Choose ONE contemporary moral issue in our society and apply the ethical principle of Utilitarianism to approve this moral issue. You must pick a moral issue that you strongly support and apply the utilitarian claims to back up your arguments.
*You must apply Bentham’s “Principle of Utility” and the Four major points of Utilitarianism and apply Bentham’s Felicific Calculus.
### Title: Utilitarian Perspective on Universal Healthcare Access
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**Introduction**
Universal healthcare access is a pressing contemporary moral issue that I strongly support. Utilitarianism, particularly Bentham’s Principle of Utility, provides a compelling ethical framework to approve this issue based on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering for society as a whole.
**Bentham’s Principle of Utility**
According to Bentham, actions are morally right if they promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong if they produce unhappiness or pain. The principle emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, which is foundational in evaluating universal healthcare access.
**Utilitarian Claims and Application**
1. **Maximization of Happiness:** Universal healthcare ensures that all individuals, regardless of economic status, have access to necessary medical care. This leads to increased happiness by alleviating physical suffering, reducing financial stress related to medical expenses, and promoting overall well-being.
– **Example:** A low-income family no longer has to choose between paying for essential medications or basic necessities, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life.
2. **Minimization of Suffering:** Lack of healthcare access results in unnecessary suffering, both physical and emotional, especially among vulnerable populations such as the uninsured and underinsured. Universal healthcare mitigates this suffering by providing timely medical interventions and preventive care.
– **Example:** Early detection and treatment of chronic diseases through regular check-ups reduce the severity of illnesses and improve health outcomes, thereby minimizing suffering.
3. **Equity and Fairness:** Utilitarianism supports the principle of fairness in distributing healthcare resources equitably. It argues that everyone should have equal access to healthcare services based on their medical needs, regardless of socioeconomic status or other demographic factors.
– **Example:** A utilitarian approach would advocate for policies that eliminate disparities in healthcare access, ensuring that marginalized groups receive adequate medical attention and services.
4. **Long-Term Benefits:** Implementing universal healthcare fosters a healthier population, which leads to broader social and economic benefits. Healthier individuals are more productive, contributing positively to economic growth and stability.
– **Example:** By investing in preventive care and public health initiatives, universal healthcare reduces the burden on emergency services, lowers healthcare costs over time, and improves overall national health indicators.
**Bentham’s Felicific Calculus**
Bentham’s Felicific Calculus can be applied to evaluate the consequences of implementing universal healthcare:
– **Intensity:** Measure the intensity of pleasure (relief from suffering) and pain (lack of healthcare access).
– **Duration:** Consider the duration of happiness and suffering over the long term.
– **Certainty:** Assess the certainty of achieving happiness through universal healthcare versus the uncertainty and risks associated with lack of access.
– **Propinquity:** Evaluate how soon the benefits of healthcare access can be realized.
– **Fecundity:** Determine the likelihood that universal healthcare will lead to additional positive consequences.
– **Purity:** Examine the extent to which universal healthcare avoids negative side effects or unintended consequences.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, applying Bentham’s Principle of Utility and the Utilitarian claims to the issue of universal healthcare access provides a strong ethical justification. By maximizing overall happiness through increased access to healthcare, minimizing suffering, promoting equity, and ensuring long-term benefits, universal healthcare aligns with the core tenets of Utilitarianism. It not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to a more just and compassionate society.
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