The Utilitarian Model

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The Utilitarian model, in its broadest sense, can be described as “the greatest good for the greatest number” (38). This way of thinking prioritizes the needs of the many over the needs of the few. There are three approaches to this model, the cost-benefit approach, the act Utilitarian approach, and the rule Utilitarian approach. In the first approach, the course of action that is chosen is the course that produces the greatest benefit relative to cost. The act approach deals with problems that don’t always have quantifiable values. For example, in a situation where the cost of two items are roughly equal, the item that should be chosen to be implemented is the item that will benefit the people using the item the most. Lastly, in the rule approach,…show more content…
However, a major problem the Utilitarian model is determining who the audience is. In other words, Utilitarian thinkers have to decide who to help and who to exclude when determining the impact of their actions on others. This becomes complicated for two reasons, the first being the fact that including everyone or everything a decision impacts in this audience makes it much more difficult to find a best course of action that benefits everyone. The second is that if the audience is limited, Utilitarian thinkers will face the criticism that some people have been arbitrarily excluded. Another ethical model, the “Respect for Persons” approach, treats each person as worthy of respect as a moral agent. These moral agents consist of any autonomous person, and excludes inanimate objects and animals. In this approach every person, or every moral agent, is regarded equally and is considered a basic requirement for justice. This differs from the Utilitarian approach because protecting individuals has priority over maximizing the welfare of the majority. The “Respect for Persons” model prioritizes people, and does not allow an action if people are to be killed, deceived, denied their freedom, or otherwise…show more content…
The land he needs is owned by the Jones family, and they are unwilling to sell the land that has been in their family for 150 years. If Carson was to utilize the Utilitarian approach and take the course of action that would benefit the majority, he would most likely choose to exercise eminent domain. The travelers who would use the highway would hold a majority over the Jones family, and building a road over the farmland would benefit more people. However, if Carson was to take a “Respect for Persons” approach, and priorities the rights of the Jones family and their ownership of the land, he would most likely choose to rebuild the road where it was initially. These two approaches lead to completely different conclusions because they place priority on different group of people. I believe that in this case, the “Respect for Persons” approach is the best course of action. There is already an established road that people can use to reach their destination without the road that would use the Jones’ land. Additionally, the Jones family owns the land, and does not desire to sell it, it is their right to keep it if they choose. While the travelers using the highway won’t have the convenience of a 20 minute shorter drive, not having this shortcut will not hinder them from getting to
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