Visualize a scenario where the United States government receives information that a terrorist attack will occur in a major American city. The United States government acts quickly and identifies an individual who they believe has information regarding this expected attack. Is it then acceptable for the government to torture the suspect into revealing information? Can the dignity of one individual be violated in order to potentially save the lives of others? Many would believe that this type of action, although possibly extreme, is completely necessary in terms of benefiting the majority. This type of moral reasoning can be best described as utilitarianism; the action of a situation producing the greatest balance of benefits over harms for everyone affected (Kay, 1997).
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In other words, this concept is the most ethically reasonable course of action which produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Although this type of rationale in public health has promising intentions, issues can arise in certain situations. One problem regarding utilitarianism is that values are assigned to benefits and harms that might result from other actions (Velazquez, Andre, Shanks, & Meyer, 2014). It can be very difficult to measure and compare values when they are assigned based on various aspects. Furthermore, every situation is likely to differ so measuring and predicting the benefits and harms can be challenging and sometimes unforeseeable. The greatest difficulty with this theory is that it fails to take into account considerations of justice (Velazquez, Andre, Shanks, & Meyer, 2014). Certain individuals may be treated unfairly or have their moral rights violated in order to benefit the good of others, which can be related to the example mentioned
In other words, this concept is the most ethically reasonable course of action which produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Although this type of rationale in public health has promising intentions, issues can arise in certain situations. One problem regarding utilitarianism is that values are assigned to benefits and harms that might result from other actions (Velazquez, Andre, Shanks, & Meyer, 2014). It can be very difficult to measure and compare values when they are assigned based on various aspects. Furthermore, every situation is likely to differ so measuring and predicting the benefits and harms can be challenging and sometimes unforeseeable. The greatest difficulty with this theory is that it fails to take into account considerations of justice (Velazquez, Andre, Shanks, & Meyer, 2014). Certain individuals may be treated unfairly or have their moral rights violated in order to benefit the good of others, which can be related to the example mentioned