Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapters 7, 8 (he Elements of Moral Philosophy Authors: James Rachels, Stuart Rachels

Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill Education)

• Minimum of 2 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook)
• Narrated PowerPoint TutorialLinks to an external site. (Make sure to review this tutorial before you begin recording.)

Instructions

For this week’s assignment respond to one of the following options, and include Option 1, 2, or 3 as part of your heading.

Option 1: The first option is to name and describe in detail a key specific and recent healthcare technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your approach to what a utilitarian and ethical egoist would say (each independently). Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

Option 2: In the second option, name and describe in detail a key specific and recent social technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your moral approach to what a utilitarian and social contract ethicist would say (each independently). Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

Option 3: John Doe, Patient One, is in late stage of kidney disease. If he does not receive a new kidney, then he is predicted to die within a week. Doe is 45, single, and has no children. Doctors theorize that Doe damaged his kidney by not following a low-salt diet. Doe inherited one million dollars and is known for giving money to charity. Without a transplant, he will probably be forced to spend all his money searching for a kidney outside of the usual legal channels. Patient Two is Jane Doe (no relation to John). Patient Two is a mother of two children (ages 21 and 24). She is divorced and 55 years old. She developed kidney problems due to eating a high-fat and high-sugar diet. If she does not receive a kidney within one month, doctors believe she will die. Patient Three is an orphan. This orphan lives in a state facility. She was born with a genetic condition that constantly damages her kidney. The only known approach to her condition is to provide her with a kidney transplant every so often. She is 11 and has already undergone two kidney transplants. She will perish in two months if she does not receive another transplant.

All three patients are at the same hospital. The hospital only has one kidney to give out. The orphan’s birth parents were known to be of a religion that is opposed to organ donation. The other patients come from religions that do not oppose organ donation. Who should get the kidney? Why should that candidate receive it over the others? Devise a course of social action and a solution for this case by using the ethics of egoism and then utilitarianism to a key moral conflict involving health care in this case. Appraise the interests of diverse populations (in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) and how they relate to the case. Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

For all the options:

Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

You should not be using any text you used in a discussion board or assignment for this class or any previous class.

Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

You will submit the following:

• An audiovisual presentation that presents one of the options above. Be sure to give equal time to each element. Doing a PowerPoint presentation with audio recorded on the slides is preferred. Please refer to the Narrated PowerPoint Tutorial located in the Required Resources in this assignment.
• Please provide a transcript of anything said in the recording aloud that does not appear as text on a slide. This transcript can be provided as a Word document or placed in the Notes section on the PowerPoint slides.
• The link or a scan of the article mentioning any health technology, social technology, or case you are reporting on. If you made up the case, please indicate that in your report. If you choose to do option #3 (the case about a shortage of transplant kidneys), your article would likely be an article about the shortage of transplant organs, or a shortage of people signing up to be transplant donors, or the status of educating people about being donors, etc.

Requirements

• Length: 7 minutes narrated presentation
• Slide length: 4-6 slides (not including title slide, conclusion slide, or references slide)
• Title slide
• Conclusion slide
• References slide (minimum of 2 scholarly sources cited in APA format; not narrated)

ANSWER

Option 3: Ethical Dilemma in Organ Allocation: An Egoism and Utilitarianism Perspective

Introduction

In this presentation, we will delve into a complex ethical scenario involving the allocation of a single kidney to three deserving patients. This case highlights the challenging decisions that healthcare professionals often face when it comes to organ transplantation. We will explore this dilemma using the ethical frameworks of egoism and utilitarianism, considering the interests of diverse populations and examining the potential global perspectives.

Synopsis

The case centers around three patients at a hospital, each in dire need of a kidney transplant. John Doe, Patient One, has damaged his kidney due to dietary choices, while Patient Two, Jane Doe, developed kidney problems from an unhealthy diet. Patient Three, an orphan, requires regular kidney transplants due to a genetic condition. The hospital possesses only one kidney for transplantation. The orphan’s birth parents’ religious opposition to organ donation complicates the decision-making process.

Egoism Perspective

From an egoism standpoint, each patient’s interests and well-being are crucial. John Doe’s philanthropic nature is worth considering, as his ability to contribute to charitable causes aligns with egoistic principles. However, an egoist might argue that self-interest prevails, favoring Jane Doe’s potential longevity, as she has dependents to care for – her children. As for the orphan, the unique nature of her situation warrants ethical attention. An egoistic approach could prioritize her well-being, given her vulnerability and dependence on external care.

Utilitarianism Perspective

Utilitarianism, on the other hand, evaluates the greater good and overall happiness. In this context, allocating the kidney to Jane Doe might be justified, as her survival directly impacts the well-being of her children. This approach maximizes overall happiness by preserving a family unit. Nonetheless, arguments can be made in favor of John Doe, considering his potential for future charitable acts that benefit society. The orphan’s frequent need for transplants, although challenging, could also be viewed through a utilitarian lens, as each transplant prolongs her life and potential happiness.

Global Ethical Beliefs and Diversity

Considering differing global ethical beliefs, religious opposition to organ donation in the orphan’s case poses a cultural challenge. In some cultures, this might be respected, leading to potential clashes with utilitarian principles that prioritize overall well-being. Moreover, the interests of diverse populations, including ethnicity, religion, and cultural backgrounds, could shape the perception of a suitable recipient.

Conclusion

This case illuminates the intricate nature of organ allocation decisions. Applying egoism and utilitarianism allows us to approach the situation from different ethical angles. The ultimate course of action should be rooted in compassion, ethical considerations, and an understanding of the broader impact on society. While egoism highlights individual benefits, utilitarianism underscores the collective welfare. Embracing the complexity of this ethical dilemma is essential in a world with diverse perspectives and moral values.