week two discussion forum

In life we are faced with making decisions on a daily basis. These decisions are not everyday choices we make. These ethical decisions are difficult choices and we have to use our best judgment when we come to a solution to our problem. Whatever choice we make there is no wrong or right answer. An example of an ethical decision that I was faced with a few months ago was based on my career choice. When I started taking courses at NU I enrolled on the blended program which includes my BA and teachers credential. Since I started sub teaching last school year I had to apply for an emergency credential. I have to renew it each year and one of the requirements was for me to take at least 15 college units within that school year. Since I don’t have a date of completion or certificate to show that I completed the BA. For me to be done with the credential portion

I only had my student teaching to complete and I also had to pass the CSET. The ethical decision that I had to make was to either try to pass the CSET or leave the credential program and finish the BA alone. Since I’m a single parent and being the sole provider

I decided to finish the BA without the credential. Since I had to make such ethical decision I also decided to change my career choice and pursue a Masters in school counseling.

According to Bentham’s hedonistic calculus “ we must calculate the probable consequences of our actions. We must, investigate all aspects of each proposed consequence” (Rosenstand, 2016). The aspects of proposed consequences are intensity, duration, its certainty or uncertainty, its propinquity or remoteness, its fecundity, purity and extent. In order to rate the ethical decision I had to make I did calculate the probable consequences of the action I had to take. I knew that my decision was based on many factors. According to Mill’s revised utilitarian thesis “ you don’t find happiness by looking for it but by enjoying life along the way as you focus on other things” (Rosenstand, 2016). Mill’s thesis is based on emotions that we feel such as happiness and sadness. I didn’t make the ethical decision based on emotions it was based most on probable consequences. So Bentham’s theory calculates the probable consequences and Mills theory is geared more towards emotions and seeking gratification.

I think that I live my life according to both Bentham’s hedonistic calculus and Mills revised utilitarian thesis. A good combination of both theories is the way that I see best fit’s the way I live my life. Usually when I know that im going to make a difficult decision I usually investigate all areas so that I know I’m making the best decision. What will benefit me in the time being and on the long run. After reading about Bentham’s and Mills theory I can see how some of the choices that I’ve made in life can relate to either theories.

Rosenstand, N. (2018). The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education