Read Review: The Following Resources For This Activit 242669 ✓ Solved

Readreview The Following Resources For This Activitytextbook Chapte

Read/review the following resources for this activity: Textbook: Chapter 5, 6 (Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.)

Initial Post Instructions: Rather than living in chaos, danger, and the hostility of our neighbors, we find ways to live together. It isn't easy, but can we avoid doing so? If everybody has self-interest in their own welfare and safety, then everybody also has self-interest in the welfare and safety of others.

Self-interest involves community interest, and we must think about what we are willing to give up in order to get that safety and stability for ourselves, our families, our community, our nation, and even the world. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are just two examples of social contract moralists. Locke's philosophy helped Thomas Jefferson formulate the United States Declaration of Independence. We are interested in what it means to live together in an orderly way under a social contract.

Initial Post Instructions: For the initial post, address one of the following sets of questions:

• What is a time when you or someone you know of experienced a conflict between duty to self and loyalty to the community? What would logical reasoning say should be done in that case? Why that? What would an Ethical Egoist say to do? Why would they say to do that? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
• What is a time when you or someone you know experienced a clash between professional duties and familial duties? Reference a professional code such as that of the American Nurses Association or American Bar Association in explaining the clash. What moral values should have been used in that case? Why those values? What would social contract ethics have said to have done? Why would social contract ethics say that? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
• Articulate and evaluate a time when you or someone you know saw personal obligations collide with national obligations. How did that tension involve differing positions on a moral debate? Did those positions rely on any key moral theories? If so, how so? If not, why not? Note what you feel is the best course of action.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the complex interplay between individual duties, community obligations, professional responsibilities, and national commitments is essential in ethical decision-making. This paper explores a hypothetical scenario where personal obligations conflict with national obligations and analyzes it through various moral theories, including social contract theory, ethical egoism, and deontological principles, to determine the most morally justifiable course of action.

Imagine an individual, a military nurse named Sarah, who is stationed abroad during a humanitarian crisis. Sarah receives orders from her superiors to deploy to a high-risk zone, where her presence is crucial to saving lives. However, her family at home is experiencing a medical emergency that requires her immediate return. This situation exemplifies the collision between personal obligations—caring for family—and national or professional duties—providing critical medical aid in a conflict zone.

Analyzing the Conflict through Moral Theories

Logical Reasoning Perspective

From a logical reasoning standpoint, the decision should consider the duties and consequences associated with each obligation. Utilitarian principles would suggest selecting the option that maximizes overall well-being. In Sarah’s case, staying to fulfill her military duties may save more lives, thereby producing greater overall happiness. Conversely, prioritizing her family’s urgent health needs may result in personal suffering but could also be justified if her presence is vital for her family’s survival. A balanced approach might involve seeking alternative solutions, such as temporary leave or arranging for family support, thereby aligning individual and collective interests.

Ethical Egoism Perspective

From an ethical egoist’s viewpoint, the decision should prioritize self-interest. An ethical egoist would argue that Sarah’s primary duty is to herself—her well-being, safety, and personal commitments. Therefore, they would recommend returning home to care for her family, as neglecting her loved ones could lead to guilt, distress, or negative personal consequences. Ethical egoism emphasizes that individuals should act in ways that promote their own best interests, considering long-term benefits and personal integrity.

Social Contract Theory

According to social contract theory, Sarah’s obligations are rooted in the implicit agreements that bind individuals to societal roles. As a military nurse, she has entered into a contract to serve her country and its citizens. The theory would suggest that fulfilling her duty by remaining in the conflict zone aligns with her societal commitments, thus maintaining social stability and trust. However, it also recognizes the importance of reciprocity and mutual obligations, which could justify exceptions if her departure would significantly jeopardize the mission or her family’s well-being, provided alternative arrangements are made.

Determining the Best Course of Action

Balancing these perspectives, the most morally justifiable action involves a nuanced consideration of duties, consequences, and personal interests. Ideally, Sarah would communicate her dilemma to superiors, request temporary relief, or seek support to manage her family emergency without compromising her professional obligations. Such an approach aligns with social contract ethics by respecting societal roles while acknowledging personal responsibilities, creating a morally sustainable resolution.

Conclusion

The conflict between personal and national obligations highlights the importance of moral reasoning grounded in various ethical theories. While logical reasoning emphasizes maximizing overall good, ethical egoism prioritizes self-interest, and social contract theory underscores societal commitments. Ethical decision-making involves integrating these perspectives to arrive at an action that balances individual integrity with societal needs. In Sarah’s case, transparency, communication, and seeking mutually agreeable solutions exemplify the application of moral principles in complex real-world dilemmas.

References

• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Rawls, J. (1999). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals.
• Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two treatises of government.
• Dworkin, R. (2013). Justice for hedgehogs. Harvard University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism.
• Naess, A. (1973). The shallow and the deep, long-range ecology movement. Inquiry, 16(1-4), 95-100.
• Sen, A. (2009). The idea of justice. Harvard University Press.