Applying Moral Theories (Case 2)

Name: Instructor: Institution: Date: Applying Moral Theories (Case 2) Introduction Just like men, women are entitled to the same rights and privileges in society. Therefore, it is only fair that women are allowed to experience love and get married to husbands of their choice. However, case 2 implies that forcing women into polygamous marriages not only preserves family values but also brings salvation to men. To understand the morality of such complicated actions, act-utilitarianism and deontology moral theories will be applied in the analysis of case 2. Unlike other theories, the deontological ethical theory emphasizes on the characteristic of the act rather than the outcome (Filip, 2016). In this regard, even harmful actions can be moral regardless of their consequences (Cointe, 2016). However, an act must pass all the permissible tests for it to be moral and ethical. Test one seeks to know if the act can become a universal law. It is no secret that many people seek salvation, desirable family values, and peaceful communities. Therefore, if marrying many wives would ensure men attain salvation and family values and peace are conserved, then polygamy would become a universal law. Test two seeks to ascertain if the act compromised other agents’ rights. In case 2, church leaders (men) and women are the agents. Unfortunately, the women were married off without their approval and were treated as assets rather than human beings. Consequently, their right to choose was compromised. Since the act failed test two, it is immoral and unethical. On the other hand, act-utilitarianism theory indicates that an individual’s act is morally right if and only if it leads to the best possible outcome in that particular condition. The best possible result must ensure that the majority of the people are happy while only a few are unhappy (Mill, 2016). In case 2, the net utility of men includes ...