The Right to Live and Die Essay Example

human happiness.

Using a Consequentialist theory, I argue that the doctors' decision to clone me for the benefit of my sister would be unethical. Although there is potential for a positive outcome for her, there would be future harm on my part, including a loss of individuality, social unrest due to the dehumanization of clones, and the likelihood of a failed process.

Deontological theories

In Kant's deontological approach, one maxim is to treat others as an end and never as a means. Unlike Consequentialist theories, deontological ethics do not consider the consequences of actions. Deontological ethics also emphasize the moral obligation to adhere to social connections. Ross's instinctive pluralistic approach suggests that there are universal obligations applicable to all individuals, regardless of their specific relationships.

These duties include consistency, making amends after causing harm, and not injuring others. However, these overall obligations do not prevent the creation of specific responsibilities within a relationship through implicit or explicit understanding. Additionally, deontological theories do not clearly depict the hierarchy of obligations when a conflict arises between commitments, although there is a general consensus that the duty to avoid harming others takes precedence over other obligations (MacKinnon ; Fiala, 2014). When it comes to cloning, applying deontological theories requires an assessment of the doctors' general and specific duties.

It is the doctors' responsibility to responsibly clone individuals in society and compensate for any harm caused. They must also fulfill their fiduciary duty towards me, ensuring that operations are conducted without causing harm. However, proceeding with the operation would breach their fiduciary duties as they prioritize my sister's well-being above all else and disregard any potential harm it may cause me. Consequently, I will

be treated as an instrument rather than a distinct individual with intrinsic worth.

Virtue ethics

Virtue ethics suggests the presence of a predefined collection of moral principles to evaluate the morality of actions. A virtue signifies an attitude or inclination to react suitably to circumstances or events, pertaining specifically to personal qualities. Furthermore, virtue ethics furnishes criteria for identifying suitable and ethical responses to diverse situations that have universal relevance.

In this hypothetical approach, an activity is considered correct if it aligns with the actions that a person with a prudent character would take in the same situation. When applying virtue ethics to cloning, it can be concluded that doctors would be seen as unethical for performing the procedure, as it does not align with the expectations of a good individual in that circumstance. According to standards in modern society, a good person would not willingly partake in a service that they know to be dangerous.

Despite their differing approaches, deontological theory, Consequentialist theory, and even virtue ethics ultimately arrive at the same conclusions when evaluating the ethical nature of cloning. Consequentialist theories consider the consequences and potential harm involved in cloning when assessing ethical behavior.

The deontological theories focus on assessing the morality of an event at the hospital by examining both implicit and explicit obligations that have been violated.

Reference

• MacKinnon, B., & Fiala, A. (2014). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues. Nelson Education.