Florida Atlantic University Ethics Applying Utilitarianism Discussion

All information provided below any question please ask, don’t assume.

Part 1

In this participation discussion, I’d like you to consider The Trolley Problem and how a utilitarian would respond to this problem. You can do one of two things to receive credit for the discussion forum:

1. Watch the video linked below. In your initial post, briefly explain the Trolley Problem (not the Footbridge Dilemma that comes later in the video) in your own words. Then, explain how you think a utilitarian would respond to the dilemma that you explained, and whether you agree with the utilitarian that that action is what the individual in the case ought to do.

Part 2

In this Module, you have learned about utilitarianism and spent time thinking about an article written on your applied ethics topic from a utilitarian perspective. In your initial post, you must do the following:

1. Clearly explain the author’s position on your topic (euthanasia). This should be formatted like a thesis statement (e.g. Singer believes that it is wrong to….).
2. Clearly explain the author’s reasons in support of this position. Make sure to do so well enough that your classmates who are working on another topic understand the author’s argument as well as how it counts as a utilitarian argument.
3. Then, state whether you agree with the author’s conclusion and explain why or why not.