Provide for approval a list of three or more references for your final project.

The Choice for the Greatest Good

Annick Kapila

SNHU

The Choice for the Greatest Good

The greatest good for the greatest number to a large extent constitutes the idea regarding the Glory of God. The concept of ‘the greatest good’ presumes that there exists a single simple good which overrides all other possible goods as the most appropriate and final good. As asserted by (Disraeli, 2014), any individual who turns away from the last greatest good to any other alternative possibility (AP) commits a wrong ordered choice. In other words, he or she has valued the good in a base sequence by opting to take the other alternative possibility, and it is believed to be an evil act. It simply signifies that morally permissible choice does not exist above the greatest good. The alternative possibility is considered by many people as a way to express their free will and liberty to show the capacity to choose between good and evil.

Therefore, by considering the lifeboat problem presented here, I would automatically push the 400-pound man out of the boat to save everyone else. The aim is to achieve the greater good for the greater number in the long-run. It would be most appropriate for the remaining ten people in the lifeboat to offer the prayer to save the 400-pound man. It is based on the fact that; the prayer of many individuals is stronger and of greater impact than that of one person. It applies the utilitarian philosophy that supports the greatest love for the greatest number of people (Gawronski & Beer, 2016). As a result, the decision to push one underlies the principle of alternative possibility to save greater number.

The situation presents a dilemma which often directs the mind in opposite ways and would compel one to choose the direction that makes him or her feels the happiest. However, the decision here does not consider who feels happy or excited. The primary and the most important focus is placed on the possibility that could either save everyone or the greatest number possible rather than risk everyone’s life. Additionally, according to (Gawronski & Beer, 2016), some pleasures (the pleasure of the majority) are higher than that of the 400-pound man. Therefore, the utilitarian philosophy is embraced simply because it appears to make a good deal of reasonable option. For example, it attempts to set forth a moral system even though it contradicts the divine revelation and biblical morality. It shows that reasoning that is focused on the outcome is ultimately desirable as compared to following the rules.

In a lifeboat, there is a safety life jacket for every individual on board that the 400-pound man could put on as he is pushed out of the lifeboat. The vessel ought to be equipped with life jackets which are made from cotton cloth. Each jacket is stuffed with prime java kapok; it is a fibrous vegetable material with honeycombed air cells. The resulting buoyancy is effective and has a light weight that makes it comfortable to wear. The jacket is easy to handle and has front-fastening tapes that the man could use as he awaits the rescue team. It offers the best alternative possibility to save the man pushed into the water. In line with (Disraeli, 2014), the principle of alternative possibility holds an available moral responsibility for the individual sacrificed for the benefit of the greatest good enjoyed by the greatest number.

References

Disraeli, B. (2014). The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. Social Work.

Gawronski, B., & Beer, J. S. (2016). What makes moral dilemma judgments “utilitarian” or “deontological”? Social Neuroscience, 1-7.

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lifeboat problem.doc

COMMENTS

Feedback to Learner

5/28/17 5:09 PM

Hi Annick,

I have identified further potential plagiarism in this submission that seems to be taken from the website:

http://www.sterling.rmplc.co.uk/visions/lifeboats.html

I have kept my previous comments listed below.

Best,

JD

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Hi Annick,

It was interesting to see your thoughts on how you would react in this difficult position. In the future making sure to follow all assignment guidelines and using more sources will improve your marks.

-10% for lateness. The paper would have earned a 53.55 after the deduction.

Best,

JD