This is a case and i need to identify which to theories apply to it out these three Kant's deontology, Mill's utilitarianism, and Hursthouse's virtue ethics.
In the summer of 1945, President Harry Truman ordered the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the time, many people denounced Truman as a war criminal for giving these orders. However, it is almost certain that these bombings did much to bring World War II to a close, and it is quite likely that the war would have carried on for at least another several years if no such action had been taken.
i am thinking that utilitarianism because it just give greater happiness to president
is that right
To identify which theories apply in this case, we can analyze the actions and the ethical considerations involved.
Kant's deontology, known as the categorical imperative, focuses on moral duties and rules. According to Kant, actions are morally right or wrong based on whether they adhere to universal rules. In this case, one could argue that Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs is morally wrong from a Kantian perspective because it violates the principle of not treating people merely as means but as ends in themselves. The immense destruction caused by the bombings could be seen as using the Japanese civilians as a means to end the war quickly, without their consent.
Mill's utilitarianism, on the other hand, evaluates actions based on their consequences and aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being. From a utilitarian standpoint, one might argue that Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs was justified if it led to the greatest happiness for the greatest number. The bombings were believed to hasten the end of the war, potentially saving numerous lives that may have been lost in a prolonged conflict.
Hursthouse's virtue ethics emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits and considers the overall moral character of individuals. In this case, the focus would be on examining whether Truman's decision reflects virtues such as courage, prudence, or justice. Supporters of virtue ethics might argue that Truman's decision could be virtuous depending on the judgment of his character, his intentions, and whether he acted in accordance with virtues.
Ultimately, determining which theories apply to this case will depend on personal ethical perspectives and interpretations. It is essential to examine the key elements of each ethical theory and evaluate how they can be applied to the circumstances and consequences of the atomic bombings.