Assignment Paper

Read the following thought experiment from Philippa Foot and then write an essay that answers the
questions that follow:

“Let us consider […] a pair of cases which I shall call Rescue I and Rescue II. In the first Rescue story
we are hurrying in our jeep to save some people – let there be five of them – who are imminently
threatened by the ocean tide. We have not a moment to spare, so when we hear of a single person who
also needs rescuing from some other disaster we say regretfully that we cannot rescue him, but must leave
him to die. To most of us this seems clear […]. This is Rescue I and with it I contrast Rescue II. In this
second story we are again hurrying to the place where the tide is coming in in order to rescue the party of
people, but this time it is relevant that the road is narrow and rocky. In this version the lone individual is
trapped (do not ask me how) on the path. If we are to rescue the five we would have to drive over him. But
can we do so? If we stop he will be all right eventually: he is in no danger unless from us. But of course all
five of the others will be drowned. As in the first story our choice is between a course of action which will
leave one man dead and five alive at the end of the day and a course of action which will have the opposite
result. (Philippa Foot, “Killing and Letting Die,” from Abortion and Legal Perspectives, eds. Garfield and
Hennessey, 2004, University of Massachusetts Press)
1. What would Mill tell the rescuer to do, in Rescue I and Rescue II, according to his theory of
utilitarianism? Be clear in explaining Mill’s recommendation, and how he would justify it. In doing so, you
must include a discussion of the following:he Principle of Utility and how it would specifically apply in this situation—who gets “counted” and how?
2. What would Kant tell the rescuer to do, in Rescue I and Rescue II, according to his deontological theory?
Be clear in explaining Kant’s recommendation and how he would justify it. In doing so, you must include a
discussion of the following:

o The first version of the Categorical Imperative and how it would specifically apply in these two
situations (hint, you have to say what the maxim would be and what duty would be generated according to
it). 

o The second version of the Categorical Imperative and how it would specifically apply in this situation.
3. Explain one criticism of both Mill and Kant. Afterward, argue for which ethical approach, on your view is
superior. Be specific and provide reasons for your claim.

A further Break down:
Ok, so this one starts with Philippa Foot’s example. She gives two scenarios, Rescue I and Rescue II. She
thinks that Rescue I is moral, but Rescue II is immoral. (She also thinks this should be obvious to everyone,
but it is not.)
Your job is to apply the theories of both John Stuart Mill, and Immanual Kant, to both Rescue I and Rescue
II. I’d recommend focusing on one philosopher at a time. So, give me a brief summary of their theory, tell
me if they would think Rescue I is moral, and why, then if they would think Rescue II is moral, and why.
For Mill, make sure you use his “Principle of Utility,” also called the “Greatest Happiness Principle.” For
Kant, you need to make sure you use both his Categorical Imperative and his Practical Imperative (the first
and second versions of the Categorical Imperative).
That’s the “explain and apply” section of your paper. The last section is the “critique” section. I want you to
talk about at least one problem with each philosopher’s theories — what do you see as their biggest flaw?
And then, tell me which philosopher you think is more accurate, and why you prefer their theory. It would be
nice if you could link this up with your own view of the Rescue scenarios, but that’s not necessary. You
should make sure you talk about your own ethical beliefs in some form or another — making up your own
examples is another way to approach this.
So your paper should have three sections — the Kant section, the Mill section, and the criticism section.
These three should be about equal length.
Heres the link you can go to, to access the reading materials
https://go.view.usg.edu/d2l/login?logout=1
mcroyals_vsu
M_Carol0713
Click on Philosophy, Content then Unit 5. Everything should be in there