Consequentialism

1. Summarize the consequentialist ethical theory and how this theory applies to the given case scenario.

Consequentialism theory is based on several principles. The first one is that an action is right if its outcomes are good. The number of good outcomes associated with a specific action determines its degree of being right (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). The ones that lead to more positive results are perceived to be better than the ones that lead to less. The theory is applicable when solving various life problems, where one faces the dilemma of choosing the most appropriate solution out of several options. One compares the available options by looking at the results of each approach and selects the one that maximizes the outcome (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). Consequentialism theory appears to support the idea that people should live in ways that maximize positive results. The term ‘good’ in this case can be defined differently using different forms of Consequentialism. Hedonism focuses on maximizing human pleasure, while utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). Sometimes people do not have the time to analyze the ethical outcomes of all their actions due to lack of time. They use the general classifications of particular types of actions. For example, lies are mainly perceived to be wrong but can be perceived differently depending on their outcomes. For Consequentialism theory, no action is improper in all cases – not even murder (Dunn, 2015). All that matters are the results of the actions. For example, killing can be appropriate in a case where the death of one innocent person saves the lives of five other innocent people. In such a case, murder would be justified because it prevents the death of five people by losing only one. A non-consequentialist theory perceives madder as wrong regardless of the outcomes (Dunn, 2015). Such are the theories that permanently classify particular actions as being wrong or right. For the case of the clinic that was almost closed, Matt’s idea of raising funds by opening up a car appeared to be correct. The approach had been applied in other places and led to positive consequences. Another factor that makes it more appropriate for that situation is that the idea can not only be used to save the clinic under discussion but other health institutions under the threat of closure as well. Matt also introduced the plan at a time when the concerned people had no hope of solving the problem. Utilitarianism theory justifies an action if it leads to the greatest happiness for the greatest number (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). In this case, the community is happy about Matt’s idea. On the other hand, Matt is reprimanded and loses his role as a surveyor. The net result is a joyful community but an unhappy individual. Therefore, the action is right because its consequences are more favorable..

2. Discuss the pros and cons of Matt’s approach to addressing the staff’s concerns for saving the children’s dental clinic.

Matt’s approach has both pros and cons. Car washing is one of the easy and fun ways of raising funds for a dental clinic. It is relatively simple to organize because it requires a relatively short time and uses limited and cheap resources (Winton, 2016). Water is one of the most affordable resources in almost all parts of the world. It is also easier to get children who are willing to participate in activities that benefit them directly. The people who contribute toward the project also gain through the event by having their cars washed by people who are eager to make a positive change in society. Finding the most appropriate venue for exercise is one of the essential steps (Winton, 2016). Some of the commonly used places include school playgrounds, sports club car parks, workplace car parks, and other areas where many cars can be found and where children will be safe to carry out the activities. Lack of adequate time to participate in the car-washing activities is one of the significant challenges of using the approach. The idea is appropriate during school holidays only, a factor which makes it challenging to raise funds at other times when the need arises (Winton, 2016). The amount of money collected significantly depends on people’s willingness to participate and contribute. It also depends on the number of cars in a specific place. If the number of vehicles is too low and people are unwilling to contribute, the idea can hardly solve the problem as required.

3. Argue whether Matt’s reprimand was worth the risk if he could have foreseen the resulting reprimand.

According to the consequentialist ethical theory, Matt’s reprimand was worth the risk. Hedonism focuses on maximizing human pleasure, while utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). Matt would still risk offering the idea even if he foresaw the reprimand. One of the factors that could make him do so is that he felt some pleasure by sharing the thought. That way, he tried to maximize his pleasure.  According to utilitarianism theory, Matt’s idea created happiness for the community but led to his reprimand. The net effect is that the idea of creating a car wash to raise funds creates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Ahlström & Dunn, 2018). The community had almost lost hope of saving the dying dental clinic, but Matt’s idea saved them.

References

Ahlström, K., & Dunn, J. (Eds.). (2018). Epistemic consequentialism. Oxford University Press.

Dunn, J. (2015). Epistemic consequentialism.

Winton, S. (2016). The normalization of school fundraising in Ontario: An argumentative discourse analysis. Canadian Journal of Education