Week Two Written Assignment Case Studies 1 Effective Altruis

Week Two Written Assignment Case Studies1 Effective Altruismphilosoph

Analyze the provided case studies that explore various ethical dilemmas, including moral obligations to donate, animal rescue actions, climate activism, theft for survival, parental decisions in medical contexts, torture ethics, animal research, racial bias in business, and their respective moral considerations. For each case, assess the underlying ethical issues, discuss different moral perspectives, and offer a reasoned response based on ethical theories and principles. Incorporate credible scholarly and media sources to support your evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced analysis of each situation.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical dilemmas often challenge individuals and society to consider complex moral principles and the consequences of their actions. The case studies presented provide a rich terrain for examining issues such as moral obligations, justice, rights, and consequentialism. This paper analyzes six selected cases, exploring the ethical questions they raise and evaluating them through the lens of various moral theories including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and social contract theory. Each case exemplifies a different facet of moral decision-making, highlighting the tensions and considerations involved in determining what is right or wrong in contextual circumstances.

Case Study 1: Effective Altruism and Moral Obligation

Philosopher Peter Singer's argument, presented in “Famine, Affluence, and Morality,” posits that individuals in affluent societies have a moral obligation to contribute to alleviating suffering and preventing death caused by poverty, provided that their giving does not cause significant hardship to themselves. Singer's utilitarian approach advocates for maximizing overall well-being, which suggests that individuals should donate substantially to charitable causes that effectively save lives, such as global health initiatives. William MacAskill, a proponent of effective altruism, exemplifies this moral stance by living modestly and directing most of his income to aid efforts, believing that doing so is a moral duty.

From a consequentialist perspective, such as utilitarianism, the moral obligation to donate stems from the potential to prevent suffering and death, thereby increasing overall happiness. Singer (1972) argues that ignoring such suffering when one is able to help constitutes moral negligence. Conversely, critics contend that moral obligations must be balanced against personal rights and priorities, raising questions about the extent of moral duty. Nonetheless, the effective altruism movement emphasizes that moral actions should be guided by efficacy and impact, advocating that everyone should consider their capacity to contribute meaningfully to global well-being.

Case Study 2: Rescuing Animals and Property Rights

The 2017 incident involving animal activists removing piglets from a hog facility exemplifies the tension between moral duty and legal rights. The activists' act was driven by concern for animal welfare, framing their actions as rescue rather than theft. The legal verdict of not guilty, supported by arguments from animal rights advocates, underscores society's recognition of a moral duty to prevent animal suffering. From a deontological standpoint, rescuing beings at risk of harm may override property rights, especially when conditions are inhumane. Justin Marceau’s assertion highlights that such acts could be justified in cases where animals are in dire conditions that mirror human suffering.

However, critics argue that trespassing damages the rule of law and property rights, which are essential for social order. Nonetheless, an ethical evaluation suggests that moral duties to prevent suffering can take precedence over property rights, particularly in extremes of neglect and abuse. This case raises important questions about the legitimacy of civil disobedience and the ethical limits of intervention.

Case Study 3: Climate Activism and Moral Compromises

Greta Thunberg’s journey across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon yacht exemplifies the ethical debate regarding means and ends in climate activism. Her action aimed to prevent further climate change, aligning with the principles of environmental ethics and utilitarianism—maximizing global well-being by reducing emissions. Some argue that her choice was justified, as it mitigates harm on large scales, despite the personal costs and unconventional methods. Others raise concerns about the hypocrisy of such actions, questioning whether using high-impact but environmentally damaging transport modes for advocacy undermines credibility and moral integrity.

From a consequentialist view, using immoral or environmentally harmful means may be justified if the overall outcome benefits the planet significantly. This aligns with the notion that sacrifices are sometimes necessary in moral action. Conversely, virtue ethics emphasizes honesty and consistency, questioning whether such sacrifices reflect moral virtues. Overall, this case illustrates the complexities faced when striving for moral goodness amid practical limitations and the importance of integrity in activism.

Case Study 4: Theft for Survival

The story from Les Misérables, where a man steals bread to feed his starving family, underscores the tension between legal justice and moral obligation. Philosophically, this dilemma involves evaluating whether the act of theft can be justified by the moral imperative to secure basic human needs. Kantian ethics uphold the moral law, asserting that theft is inherently wrong, regardless of circumstances. Conversely, utilitarianism might justify theft if it results in greater overall happiness—saving lives and preventing suffering.

Utilitarian analysis suggests that when the deprivation of basic needs leads to suffering and death, the moral permissibility of theft increases. Virtue ethics emphasizes compassion and charity, viewing theft in this context as a sign of moral failure of society rather than individual fault. The debate reveals that moral judgments often depend on context, emphasizing the importance of social justice and the need for systems addressing poverty and hunger.

Case Study 5: Parental Decisions and Sibling Preservation

In the case of Adam Nash, conceived via embryo selection to save his sister with leukemia, ethical issues center on autonomy, consent, and the moral implications of using reproductive technology for purposes beyond individual choice. From a consequentialist perspective, enabling the survival of a critically ill child may justify such reproductive decisions. Deontologically, concerns arise regarding the instrumentalization of a child for another’s benefit, raising questions about the moral integrity of creating a life for utilitarian ends.

The debate involves assessing whether such reproductive practices respect individual autonomy and if they set ethical precedents for commodification of human life. Critics note that such decisions may diminish the intrinsic value of individuals, while supporters argue that parental responsibility to save a child's life can justify reproductive interventions, especially when they serve a moral duty to preserve health and life.

Case Study 6: Torture and Ethical Boundaries

The use of torture to obtain vital information exemplifies the conflict between moral rights and utilitarian utility. Many argue that torture violates fundamental human rights and dehumanizes the individual, which is ethically impermissible regardless of potential benefits. Critics of torture emphasis the harm inflicted and the potential falsehoods elicited under duress, undermining justice and moral integrity.

Utilitarian views are divided: some suggest that torture could be justified in ticking time bomb scenarios if it saves many lives, invoking a consequentialist calculus. However, most ethical frameworks, including rights-based and deontological theories, oppose torture outright because it breaches moral duties and respect due to all persons. This complex debate underscores the importance of moral boundaries and the dangers of compromising fundamental rights for perceived short-term gains.

Case Study 7: Animals in Medical Research

The use of animals in scientific experiments raises animal rights and welfare considerations alongside the potential benefits for human health. Utilitarian ethics may justify animal research if the benefits to human health outweigh the suffering inflicted on animals. Animal rights perspectives, however, argue that animals possess intrinsic rights that prohibit their use as means to human ends, regardless of potential health benefits.

Historically, animal research has contributed significantly to cures and medical advances, such as insulin therapy and vaccines. Nonetheless, evolving ethical standards call for alternative methods where possible, emphasizing the moral obligation to minimize animal suffering and seek humane research practices. Thus, the moral debate hinges on balancing scientific progress with respect for animal integrity and rights.

Case Study 8: Racial Bias and Business Ethics

The 2018 Starbucks incident highlights issues of racial bias and corporate responsibility. Ethical theories suggest that businesses have a moral obligation to foster inclusive environments, which entails implementing anti-bias training to prevent discrimination and promote equity. Virtue ethics emphasizes honesty, fairness, and empathy, recommending proactive measures to combat bias at organizational levels.

Addressing racial bias aligns with social justice ethics, emphasizing respect and equality for all customers and employees. The incident led to nationwide training, reflecting corporate acknowledgment of ethical duties beyond profit. This case underscores the importance of systemic efforts to counteract prejudice and promote moral integrity within organizations.

Conclusion

These case studies demonstrate that moral questions often involve balancing competing values, rights, and societal interests. By applying different ethical frameworks—utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics—it becomes evident that moral judgments are nuanced and context-dependent. Developing morally responsible solutions requires critical evaluation of the principles at stake, acknowledgment of the complexities involved, and a commitment to ethical integrity in action.

References

• Hare, R. (1981). Moral Thinking: Its Levels, Method, and Role in Ethical Decision Making. Oxford University Press.
• Singer, P. (1972). Famine, affluence, and morality. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 1(3), 229–243.
• MacAskill, W. (2015). Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference. Gotham Books.
• Jacobs, A. (2022). Animal rights activists are acquitted in Smithfield piglet case. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/15/health/animal-rescue-trial.html
• Bolotnikova, M. (2022). Activists acquitted in trial for taking piglets from Smithfield Foods. The Intercept. https://theintercept.com/2022/10/15/smithfield-piglet-rescue-trial
• Law, T. (2019). Greta Thunberg, climate activist, arrives in N.Y. with a message for Trump. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/28/climate/greta-thunberg-yacht.html
• Martyris, N. (2017). Let them eat bread: The theft that helped inspire ‘Les Miserables’. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2017/12/19/571237138/let-them-eat-bread-the-theft-that-helped-inspire-les-miserables
• Picoult, J. (2004). My Sister’s Keeper. Atria Books.
• Hugo, V. (1862). Les Misérables. A. Lacroix, Verboeckhoven & Cie.
• Hoffman, L. (2015). The ethics of animal testing. Philosophy Now, 102, 23-29.