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Ethical norms have a crucial role in regulating the
relationships between people in society who act for the benefit of others of
their own free will. Unlike laws, ethical standards are often obeyed based
on internal, personal prerequisites. This essay analyzes two examples of
ethical concepts, utilitarianism and social contract ethics, and their
implementation in modern society.
Utilitarianism is an ethical concept that implies the rightness or wrongness
of actions is determined by their consequences. Utilitarian adepts believe
that social harmony can be achieved by reducing bad tendencies, such as pain
and suffering, and increasing good events that bring pleasure and happiness.
Modern society relies on the utilitarian model in many areas, including in
the field of lawmaking. However, in exceptional cases, representatives of
the official or unofficial authorities make decisions against utilitarian
ethical standards, such as the recent decision by the Virginia governor to
remove the mandatory wearing of masks in schools. This decision puts
immunocompromised schoolchildren at increased risk, violating several
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. From a utilitarian
perspective, lifting the mandatory mask requirement is a bad move, as it
harms schoolchildren with health risks and increases social unhappiness. The
ban on mask mandates was proposed without extensive public discussion and
was widely criticized. If the governor had held a preliminary public
hearing, the local administration would have had the opportunity to work out
a more comprehensive solution.
Social contract theory is another common ethical concept according to which
people are capable of making decisions to act ethically of their own free
will. This theory states that people live in society according to norms that
establish moral or political rules of conduct. Social contracts include
explicit requirements, such as formal laws, and informal contracts, such as
rules at informal meetings. The US Constitution is an example of an explicit
social contract in which people in America agreed to participate. An example
of a social contract being implemented is the passage by the Senate of a
bill to expand healthcare options for veterans who have been exposed to
toxic burn pits. Many veterans who were exposed to toxins continue to
experience health problems. Therefore, it was decided to expand the
opportunities in healthcare services from 5 to 10 + 1 years after veterans’
retirement. The decision is ethical and was worked out within the framework
of a social contract, that is, by voting in the Senate. Remarkably, both the
Democratic and Republican parties supported the bill that expanded access to
health care.
In conclusion, ethical norms play a crucial role in modern society by
regulating the relationships between people who act for the benefit of
others. Utilitarianism and social contract ethics are two examples of
ethical concepts that can be used to make ethical decisions. Following the
requirements of utilitarian ethics, such as looking more closely at an issue
in terms of its social harm, can help avoid erroneous decisions. On the
other hand, social contract ethics can be implemented through a process
characteristic of public contract theory, such as voting in the Senate, to
make ethical decisions. |
