Case study on Utilitarianism

Case

Background

In the Module 2 Case, we will apply utilitarian ethics to an organizational problem. In order to be best prepared and perform well on the case assignments, please be sure that you complete the Background Information readings and the SLP before completing your Case.

Required Reading

Read the following excerpt concerning the philosopher Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarian ethics: http://plato(dot)stanford(dot)edu/entries/utilitarianism-history/#JerBen

Please read the following case study from the Markkala Center for Applied Ethics:

http://www(dot)scu(dot)edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/supplier.html

Here is the actual outcome:

http://www(dot)scu(dot)edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/supplier_comments.html

Assignment

Please write a 5-6 page paper in which you address the following:

Drawing upon utilitarian ethics, discuss what you believe the supplier/transistor company should do.

Keys to the Assignment

The key aspects of this assignment that should be covered in your paper include the following:

• What do you believe is/are the key utilitarian ethical problem(s) confronting the supplier/transistor company in this Case?
• What advice do you believe Jeremy Bentham would have given the supplier company?
• Apply Steps A through D of the Utility Test to the above case. Be sure that you carefully document each step in the process.
• Choose one of the following five tests: Rights Test, Exceptions Test, Choices Test, Justice Test, or the Common Good Test. Click here: http://ethicsops(dot)com/EthicsTestsLinks.php . Now, apply the test you’ve chosen to the above case. In your paper, be sure that you have fully discussed your decisions at each step.
• Compare and contrast the results you have obtained from the Utility Test with the additional test you have selected. Which of the two tests is most informative, and why?

Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated on the following seven criteria:

• Precision - Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?
• Breadth - Is the full breadth of the subject (i.e., the Keys to the Assignment) addressed?
• Depth - Does the paper address the topic in sufficient depth and include the background readings and other background resources as references?
• Critical thinking - Is the subject thought about critically (i.e., accurately, logically, relevantly, and precisely)?
• Clarity - Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the questions or are points conveyed through excessive use of quotations?
• Organization - Is the paper well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are headings included in all papers longer than two pages?
• Referencing (citations and references) - Does the paper include citations and quotation marks where appropriate? Are the references from the background reading and assignment present and properly cited? Are all the references listed in the bibliography present and referred to via citation?

Tips and Suggestions

1. Your paper will be graded on the following:

• Your ability to apply utilitarianism to the decision faced by the transistor/supplier company;
• Your ability to apply the Utility Test and your choice of the five tests to the problem confronting the supplier;
• The extent to which you have logically and critically compared and contrasted the results from the two tests; and
• Your assessment as to which of the two tests best informs the Case.

1. Please do not simply restate the facts of the Case. Instead, be sure to analyze! Critical analysis is key at the graduate level.
2. Remember to follow the Well-Written Paper guidelines.