This week, you will consider how utilitarianism applies to a controversy, dilemma, event, or scenario selected by your instructor. It is a chance for you to discuss together the ethical issues and questions that it raises, your own response to those, and whether that aligns with or does not align with a utilitarian approach. The aim is not to simply assert your own view or to denigrate other views, but to identify, evaluate, and discuss the moral reasoning involved in addressing the chosen issue.
Your posts should remain focused on the ethical considerations, and at some point in your contribution you must specifically address the way a utilitarian would approach this issue by explaining and evaluating that approach.
If you have a position, you should strive to provide reasons in defense of that position.
For this prompt find a popular article, of your choosing, ( within the last 15 years) that interacts with the topic listed in Part 1 below.
Prompt question:
Part 1. Would utilitarianism support US companies manufacturing goods in 3rd world countries with dubious human rights standards ? Why or why not ?
Part 2. Do you agree with the outcome on this topic( Utilitarianism would say it is/is not ethical etc. ) that you think is consistent with utilitarian viewpoint ( you explained in relation to Part 1) ? Why or why not (does utilitarianism fail or succeed in its explanation of what is ethical per this application) ?
As many of you work in or will work in fields that face this question and the many factors and variables related to it hopefully you will find this an interesting and relevant discussion board. I expect this discussion will lead to debate and that is good, however remain respectful, professional, and academic in tone. no sources/citations please