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Innocent Bystander Ethical Theory

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Is the “innocent” bystander really, in fact, innocent? It is everywhere- in class, at the movies, at parties, with the family and even at the dog park. Bullying is a common occurrence in everyday life. Since bullying is not ethical, who is responsible for taking action against it? According to which philosophical theory are the witnesses responsible to intervene in the harmful situations? From altruism, egoism, and ethical objectivism to utilitarianism, deontology and virtue theory- age old theories rationalize the bystander’s role in taking action against bullying.
ALTRUISM
Defined as the “unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others” by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, altruism is credited to Auguste Comte. Various forms of altruism exist including “pure altruism” which exist when an action is performed one hundred percent without intrinsic motivation. For example, in The Titanic pure altruism is exemplified. The leading characters Jack Dawson and Rose Bukater were forced to share a plank of wood which could only support one person. Jack gave the spot to Rose and consequently died because of it. Jack gained zero …show more content…
While Rand’s theory of objectivism opposes the idea people have a moral obligation to provide aid to another being, her theory is flawed. Objectivism is based on the presumption all humans are naturally only concerned with their own welfare which cannot be proven. Through altruism, utilitarianism, ethical objectivism and deontology- various theories deem a bystander’s intervention morally encouraged. Not only is it morally encouraged to provide assistance, but it is incorrect to not act at all.Using various philosophical ideologies, it can be concluded all human beings are equal; all human beings have an ethical duty to protect another from

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