Week 7 Assignment: Ethics Instructions Consider The Followin

Week 7 Assignment Ethicsinstructionsconsider The Following Scenario

Consider the following scenario: Dostoyevsky's novel Crime and Punishment the main character plots and carries out the murder of an old woman who has a considerable amount of money in her apartment. After killing her, he steals the money. He argues that She is a malicious old woman, petty, cantankerous and scheming, useless to herself and to society (which happens to be true), and her life causes no happiness to herself or to others; and Her money, if found after her death, would only fall into the hands of chisellers anyway, whereas he would use it for his education (no doubt at Brandman University). Putting aside for a moment the small detail that the murder is a crime - is this action justified in some way? determine whether the answer is, “Yes” or “No," and discuss why.

In a minimum of 300 words, support the argument you made in class. There is only one catch: you must use sources from this week’s readings and video clips provided below!!! Be sure to cite your sources. This week's readings are the two ATTACHMENTS! and the video clips are provided below: YOU CAN ONLY USE THESE SOURCES!!!!

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether the murder of the old woman in Dostoyevsky’s "Crime and Punishment" can be ethically justified hinges upon a nuanced analysis of moral frameworks, justifications, and societal implications. In this essay, I argue that this action is ethically unjustifiable, regardless of the character's rationalization, when examined through the lens of ethical principles discussed in this week’s readings and video clips.

From a consequentialist perspective, which evaluates morality based on outcomes, one might consider the main character's argument that the old woman's death would prevent further suffering and her money would be better used for education. However, as Peter Singer emphasizes in "What should a Millionaire Give— and What Should You?", moral obligations extend beyond personal benefit to global and societal considerations, advocating for actions that promote fairness and reduce suffering (Singer, 640). Murder, by its very nature, violates basic human rights and the moral duty to respect persons as ends in themselves. Thus, no matter the perceived utility, stealing life cannot be justified, as it fundamentally contravenes the respect for human dignity as outlined in Kantian ethics, which is rooted in inherent moral worth (Gilligan).

Furthermore, the virtue ethics framework, which emphasizes moral character, would condemn murder as an act that corrupts the moral integrity of both the individual and society. Mark Twain humorously warns that dishonesty can easily lead to moral downfall ("Advice to Youth," 637), and similarly, taking a life destroys moral virtue, fostering a culture of violence and disregard for human life. The video clip of Dan Ariely on ethical leadership further underscores that humans are susceptible to cognitive biases and rationalizations that justify unethical behavior if it serves personal interests; however, ethical leadership entails adherence to moral standards despite temptations (Ariely)..

Additionally, the social contract theory, which emphasizes the importance of laws and societal agreements, renders the act unlawful and unethical. Civil disobedience, as King’s "Civil Disobedience" articulates, involves deliberate breaking of unjust laws, but murder is an unlawful act that undermines social stability and trust. Choosing to murder, even with utilitarian reasoning, disregards the societal obligation to uphold justice and law. Moreover, Virginia Woolf’s reflection on the insignificant yet precious life of a moth reminds us of the fragile value of individual existence, reinforcing that every life holds intrinsic worth that prevents us from justifying harm based on petty criteria (Woolf, 976).

Therefore, synthesizing these ethical perspectives, it becomes evident that murder cannot be ethically justified, regardless of the motives presented. The action violates human rights, corrupts moral virtue, breaches social contracts, and disrespects the inherent dignity of individuals—principles central to a just and moral society.

References

• Gilligan, Carol. "What is Ethics, What is an Ethical Life?" in Reading on Moral Development. 2023.
• Ariely, Dan. “Ethical Leadership.” TED Talk.
• King, Martin Luther Jr. “Speech: Civil Disobedience,” 1960.
• Mark Twain. “Advice to Youth.” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Singer, Peter. “What Should a Millionaire Give—and What Should You?” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Pollan, Michael. “An Animal’s Place,” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Woolf, Virginia. “The Death of the Moth,” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Weinberg, Steven. “Without God.” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Saner, Reg. “My Fall Into Knowledge.” in The Norton Reader, 2023.
• Additional scholarly articles on ethics and moral philosophy, 2023 edition.