Analysis of Moral Theories
For this case, I will choose to spend the $800 to save a dozen of people from starvation in Africa. The reason for my decision is that spending money in Africa will save a lot of lives. It is owing to the fact that a number of deaths have been reported as a result of hunger and starvation in Africa. It does not paint an excellent picture of the value accorded to humanity. Saving a lot of people from hunger implies saving tomorrow’s younger generation. Moreover, my acts will make the recipients happy. They are the brains of the coming era and might impact the world in many more significant ways if they stayed alive. It also plays a significant role in the children’s parents as I will touch their hearts by saving their children. I will feel happy for the excellent sign I will have displayed in saving lives. As for parents, they can continue trying to find a way to make ends meet. As for the children, they can continue schooling in a healthy state. A healthy state translates to decent grades in school for a better future.
I will deny my sister the chance to buy books for her college this time round. This is because choosing to buy her books will mean that a dozen lives will be lost due to hunger and starvation. Giving her the money is not going to resolve a matter of life and death as compared to the other scenario. It will also mean that I aord a lesser meaning to life. Choosing her will mean I choose to save one person over the rest despite the fact that the people are undergoing tough times in their lives. On the other hand, it will result in a more exceptional performance for her in her college. It will mean that she will have adequate material to carry out her studies hence create a good future for herself. It will also make our family proud. However, in comparison to the two, my sister an get a second chance in her studies given all factors remain constant. There are always going to be new sessions in school every year, and she can join them to save the lives of a dozen of people from Africa this one time.
My decision was guided by the utilitarianism theory, which states that an individual makes a decision that will be beneficial to a group of people as compared to pleasing or benefiting one party. It can be highlighted by the fact that I will be working to save a large group of people as opposed to saving my sister’s study. The theory also highlights that actions are right for as long as they promote happiness. In this case, my decision will make a dozen of people in Africa who are struggling with starvation happy. I will also be glad seeing them smile for the food I will provide. The theory focuses on the consequences of a decision, how it will impact the people involved. For this case, many lives will be saved; they will be able to see another brand new day because of my acts of charity. It implies an action of a good deed. The relatives of these people will be glad too that someone came in to rescue their loved ones. Happiness is vital in life and should be put as a priority.