For Each Of These Dilemmas, Explain How Someone Using Kant's

For Each Of These Dilemmas Explain How Someone Using Kants Moral The

For each of these dilemmas, explain how someone using Kant's Moral Theory, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Ethics might approach it. Make sure to explain the reasoning. You will need 1-2 paragraphs per theory per issue. Be sure to properly number them.

Paper For Above instruction

1. The Contract Breaking by the Columnist

Kant's Moral Theory: Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of duty and adhering to moral rules, specifically the Categorical Imperative. The columnist, in this case, has a moral duty to honor her contractual commitments, as breaking a contract would be treating the other party merely as a means to personal gain, which Kant strictly prohibits. She should consider whether her action could be universalized—if everyone broke contracts for personal benefit, trust would erode in social interactions. Since her decision to break the contract for a higher-paying offer cannot be universalized without leading to chaos and dishonesty, Kant would hold her action to be unethical regardless of the outcome.

Utilitarianism: A utilitarian would evaluate this dilemma based on the consequences of the action. If breaking the contract leads to greater happiness for the columnist—through increased income and personal satisfaction—while causing minimal harm or inconvenience to the first newspaper, the act could be justified as ethically acceptable. However, if it damages trust, harms the newspaper chain, or results in negative repercussions for the overall well-being of stakeholders, a utilitarian would conclude that the action is unethical. The focus here is on maximizing overall happiness rather than adherence to rules.

Virtue Ethics: From a virtue ethics perspective, the columnist’s character traits are central. Traits such as honesty, integrity, and loyalty would guide her decision. She should consider whether her action aligns with virtuous behavior—remaining truthful and loyal to her commitments—or whether it reflects greed and dishonesty, which are vices. A virtuous person would likely prioritize maintaining her integrity and reputation, thus choosing to honor her contract, even if it disadvantages her financially in the short term.

2. The Pilot's Health Information

Kant's Moral Theory: Kant would argue that the doctor should not withhold critical health information from the airline, as honesty is a moral duty grounded in respect for persons as ends in themselves. Suppressing such information would mean treating the airline and its passengers merely as means to protect the pilot’s reputation, which violates Kantian respect for individuals' rights to truthful information. Enthusiastically, Kant upholds that truthfulness must be maintained regardless of potential consequences.

Utilitarianism: From a utilitarian perspective, the doctor should weigh the potential outcomes. If revealing the heart murmur could prevent an accident, injury, or fatality among passengers and crew, disclosure is justified even if it harms the pilot’s career prospects. Conversely, if withholding the information minimizes overall harm—e.g., allowing the pilot to complete his term without undue concern—it might be justified. The ethical choice hinges on which course maximizes overall well-being and safety.

Virtue Ethics: A virtue-oriented approach would focus on qualities such as honesty, conscientiousness, and compassion. The doctor should reflect on her character—whether she values honesty and patient safety or is driven by self-interest or loyalty to the airline. Virtue ethics would favor disclosure if it aligns with virtues of honesty and caring, fostering trust and professional integrity, rather than concealment to protect the pilot or her job.

3. The Office Worker’s Absenteeism

Kant's Moral Theory: Kant's ethics would emphasize the moral duty of the employee to fulfill his responsibilities. If his absenteeism contradicts the universal maxim that individuals should be responsible for their duties, then his behavior is unethical. Even if he believes he is entitled to the time off, Kant argues that actions must be guided by principles that could be consistently universalized—here, that employees should honor their commitments. Thus, the worker’s belief in entitlement does not justify his repeated absences.

Utilitarianism: A utilitarian would weigh the overall happiness and productivity of the office. If his absence causes significant harm—delaying work, overburdening colleagues, reducing morale—the action diminishes overall well-being and is unethical. Conversely, if his absences are minor and others can accommodate or if his work quality offsets his absences, utilitarian reasoning might permit some leniency. The primary concern is the net happiness resulting from his behavior.

Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics focuses on the character traits exemplified by the worker. Traits such as responsibility, fairness, and respect for colleagues are relevant here. A virtuous person would consider whether his behavior reflects integrity and respect for the community. Repeated absences may indicate a lack of responsibility, and virtues would suggest he should manage his time better or communicate more openly with his employer about his needs, rather than using entitlement as justification.

4. Rhonda's Gossiping at Work

Kant's Moral Theory: Kant would criticize Rhonda’s behavior from the standpoint of honesty and respect. Gossiping about colleagues, especially friends, treats them as means for entertainment or social bonding rather than as ends deserving respect. Furthermore, her decision to continue gossiping despite feeling uncomfortable violates her sense of moral duty to act honestly and with integrity, even in casual social interactions. Kantian ethics would suggest that she should refrain from participating in such harmful talk.

Utilitarianism: A utilitarian would consider the overall happiness produced by her behavior. If gossiping fosters camaraderie and social bonding without causing significant harm, it might be acceptable. However, if gossip leads to hurt feelings, damaged reputations, or overall negative workplace morale, then her participation diminishes collective happiness. Therefore, her actions should be judged based on their consequences for everyone involved.

Virtue Ethics: From a virtue ethics perspective, Rhonda should assess whether her behavior aligns with virtues like honesty, respect, and kindness. Gossiping about colleagues, especially friends, may reflect envy, lack of prudence, or insensitivity—traits incompatible with a virtuous character. A virtuous person would choose to foster trust, fairness, and integrity in her relationships, avoiding gossip that harms others' reputation or her own moral development.

5. Helen’s Ethical Dilemma About Exaggerating Qualifications

Kant's Moral Theory: Kantian ethics would discourage Helen from exaggerating her qualifications, as it involves deception—a form of lying. Lying violates the moral duty to tell the truth, which is categorical and non-negotiable. If everyone lied to gain employment, it would undermine trust and the very fabric of honest social interaction. Consequently, Helen should present her accurate experience, maintaining honesty and moral integrity regardless of her chances of falsifying qualifications.

Utilitarianism: A utilitarian might consider whether exaggerating her qualifications would lead to greater overall happiness—perhaps securing the job she desires—without causing negative consequences. However, if the lie is eventually uncovered, it could harm her reputation, cause workplace distrust, or lead to job loss, resulting in greater harm than benefit. Therefore, the utilitarian would likely recommend honesty, as integrity promotes long-term happiness and trust.

Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics would evaluate whether honesty and integrity are cultivated traits for Helen. Embodying virtues such as truthfulness and authenticity would mean she should accurately depict her qualifications. Exaggeration might bring short-term success but at the cost of her moral character. A virtuous individual seeks to develop a moral identity grounded in honesty, making truthful representation the ethically appropriate choice.

References

• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Aristotle. (4th century BCE). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Shimomura, H. (2001). Virtue Ethics and Moral Education. Springer.
• Hare, R. M. (1981). Moral Thinking. Oxford University Press.
• Scanlon, T. (1998). What We Owe to Each Other. Harvard University Press.
• MacIntyre, A. (2007). After Virtue. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2001). Upheavals of Thought. Cambridge University Press.
• Foot, P. (2002). Natural Goodness. Clarendon Press.