The Capitol and Coal Mining Utilitarianism Discussion
Prompt
In this module, you have spent time learning and writing about utilitarianism. In this week’s discussion forum, you will continue your study of this ethics topic by using The Hunger Games and the video we watched on coal mining to consider utilitarianism through these specific scenarios.
Your first entry will consist of two paragraphs. See detailed guidance on your initial entry and responses to peers below.
1. Your initial entry:
- First paragraph:
- In what ways can you understand the theory of utilitarianism as supportive of the Capitol’s power over the Districts?
- Does utilitarianism provide justification for the use of violence illustrated by the games?
- Second paragraph:
- Less clear is the grey area where utilitarianism exists in the real world, outside of the extreme example in The Hunger Games you discussed in your first paragraph. Utilitarianism could be seen as a reason to support using energy sources that cause hazards for some because doing so would create the most good for the greatest number of people. In other words, some argue the greater good is what is good for the most people. Coal mining, even with its negative consequences for a few, is ultimately the right thing to do because it benefits more people than it jeopardizes. So, in writing this paragraph, here are the questions I’d like for you to consider:
- Do you agree with this position? Explain why or why not.
- Does it depend? What does your position depend upon?
- Less clear is the grey area where utilitarianism exists in the real world, outside of the extreme example in The Hunger Games you discussed in your first paragraph. Utilitarianism could be seen as a reason to support using energy sources that cause hazards for some because doing so would create the most good for the greatest number of people. In other words, some argue the greater good is what is good for the most people. Coal mining, even with its negative consequences for a few, is ultimately the right thing to do because it benefits more people than it jeopardizes. So, in writing this paragraph, here are the questions I’d like for you to consider:
(You are welcome to use a contemporary issue other than coal mining as your example when considering these questions. What I’m interested in is your ability to diplomatically articulate your position for or against utilitarianism as applied to a particular social issue.)
2. Responses to peers:
- Read the entries of your peers and respond thoughtfully and substantively to at least one of your peers to receive full credit for this assignment.
- What do you find most interesting about their responses, and why? Did they make points that were similar to or different from your own?
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