Case Study: Utilitarianism versus Virtue Ethics
Review of the case and the ethical dilemma
The case unveils the ethical dilemma that follows Jesse’s innocent revelation of the oil spill. Jesse had a good relationship with Peter the manager of a local oil facility. The facility followed environmental regulations, and it was well-reputed by the state regulatory agency. The local facility received petrochemical products through pipelines. As revealed by Jesse, the facility reported a mysterious loss in one of the raw petrochemicals channelled through by pipeline, due to corrosion of one of the pipe. The leak was stopped, and investigations revealed that the product was sitting in a vertical plume, slowly diffusing into a deep aquifer. Finding no surface or groundwater pollution off the plant property, the plant manager did not do anything to resolve the issue. In his opinion, Jesse observed that there was plume under the plant, however, the last tests from the sampling wells showed that the concentration of the chemical in the groundwater within 400 feet of the surface was essentially zero (Harris et al, 2017).
Several ethical dilemmas emerge from this case. To begin with, the state requires Peter to report all oil spills, however, this oil spill occurred some years back and its effects may have dissipated. Secondly, the information about the oil spill was shared in confidence, notably, the engineering code of ethics requires client confidentiality, therefore, revealing the oil spill would breach the confidentiality. Besides, reporting the oil spill jeopardizes the company’s good reputation, indeed, the company will get into trouble of correcting a situation that does not need correction thus leading to unnecessary spending (Harris et al, 2017).
Application of the Moral Theories in the case
Virtue ethics is one of the moral theories that would guide the action in the oil spill case. The virtue ethics inclines a person to act in the right way, therefore, based on the theory Peter would choose to act honestly. This means that based on his responsibility, Peter must report the oil spill case to the State because his responsibility demands that he reports all oil spill cases. Indeed, if Peter reports the case, he will be consistent with the virtue of honesty, however, Peter will betray the long-standing relationship with Jesse, and he will also compromise his loyalty to Jesse because of the breach in confidentiality, meaning that he will compromise his integrity (Harris et al, 2017).
Utilitarianism is another moral theory that might guide the action in the oil spill case. As opposed to virtue ethics, utilitarianism theory is premised on the principle of maximizing the overall well-being of the majority. Therefore, while deciding the best action to take, Peter must carry out the cost-benefit analysis, and take the course of action that produces the greatest benefit. For instance, by reporting the oil spill case to the state, the local facility company will be required to correct the situation. This will lead to increased spending in an attempt to correct a situation which is probably non-existence. Notably, as revealed by Jesse, previous tests from the sampling wells indicated a zero concentration of a chemical in the underground water. Thus, based on the utilitarian approach, Peter may decide not to report the case because the cost is higher than the benefits of such an action. Besides, reporting the case jeopardizes the long and strong standing relationship between Peter and Jesse thereby increasing costs as opposed to benefits. Moreover, as in the virtue ethic approach, reporting the case compromises Peter loyalty’s to Jesse because of the breach of confidentiality. Thus, from the utilitarian perspective, Peter might opt not to report the case because the cost of reporting is higher than the benefits (Harris et al, 2017).
Conclusion
Utilitarianism and virtues ethics are among the moral theories that guide the right decision. While utilitarianism focuses on the utmost good in a circumstance, virtue ethics is premised on the virtues. Based on the consequences of reporting the oil spill case, not reporting the case has the highest good, however, it compromises the virtue of honesty leading to an ethical dilemma.
References
Harris, C., Pritchard, M., James, R., Englehardt, E., & Rabins, M. (2017). Engineering ethics (6th ed.). The USA.