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A Case Study In The L ight of Ethical Theories

Explore the ethical theories of ethical egoism, utilitarianism, Kantism, and social contract theory to analyze the moral correctness of Tracy Latimer's father's act of mercy in ending her life.

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A Case Study In The L ight of Ethical Theories

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  1. A Case Study In The Light of Ethical Theories Andreas Sembrant MahdadDavari Muneeb Khan Nikos Nikoleris

  2. Case Study - Euthanasia • Tracy Latimer, a 12 year old girl suffering from cerebral palsy (1993) • She is handicapped and in constant pain • No prospect for any improvement • Her father ended her life as an act of mercy • Eventually, he was found guilty and prisoned for 25 years

  3. Is His Act Morally Correct? • Ethical Egoism (Andreas) • Utilitarianism (Mahdad) • Kantism (Muneeb) • Social Contract Theory (Nikos)

  4. Ethical EgoismRight action is the action that is most advantageous to oneself in the long run • Frees up resources (Care of a handicapped child takes time, resources and expenses) • Reduces grief in the family • It will be better off for the family (long run) • He will miss her and might feel guilty if ending her life • Potential imprisonment (became reality) End her life Keep alive

  5. UtilitarianismRight action is the action that maximizes the overall happiness for all • Free up resources for other people (+) • Lesser misery for the family (+) • Minimize her suffering (+) • She dies (-) • Short term grief (-) • Potential Imprisonment (-) • Keep resources occupied (-) • Continued suffering for relatives (-) • Constant suffering for her (-) • She lives (+) End her life Keep alive

  6. KantismRight action is the action that people can willingly follow in all situations • Dilemma caused by the intention • Is she being killed to free up resources and make family happier? • Yes: Humanity is being used as the mean to achieve an end (morally incorrect) • Is she being killed to end her suffering? • Yes: Humanity is the end and death is the means (morally correct)

  7. Social Contract TheoryThe right action is the action that follows rules that a rational people have agreed to • Euthanasia may be accepted or not by the Social Contract • Euthanasia is not accepted in Canada • Killing the girl breaks the Social Contract, and • The father has to face natural consequences as per the Social Contract

  8. Verdict • Ethical Egoism – Kill her! • Utilitarianism – don’t know! • Kantism – Kill her! • Social Contract Theory – don’t kill her!

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