Sophia is about to finish high school and she has received a fully paid scholarship to study at the University of Cape Town, However, it feels like the whole world is falling apart. She is not entirely sure what is going on, but her parents have been fighting constantly over the past few months. She even overheard them considering divorce.
To make matters worse, Sophia’s mom has started drinking again. Her mom is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for six years, but with the constant fighting, she has “fallen off the wagon” again. Sophia’s father doesn’t know it yet, but all the signs are there. The moment Sophia’s dad leaves for work, her mom dashes into the car and reaches for the “water bottle” under the seat. She hides bottles in the laundry room where she thinks Sophia’s dad won't see them. She speaks with a slur. She drives irresponsibly when she takes Sophia and her siblings to school and often forgets to pick them up after school. Yet she sleeps it off before Sophia’s father gets home at night, so for the moment, he does not seem to suspect anything.
Sophia’s mom went to rehab when Sophia was in primary school. Sophia’s dad has threatened he would leave her and the children if she ever goes back to again. It was like living in a nightmare. Sophia’s parents are already in a bad space. If she tells her father her mother is drinking again, her dad will leave all of them. If she doesn’t say anything, something bad could happen to her mom or siblings. Can she still accept the scholarship obtained for the University of Cape Town whilst her family is in Bloemfontein? Can she leave her younger siblings with their mom? What will happen to them? Sophia feels like there isn’t a single good choice to make. What should Sophia do?
Questions
4.1 As a group, indicate whether the ethical dilemma can be resolved with the ethical decision-making framework. (1 mark)
4.2 Name the ethical decision-making frameworks you learned in class. (4 marks)
4.3 Choose the best-suited approach to resolve the ethical dilemma and share your thoughts with the class on why you think your group approach is the most suitable. (2 marks)
4.1 No, the ethical dilemma cannot be resolved with the ethical decision-making framework.
4.2 The ethical decision-making frameworks we learned in class are:
1. Utilitarianism
2. Deontology
3. Virtue Ethics
4. Feminist Ethics
4.3 In this scenario, the best-suited approach to resolve the ethical dilemma may be a combination of Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing harm, which could lead Sophia to consider the consequences of her actions on her family members and herself. On the other hand, Virtue Ethics emphasizes the development of moral character and values, which could guide Sophia in making a decision that aligns with her personal beliefs and values.
By combining these two approaches, Sophia can carefully consider the potential outcomes of her choices while also staying true to her own sense of morality. It is important for Sophia to prioritize the safety and well-being of her family members, while also taking into account her own future and opportunities. Ultimately, the decision she makes should be one that she believes is right and ethical, considering all the factors at play in this complex situation.