Assignment Task:
Your writing assignment is the Case of One Tormented Child on p. 155. This case provides a thorough check on how well you understand the concepts discussed in the chapter on the Ethic of Prima Facie Duties.
The tortured child case comes originally from Dostoevsky's novel, The Brothers Karamazov. It was further developed by the famed late 20th century science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin in an influential short story titled The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas.
(Answer all 4 questions and put your answers in a narrative form--do not do short answer format. You will need a minimum of 4 paragraphs to answer the questions. 750 words)
Questions:
Q1. Dostoevsky's thought experiment and Le Guin's short story is, of course, works of fiction. However, suspend your disbelief and consider: Would it be wrong to allow for the suffering of a single child if it led to prosperity for all of humanity? Why or why not?
2. Consider your answer to Question 1. Which of W. D. Ross's seven prima facie duties were relevant to your answer? Are there other relevant prima facie duties not included in Ross's list? To which of these duties do you give the strongest weight in this case, and why?
3. Do you think a monistic ethical theory, such as act utilitarian-ism, can give a satisfactory answer to the dilemma? Why or why not? Need Assignment Help?
4. Can the ethic of prima facie duties give us a satisfactory answer to the dilemma? Why or why not?