Question

Remy works for a defense company programming a military drone targeting system. He knows the system will be accurate sixty-nine percent of the time. If he adheres to a utilitarian ethical framework, what should he do knowing the accuracy of the drone?

A. perform his duty as an employee and finish the project
B. determine what is in his own self-interest
C. consider what a virtuous person would do
D. consider the consequences of a substantially inaccurate drone

Answer 1

According to a utilitarian ethical framework, Remy should consider the consequences of a substantially inaccurate drone, weighing the potential harm against any perceived benefits, and reflect on the moral implications for all parties involved. The correct answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

Remy, working for a defense company and programming a military drone targeting system, knows that the system will be accurate sixty-nine percent of the time. If he follows a utilitarian ethical framework, he should choose the action that maximizes overall happiness and reduces suffering. Therefore, the correct choice for Remy would be to: D. consider the consequences of a substantially inaccurate drone

Under utilitarianism, the ethical decision would weigh the consequences of the drone's substantial inaccuracy, considering the potential harm it could cause against any perceived benefits. Remy should reflect on the moral implications and broader impacts of the system's inaccuracy on all parties involved, including unintended targets, which may override his obligation to complete the project as an employee. This ethical approach is distinct from other frameworks, such as deontological ethics, which emphasize adherence to duty or rules, or virtue ethics, which focus on the character of the moral agent.

It is important to note that utilitarianism is just one ethical framework and other approaches could lead to different conclusions about what Remy should do.