As a responsible and moral citizen of this country, how would you propose to address the problem of air
pollution in Dhaka city? Outline the main ethical questions raised by the above scenario? How would
you seek to resolve the ethical dilemmas raised by increased air pollution in the city and never ending
sufferings of the people? Discuss how ‘polluting the air’ can be considered as a morally wrong action
from the Utilitarian and Kantian perspectives but for different reasons.
First, provide a detailed account of the Kantian moral test (using the first formulation of the
categorical imperative) to show why polluting the air in the city would constitute a violation of a perfect
duty.

Second, provide a detailed explanation of how the Rule Utilitarian perspective will treat the
situation and give solution to the above mentioned dilemma.
Lastly, Which perspective would you agree with, and why?

Respuesta :

Answer:

To address the problem of air pollution in Dhaka city as a responsible citizen, several ethical questions are raised. The main ethical dilemmas include balancing economic growth with environmental protection, considering the health impacts on the population, and ensuring intergenerational equity in resource use.

1. Kantian Perspective:

- Kant's moral test, the categorical imperative, can be applied to the issue of air pollution in Dhaka city. According to Kant's first formulation of the categorical imperative, one should act only according to the maxim that they can will to become a universal law. In the context of air pollution, if everyone were to pollute the air without restraint, the consequences would be detrimental to society as a whole. Thus, polluting the air would violate the perfect duty of not harming others or their property, as it cannot be universally accepted without leading to negative consequences for all.

2. Rule Utilitarian Perspective:

- From a Rule Utilitarian perspective, the focus is on maximizing overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. In the case of air pollution in Dhaka city, the Rule Utilitarian approach would consider the long-term effects of pollution on public health, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. Solutions would involve implementing strict regulations on emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and investing in public transportation to reduce pollution levels and improve the well-being of the population.

3. Personal Perspective:

- Personally, I would agree more with the Kantian perspective in this scenario. While both perspectives emphasize the importance of ethical considerations, the Kantian approach's emphasis on universalizability and the duty to respect the rights of others resonates with me. Addressing air pollution is not just about maximizing utility but also about upholding fundamental moral principles that protect individuals and future generations from harm. By prioritizing the Kantian perspective, we can strive for a more just and sustainable society where the well-being of all is safeguarded.

In conclusion, tackling the issue of air pollution in Dhaka city requires a comprehensive ethical framework that considers both individual duties and collective well-being. By integrating Kantian principles with Rule Utilitarian considerations, we can work towards ethical solutions that prioritize environmental protection, public health, and social justice for the benefit of all citizens.

Explanation:

Q&A Education