W.D. Ross’ Prima Facie Duties vs. J.S. Mill
Throughout life, you are often faced with conflicts. These conflicts may not be entirely avoidable, which could result in challenging choices that may need to be made. The conflicts may be present because of the choices that one made for themselves—the consequences of their own actions—or may be because of situations that arise from other people’s actions. Whatever the reason for the conflicts, one is put into a position that they need to arrive at a conclusion because of that conflict. W.D. Ross developed the idea of “Prima Facie Duties,” meaning “at first glance or on the face of it,” are duties that come from biological, psychological, or social aspects of life. These duties, Ross argues, …show more content…
Mill was a Utilitarian, meaning that he believed that the best moral action is the one that maximizes the utility. Utilitarians believe that “an action is right if it satisfied the greatest good for the greatest number;” it benefits others and we determine the good. They also believe that the “end justifies the means,” “happiness is the only thing worth seeking” and that they often favor the minority (the lesser group). Additionally, as a Utilitarian, one often focuses on the consequences of someone’s actions. W.D. Ross was as Deontologist, which means that they believe that everyone is equal and they believe in the greatest good. As Professor Abbarno states in his lecture on March 31, 2016, “Deontologists do not focus on the consequences, but the right reason; how our intentions/ motives are lined up.” In my scenario, I personally would have to side with the reparation. I do believe that J.S. Mill would have agreed with me. As a Utilitarian, he believes that an action is the correct one if it is the most positive for a larger amount of people. For me to help another C.N.A with their group of residents throughout the shift, and have to make others wait, I would be helping more people trying to help others. I would be helping my fellow co-worker and the resident(s) who need more than a one-person to be of assistance. My resident may have to wait several minutes, but in the end, I would be available to them to help with whatever tasks they needed help
Throughout life, you are often faced with conflicts. These conflicts may not be entirely avoidable, which could result in challenging choices that may need to be made. The conflicts may be present because of the choices that one made for themselves—the consequences of their own actions—or may be because of situations that arise from other people’s actions. Whatever the reason for the conflicts, one is put into a position that they need to arrive at a conclusion because of that conflict. W.D. Ross developed the idea of “Prima Facie Duties,” meaning “at first glance or on the face of it,” are duties that come from biological, psychological, or social aspects of life. These duties, Ross argues, …show more content…
Mill was a Utilitarian, meaning that he believed that the best moral action is the one that maximizes the utility. Utilitarians believe that “an action is right if it satisfied the greatest good for the greatest number;” it benefits others and we determine the good. They also believe that the “end justifies the means,” “happiness is the only thing worth seeking” and that they often favor the minority (the lesser group). Additionally, as a Utilitarian, one often focuses on the consequences of someone’s actions. W.D. Ross was as Deontologist, which means that they believe that everyone is equal and they believe in the greatest good. As Professor Abbarno states in his lecture on March 31, 2016, “Deontologists do not focus on the consequences, but the right reason; how our intentions/ motives are lined up.” In my scenario, I personally would have to side with the reparation. I do believe that J.S. Mill would have agreed with me. As a Utilitarian, he believes that an action is the correct one if it is the most positive for a larger amount of people. For me to help another C.N.A with their group of residents throughout the shift, and have to make others wait, I would be helping more people trying to help others. I would be helping my fellow co-worker and the resident(s) who need more than a one-person to be of assistance. My resident may have to wait several minutes, but in the end, I would be available to them to help with whatever tasks they needed help