Question

Susan, a nursing student, is arguing with friend Linda, also a nursing student, over the benefits of getting a flu shot. "I'm not getting a flu shot this year," Linda declares. "I paid $14 for one last year, andI still got sick. had a horrible sinus infection that kept me out of school for days." "I remember, but that wasn't the flu," Susan argues. "Since we see so many people in the clinic especially older people with weakened immune systems don't you think we, of all people, should be immunized against the flu?" Ethically, which theory of moral reasoning best applies to this argument? Explain.

Answer 1

Utilitarianism theory of moral development ethically explains this argument very well. Utilitarianism is doing good for the greatest number of people. It has moral reasoning of maximum utility for society as a whole. This theory relates to some of the moral qualities of the flu shot arguments.

• It analyses the positive and negative values of the flu vaccination and its importance.
• Individual experiences, outcomes, the well-being of the flu shot are taken into account. It focuses on the well-being of the individual by avoiding pain and harm to the individual.
• It gives equal preferences to both the positive and negative values before making an ethical decision.
• Flu shot is decide based on the benefit by considering the overall maximum benefit in society.
• Utilitarianism aims the achievement of overall happiness across individuals.

These core characteristics help to analyze the benefits and harm of flu vaccine. So utilitarianism helps to analyze the criticism of this argument. The ethical theory of utilitarianism approves the action based on happiness and benefits.