Story Problem: Deal with the following ethical problem based on either Kant’s ca

Question

Story Problem: Deal with the following ethical problem based on either Kant’s categorical imperative or Bentham’s utilitarianism. Then give your own opinion.

George Wilson is in charge of interrogating suspected terrorists for the government. He learned from outside sources that one prisoner, Mr. X, knows the location of a dirty bomb planted in a large American city ready to go off in 24 hours. Only Mr. X knows the exact location. After using accepted interrogation techniques, Mr. X still does not disclose the location. George has learned from other sources that Mr. X’s greatest fear is to be blinded. Does George use the threat of blindness to get the information to the location of the bomb? Does he even blind him in one eye to show he is serious?

Explanation / Answer

According to the utilitarian perspective, George should use the threat to blind Mr. X and even induce violence by blinding him in one eye if required. Since the utilitarian model focuses on ensuring the greatest possible good and minimal harm, the act of blinding Mr. X would not be considered immoral as it can save scores of individuals. Therefore, the sacrifice of one individual’s eye is warranted in order to ensure that other individuals are not injured.

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