The dilemma facing the citizens of Omelas in terms of Utilitarian vs Deontological ethical values
Sample Solution
The citizens of Omelas face a heart-wrenching ethical dilemma that pits Utilitarianism against Deontology.
Utilitarians in Omelas prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number. They benefit from a seemingly idyllic life in a prosperous city, but this happiness comes at a terrible cost. A single, innocent child suffers unimaginable abuse and misery in a hidden basement, their pain powering the city's well-being. Utilitarians could justify their inaction by arguing that the suffering of one is a necessary evil to maintain the happiness of many.
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Deontologists, on the other hand, focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions. They would condemn the torture of the child regardless of the consequences. Even if it meant sacrificing their own comfortable lives, they would feel an obligation to intervene and stop the suffering, upholding the principle that inflicting pain on an innocent is always wrong.A Modern Ethical Dilemma
Imagine you work at a prestigious tech company known for its innovative products. You discover a hidden vulnerability in a new software program about to be launched. This vulnerability could be exploited by hackers to steal sensitive user data, potentially impacting millions of people.
The Utilitarian Approach: You could prioritize the company's reputation and avoid causing panic. Delaying the launch to fix the vulnerability might damage the company's stock price and employee morale. However, this approach risks exposing millions to potential data breaches.
The Deontological Approach: You could prioritize user safety and report the vulnerability immediately. This might lead to delays and public scrutiny, but it upholds the ethical principle of protecting user data.
My Choice: I would choose the Deontological approach. While the company's reputation is important, the potential harm to millions outweighs those concerns. Reporting the vulnerability protects user data and aligns with the ethical principle of doing no harm. Furthermore, disclosing the issue demonstrates transparency and builds long-term trust with users.