We’ve looked at several different ethical theories. Re-read the selections beginning from the 1st week of class and then answer the following using ideas from the readings and discussions to help support your answer:

The Hijacked Plane

You are now on a plane containing 150 people currently flying over barren desert. Hijackers take over, killing the pilot and co-pilot and sealing themselves in the cockpit. There is no way for you to open the door, but you could damage the ventilation system causing poisonous fumes to fill the cockpit. If you do this, the hijackers will die, but no one will be able to enter the cockpit and fly the plane; it will crash in the desert killing everyone on board. If you do nothing, the hijackers might land the plane safely – or they might crash it into a civilian target killing even more people. Time is quickly running out and you need to make a choice right now. What should you do? Why is your solution the best possible choice?

Directions: Select, define, and explain how at least one ethical philosophy might best resolve this dilemma; you can use more than one philosopher/theory if you prefer. You can use any of the ideas discussed in the readings; for example, from Ch. 1 there is Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Rawls. You might also use ideas from the philosophers and writers in other chapters as part of your answer as well. Remember some of the main underlying principles of ethics discussed throughout this semester, e.g., to not to make a situation worse; do no harm; exhibit good conduct. Write clearly and concisely. Use proper sentence structure, grammar, etc. This exam is testing your level of comprehension of the theory or theories selected and their application (synthesis) to this dilemma. Be sure your answer is complete and accurate; for instance: writing only 5 sentences would not be considered a thorough response. Your answer should be at least 2-3 complete paragraphs.