PA-411 (Frank Perry) Introduction Moral Dilemmas

Question 1

What is Dilemma?

Answer 1

Dilemma is a decision concerning/choosing between two good things or two bad things

Question 2

Utilitarianism

Answer 2

moral theory that focuses on the results or consequences, of our cations and treats intentions as irrelevant. “I want what I want”. Utilitarianism is a Hedonistic moral theory (The good is equal to the pleasant).

Question 3

Principle of utility

Answer 3

Principle of utility-we should act always so as to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Example: Choosing a place everyone will be okay with to eat when it’s your choice. Where morality is concerned, utilitarian’s argued as special as you are, you are no more special than anybody else.

Question 4

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 4

Act Utilitarianism (Classical)-in any given situation you should choose the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

Question 5

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 5

Rule Utilitarianism-version of the theory that says we ought to live by rules that in general are likely to lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.

Question 6

(1) What does it mean to have a right to something?

Answer 6

John Locke came up with the Theory of Rights, stating that every person has a right to earn or do something without being interfered by other people (Do no harm). Those other people have an obligation to make sure that the other people do not interfere with the person trying to earn or perform something (Render aid or Law Enforcement). Everyone has a right to life, liberty, and property, but there are no absolute rights. Life involves the person being able to enjoy their constitutional rights of being free. Liberty entails that the person is allowed to do anything as long as it doesn’t conflict with the first right. Property is where the person is able to gain as much possession as possible as long as it doesn’t conflict with the first two rights. People should always ask themselves what they should do, so they know they are taking the appropriate course of action. If people respected other people’s rights and then when these rights were violated to step in or report it to the proper authorities then many issues in today’s society would be corrected.

Question 7

What is a moral dilemma?

Answer 7

A moral dilemma is when you have a conflict inside between two choices that possibly both can be beneficial and difficult because of the moral reasoning.

Question 8

What are the Moral Dilemma’s we talked about in class?

Answer 8

1. Due process & crime control 4, 5, 6, 8 amendments,
2. Truth & ‘justice’ – justice is part of the truth and not the other way around.
3. Honesty & loyalty
4. Recruitment v. Standards
5. Retention / counter corruption

Question 9

Due Process versus Crime Control

Answer 9

Due Process versus Crime Control
This involves making sure the law enforcement officer doesn’t violate the suspect’s 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendment Rights. The suspect is given these rights and as law enforcement officers we have to follow them when we investigate and enforce these rights. If the suspect is arrested because they are creating havoc in the street, it will make the neighborhood safer, but we have to follow the law. If we as law enforcement officers start creating our own rules then we are no better than the criminal themselves. By violating these rights the criminal could get off, the officer may be subjected to termination, and the department would look bad in the press. It amazes me that an officer is willing to tarnish their badge and reputation to put someone in jail when they know the person will more than likely continue with their criminal behavior so there will always be another chance to catch the criminal.

Question 10

Ethical theories

Answer 10

Ethical theories are the study of doing what is right and right.

Question 11

psychological egoism

Answer 11

One theory is the psychological egoism which means that the person does something good because it makes them feel good inside. An example would be if someone sees a lady having a difficult time carrying an object and they run over to them and carry it for the lady

Question 12

Hypothetical imperatives:

Answer 12

Hypothetical imperatives: If then statements. Example: if you want a lot of money you ought to get a job.

Question 13

Categorical Imperatives

Answer 13

Categorical Imperatives: Commands you must follow, regardless of your desires. Moral Obligations are derived from pure reason.