Week 4 Professional Ethics - Often it is Science Fiction or Fiction in general

W4 Professional Ethics

Often it is Science Fiction or Fiction in general where our deepest ethical issues are explored.

The story  The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, by Nebula-award-winning author Ursula Le Guinn, explores a hypothetical situation pitting Utilitarian and Deontological ethics against one another.

The story can be found here:  The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas

You can also get audio versions readily on YouTube.

Your assignment:

In 1-2 paragraphs explain the dilemma facing the citizens of Omelas in terms of Utilitarian vs Deontological ethical values. Who are the utilitarians? Who are the Deontologists? Explain why you say so.

In roughly 2-3 paragraphs create a work-related situation (explain the situation enough for me to understand the problem and the ramifications) that might involve a similar choice. How would you choose? Explain why.  

Submission Method: Attach and submit a Microsoft Word file below or type your response in the text box below.