Utilitarian Ethics and Airline Case Study

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Ethics: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is one of the most common forms of moral reasoning. Rooted in normative ethics, the notion of utilitarianism essentially asserts that an action is morally right if it maximizes utility or happiness for everyone (West, 2004). In other words, as long as a course of action generates the greatest benefit for everyone affected, then the means utilized to generate the benefits (such as coercion, manipulation, or lies) do not matter -- what matters is the end, not the means. This moral principle is commonly applied in various spheres including personal decisions, business, and public policy.

The notion of utility ethics can be ideally applicable in the case of Airxyz. Choosing Opting to voluntarily ground its fleet would be the most appropriate course of action for not only the airline, but also the general publicpublic. The public uses airlines to move quickly and conveniently move from one location to another, especially when long distances are involved. They use aircrafts with the beliefassured that airlines have taken all the necessary steps to guarantee their safety. This includesThe primary concern is proper maintenance of their fleet. Essentially, airlines owe the public a duty of care.

The wiring problem in the airline's fleet can result in extremely disastrous consequences such as emergency landing and crashes, which often lead to severe injuries and death on the part of airline crew and passengers.
in aircraft accidents In fact, it is common knowledge that there are often very few survivors, if at all in aircraft accidents. Additionally, airlines often suffer reputational damage when even one of one of their numerous aircrafts is involved in an accident. There is usually that fear the public develops towards the airline, which may often translate to reduced customer numbers and sales as well as deteriorating financial performance. These highly likely consequences are enough to make the airline voluntarily ground its fleet until the technical problem is fully rectified even without notifying the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Doing so would be beneficial for the public and the airline itself -- it would maximize utility for the general public. It would actually send a strong message to the public that the airline genuinely cares about the public.

Though notifying the FAA would be an requirement alternative, doing so may be more a costly process for the airline. As a regulator, the FAA may not only ground the airline's entire fleet,….....

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"Utilitarian Ethics And Airline" (2016, September 24) Retrieved June 26, 2025, from
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"Utilitarian Ethics And Airline" 24 September 2016. Web.26 June. 2025. <
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Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

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"Utilitarian Ethics And Airline", 24 September 2016, Accessed.26 June. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/utilitarian-ethics-airline-2162092