Cultures and their values

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:English

Document 1

Great controversy exists about when it is right to undertake a rescue endeavor. Various theories have therefore evolved to solve this controversy. Rescuing people from risks is morally right when it is based on the interest of the many and is driven by a moral feeling to execute the moral obligation of saving lives. This paper will use a rescue case study to explain the rescue mission through utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Confucius moral foundations. In the case presented, the authority is in a dilemma on whether to send the rescue team to save the trapped tourists or leave the tourists alone with the expectations of the weather getting favorable. As a result, many lives might be lost which is morally wrong.

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Sending a rescue team has the best consequences compared to waiting for the weather to get favorable. Based on the principle of utilitarianism, the authority should send the rescue team to save the lives of the trapped tourists. The authority should send a rescue team to avoid the known evil of not sending the rescue team to save the tourists. From a Kantian perspective, saving the lives of the tourists aligns with the four maxims of Kantianism that emphasizes on duty to live, cultivation of one’s talent, telling the truth and offering help to others when they are faced with great hardships. The authority should send the rescue team based on moral feelings. Based on Confucian ethics, the right way to address the tourists’ dilemma is by sending the rescue team.

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