Mosdell (2009) Reiterates that in the Utilitarian Ethical Theory

Mosdell (2009) Reiterates that in the Utilitarian Ethical Theory
According to Mosdell (2009), an individual’s action will only be considered correct if it benefits and brings happiness to a significant number of people. Mosdell (2009) reiterates that in the utilitarian ethical theory, the outcomes of a specific action determine whether or not something is done correctly. The movie The Last King of Scotland has ethical dilemmas wherein utilitarian ethics can be applied. It is a movie that Kevin Macdonalds directed and released in 2006. The film focuses on a Scottish doctor named Nicholas Garrigan. He recently graduated, and he feels overburdened by his father. His father emphasizes that he has accomplished nothing in his life so far. Nicholas is exhausted by the pressure from home, which is supposed to be his sanctuary, and he does not like his current situation. With this, Nicholas leaves his home and gets out of his comfort zone. He does not know that the journey ahead of him has more struggles. He goes to Uganda and becomes an ally to Uganda’s leader. He believes this leader has good motives that can help the people, especially regarding healthcare. However, an incident made him realize that the leader does things for personal gain and adversely affects people. When Nicholas finally unravels the truth, it is already too late, and he cannot do anything about it anymore (Macdonald, 2006). The film concludes that utilitarian ethics can be applied based on the ethical issues presented.
Most of the time, people make decisions for their benefit without evaluating the effects on others. People are focused on what they want and require; however, it is not the right thing to do in a utilitarian view. People consider their utility when making their own decisions. If a person wants to buy a new vehicle, they will choose the best and most luxurious model available. On the contrary, if a person wants to buy a new car for a greater purpose, they will choose the best model that suits the majority’s needs and wants. The second situation more clearly demonstrates utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the results of a person’s actions rather than the actions themselves. It means that there are only two possible outcomes: good or bad. Utilitarians seek to provide genuine and great happiness to a large number of people, as well as to alleviate pain or other negative emotions. As a result, they want to make the world a better place by taking actions that benefit humanity (Nathanson, n.d.). People must strive for positive outcomes within this ethical theory. As a result, whatever actions they take, they must consider everything and everyone. They have to consider these questions: Will it benefit most people? Will they be pleased with the result? Will it cause them harm? In conclusion, utilitarianism focuses on the positive outcomes that will help society to prosper.
Many instances in the film The Last King of Scotland show that people’s motives are good, but the outcomes are adverse. For example, Dr. Nicholas Garrigan has taken several actions that have resulted in adverse effects. Nicholas has a good reason for...