Reference no: EM132168217
Topic: Ethics and Moral Reasoning
DISCUSSIONS
How might utilitarianism address this question?
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, and this is because the judgment of right and wrong depends on the results.
In other words, utilitarianism posits for the rightness of an action it maximizes utility for many (Hodder, 1892)For the case of down syndrome and the greater good, utilitarianism would justify for the abortion of the fetus for their good and the good of the mother and the society in general.
Its because of the adverse effect's disability might have on the individual with a disability, the caregiver, who is the mother and the societal resources that have to be devoted to taking care of such individuals. Another utilitarian argument, in this case, is the fact that abortion of a fetus with Down syndrome brings better results for the mother.
They would not have to go through the daunting task of having to take care of a baby with a disability. So, based on the higher good principle of utilitarianism and better results, in the end, it would be morally right to abort a fetus diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Is Iceland On Track To Eliminate Down Syndrome? Video.
Would different utilitarians disagree about how to act here? Why or why not?
Different utilitarians might agree on how to act here. It's because while trying to ensure that the society, in general, has the healthiest babies, there are also other aspects such as the societal decisions that have to be made.
If the results are what would determine whether the act is ethical or not, it is equally to consider the fact that the society itself is divided on the results they want. Some utilitarians would argue that abortion of a fetus with autism and Down syndrome is stopping suffrage of the baby when born, the mother and the society in trying to meet their needs (Baujard, 2013).
However, some would argue that some children with Down syndrome would head over to get the most out of life and also live a normal life and therefore aborting them is not justifiable.
Would the utilitarian theory encounter contradictions or ambiguities in applying its model to this situation? What might those contradictions or ambiguities be?
Utilitarian theory would encounter some contradictions and ambiguities when applying the model. The utilitarian model advocates for the use of common good and the results of an action to justify the action (Baujard, 2013).
So means looking into the future and then heading over to find justification to an act now. For this case, utilitarians would argue that the need to relieve the baby, parents and the society from suffrage justifies abortion of a fetus with autism.
On the other hand, there is trouble accounting for different values such as justice and the rights of an unborn baby as well as the uncertainty as to whether or not the unborn baby would live a healthy and happy life.
How could these contradictions or ambiguities possibly be resolved with more information?
The contradictions can be solved by taking into consideration the possible future of the baby as well as the ability of the parent to provide them with all the support to enable them to live a better life.
This would need a more in-depth study of the economic statuses of the parents and their readiness to rear a child with autism or Down syndrome.
Besides that, it is also essential to take more rigorous and accurate tests which would then reveal whether or not the unborn baby would have autism or Down syndrome. With such an actual trial, the course of action determined can serve the greater good.
References
Baujard, A. (2013). Utilitarianism and anti-utilitarianism.
Hodder, A. L. (1892). Utilitarianism. The International Journal of Ethics, 3(1), 90-112.