Analyze the following issue using EITHER a deontological or utilitarian framework – pick only one framework.
Please state in the first sentence which framework you are using.
Then, apply the framework to the issue.
Be sure to consider and analyze the facts of the case within the chosen framework
Then provide a definitive answer on what the framework deems the “right” action. You will be evaluated not on what you state is the morally right action, but on how you applied the framework to support the action.
Citation to course material is unnecessary, though you may do so as you see fit. There is no need to provide a “rule” statement explaining the ethical framework – assume the reader is familiar with the framework. The essay focuses on effectively and correctly applying the framework to an issue.
This essay has no time limit. Attempt to limit your answer to 400 words while thoroughly applying your chosen framework. As a hard limit, no substantive writing beyond the 500-word mark will be considered part of your answer. Please upload your essay as a Word document.
You are boating in the middle of the ocean with mega-billionaire Melon Tusk. You are informing him of a dire situation – thousands of senior citizens are now homeless in much of the country due to a recent hurricane and have no financial means to secure long-term housing. You are about to ask him to help the cause when he interrupts you.
He states that he is dying. In fact, he says he is dying in 5 minutes. He confesses he has a lifelong love for golf and that a particular exclusive country club has brought him endless joy but will soon be closing due to decreased membership, even though an annual membership costs over $100,000. He hands you a backpack with $100 million in it. He asks you to give all the money to the country club to save it from closure now and in the future. As Melon takes his last breath, you agree to do so, and Melon dies.
As you pilot the boat back to shore, you recall your original pitch. $100 million will secure long-term housing for all affected senior citizens. Moreover, the remainder could fund an endowment to prevent the situation from occurring in future hurricanes. Assume there are no legal issues with the money itself, and no one will question your possession or disposition of the funds. Also assume you cannot split the funds – they can only go to one cause.
Do you save the country club or the senior citizens?
