The following widely discussed case study was written by Bernard llms (1929-2003

Question

The following widely discussed case study was written by Bernard llms (1929-2003). The case is about a chemist, but the issues it raises are equally relevant to engineering. What shoukd George do to best preserve his integrity? Is it permissible for him to take the job and "compartmentalize" so as to separate his work and his personal commitments? In your answer discuss whether in taking the job George would be compromising in either of the two senses of "compromise1 undermine integrity by violating one's fundamental moral principles; (2) settle moral dilemmas and differences by mutual concessions or to reconcile conflicts through adjustments in attitude and conduct. What might rights ethicists and utilitarians say? George, who has just taken his doctorate in chemistry, finds it extremely difficult to get ajob. He is not very robust in health, which cuts down the number of jobs he might be able to do satisfactorily. Hs wife has to go out to work to keepie, to support them, which itself causes a great deal of strain, since theall children and there are severe problems about locking after them The results of all this, especially on the children, are damaging. An older chemist, who knows about this situation, says that he can get George a decently paid job in a certain laboratory, which pursues research into chemical and biclogical warfare. Martin Benjamin, Splitting the Difference Compromise and Integrity in Ethics and Politics (Lawrence, KS. University Press of Kansas, 1990). Bernard Williams, Utilitarianism For and Against (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1973) 97-98 With regard to each of the following case, first discuss what morality requires and then what self interest requires. Is the answer the same or different?

Explanation / Answer

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Firstly, a utilitarian is one who believes that the best actions or conduct is one that leads to optimal happiness or satisfaction. Sometimes this can be negligent of ethics, which would negate the beliefs of an ethical individual. Therefore, the utilitarian would suggest that George take the job in dealing with chemical warfare. This is because it would ease his family life and solve his financial issues.

However, involving oneself in an unethical cause, simply to find stability in one’s personal life, would be an unethical route. George might be able to come up with little solutions for a few small problems if he works together with his wife. Perhaps taking up a minimum wage job until he finds a better alternative would be helpful. Finding some solution for his children too might ease his burden.

Although, this case study really isn’t about the solution but rather, how George finds a solution. Will George pick an ethical solution or a utilitarian solution? This is the kind of dilemma that almost every individual has faced at some time or the other. Generally, it is in the direction of morality or self-interest. The commonality between both is that morality and self-interest have to be from motivation. Whichever side has the stronger motivator, is the one that George would pick.

If it is morality, it would be motivated by a strong sense of will, benevolence or compassion. On the other hand, if it is self-interest or utilitarian, it would stem from financial desperation or other such issues. In this case study, it is not really possible for George to compartmentalise because one cannot separate from the self. It won’t be a different George who helps make chemical weapons and a different George who takes care of his children. The mind is the same and therefore, the person is the same.

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