Write about Wallace, Seaman Holmes and the Longboat of the William Brown

Question

How does it relate to Utilitarianism and other philosophers we've discussed?

Your Response Papers must consist of two paragraphs. THE WORD COUNT IS 700+
-In your first paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have carefully read the text assigned for that day, by explaining, in your own words, what is going on in a particular section of it. You can choose to write about one paragraph, or one page, from the text assigned for that day. You must include a brief quotation (or two) from the passage you are writing about, and you must indicate the quotation’s page number. Put the source [either Moral Life or Folio] and the page number, in brackets right after the quotation. i.e., ... “Some things are up to us, some are not up to us” (Moral Life, p.388). I will assume you are using the assigned Seventh Edition of the textbook. If you are using a previous edition of the textbook, indicate which version in your citation. Do not spend any time on biographical information about the philosopher.

-In the second paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have thought critically about this portion of the text by offering some sort of critical response to it (i.e. what you think about the ideas in this portion of the text, and why you think that). The second paragraph must be at least as long as or longer than the first paragraph. AGAIN, THE WORD COUNT IS OVER 700!!!!

Answer 1

In the text assigned for the discussion, the precarious situation of Wallace and Seaman Holmes on the longboat of the William Brown serves as a vivid illustration of ethical dilemmas related to survival and the implications of utilitarian philosophy. Wallace and Holmes find themselves adrift in treacherous waters after a shipwreck, grappling with the life-and-death consequences of their actions in a survival context. At one point, Wallace reflects on the pressing question of how to act morally in a scenario where the struggle for survival pits human lives against each other. A stark representation of this desperation is found in his observation about the fate of other crew members, emphasizing the intense moral pressure they face: “In the face of such threatening deprivation, every action becomes fraught with ethical weight” (Moral Life, p. 476). This moment captures the essence of utilitarian thought — the idea that the morality of an action is determined by its outcome, specifically in maximizing overall happiness or minimizing suffering. In this scenario, Wallace's internal conflict mirrors the utilitarian calculus that necessitates considering not just his own survival but also the implications of his choices for the lives of others, outlining a tangible manifestation of utilitarian ethics in action.

Engaging critically with this passage, it becomes clear that while utilitarianism offers a compelling framework for decision-making in extreme situations, it also raises challenging moral questions. For instance, the pervasive focus on outcomes may lead to justifications for actions that, under normal circumstances, would be considered morally reprehensible. If we take Wallace's situation as a microcosm of utilitarian principles, we must confront the uncomfortable reality that the imperative to survive might compel individuals to sacrifice others, potentially rationalizing acts such as betrayal, deceit, or even murder for personal gain or the greater good. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant emphasize that actions must be guided by universal maxims, stressing that intrinsic moral duty should prevail rather than outcomes alone. This conflict between the utilitarian calculus and deontological ethics suggests that while utilitarianism can provide a framework for navigating moral dilemmas in dire situations, it is far from adequate on its own. Actions taken in the name of utilitarianism can quickly descend into moral ambiguities, prompting critical examination of the limits and dangers of such an ethical framework. The juxtaposition of Wallace's desperate calculations against the backdrop of broader ethical theories prompts a necessary dialogue: should survival instincts override moral principles, or should deontological ethics have a place even in life-threatening circumstances? By continuing to reflect on these dilemmas and acknowledging the complexities inherent in ethical decision-making, we deepen our understanding of the intersection between utilitarian thought and other philosophical perspectives, ultimately fostering a more nuanced approach to ethical behavior in extreme contexts.