been applying to college at a significantly higher rate than men. To achieve gender balance, some liberal arts colleges are favoring male applicants, defending the practice on the grounds that colleges where there is gender equality are more attractive to students. Discuss whether this admissions policy is justifiable in light of utilitarian theory.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over college admissions policies, particularly those that favor underrepresented genders, raises important ethical questions, especially when analyzed through the lens of utilitarian theory. Utilitarianism, as popularized by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, suggests that actions are morally right if they maximize overall happiness or well-being.

In this context, colleges favoring male applicants to create gender balance aim to enhance the overall happiness of the college community by promoting diversity and fairness. Proponents argue that achieving gender equality not only benefits male students but also enriches the educational environment by fostering varied perspectives, which benefits future societal progress (Nussbaum, 2000). From a utilitarian perspective, if such policies lead to increased satisfaction among students and staff, and foster a more equitable society, they could be considered justified.

However, critics argue that preferential treatment based on gender could undermine fairness and meritocracy, potentially leading to resentment or decreased motivation among students who feel disadvantaged (Shaw, 2010). If the policy results in greater overall happiness by creating an inclusive environment and balancing societal inequalities, it can be justified, but if it causes significant discontent or unfairness, the utilitarian calculus might favor alternative approaches.

Ultimately, whether this policy is justifiable depends on its outcomes—if it maximizes societal and individual well-being without causing undue harm, it can be seen as consistent with utilitarian principles (Singer, 2011). A careful assessment of the policy’s tangible social benefits is essential in determining its moral validity.

References

• Nussbaum, M. C. (2000). Women and human development: The capabilities approach. Cambridge University Press.
• Shaw, W. H. (2010). Utilitarianism. In J. Rachels & S. Rachels (Eds.), Ethical theory and business (8th ed., pp. 81-101). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics. Cambridge University Press.