ACCESSWIRE / April 2, 2014 / Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morals and the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, vice and virtue. Moral concepts emanating from this philosophy can be grouped into 5 major ethical theories.
One of the most influential of these theories is Consequentialism and its best known version known as Utilitarianism. The two most prominent exponents of Utilitarianism are Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). Bentham advocated that “pleasure is the only good and pain the only evil” (Geirsson and Holmgren 81). He believed that “An action is right or wrong to the extent that it increases or decreases the total happiness of affected members of society” (Mayer 28). Mill argued this doctrine was vague and simplistic because it ignored our innate sense of duty and moral judgment. So, he refined the definition. He explained the “pleasures and pains vary not only in quantity but also in quality” (Mill 86).
Human beings have nobler feelings than just those of the sensual nature, and they have higher mental faculties; they have feelings; they have a conscience, and a sense of dignity; therefore, he believes, “Actions are right to the degree that they tend to promote the greatest good for the greatest number” (Mill 86). He advocated Rule Utilitarianism as opposed to Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism, stating that a set of moral rules have to be adopted first, which if followed by everyone, “will lead to the greatest total happiness of society (Mayer 30).
The principle conclusively holds the premise that rules both moral and civic supersede individual actions, which means that no one’s happiness can be considered more valuable than another’s. If one does what is morally and ethically right and follows a set of accepted rules, this will cause more happiness for more people, which is the ultimate goal of Utilitarianism, and the ultimate goal of the American Constitution.
Social justice delivers “the greatest good to the greatest number.” I believe that the Affordable Care Act offers the delivery of social justice. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” Therefore, there should be no argument on the premise that access to health care should be a right and not a privilege in any civilized society, because if this right is denied, then the pursuit of happiness is denied, and peace and prosperity is denied.
So when, thanks to President Obama’s efforts, the Affordable Care Act became law four years ago, we Americans knew our government had finally got it right, and social justice through health care justice was finally served.
I, Raihan Sayeed appeal to all to sign up for this nation-wide health care program, rightly called Obama care, and secure the numerous benefits it brings. The enrollment period will end on April 15th, 2014, so please take the time to enroll to fulfill your obligations to yourself, your family, and your community.
Listed below are the benefits guaranteed through The Affordable Care Act:
1. Coverage for hospital care, doctor visits, x-rays, labs and prescriptions.
2. Coverage for pre existing conditions, mental health and preventative care.
3. Coverage on treatments without limits of financial caps.
4. Premium discounts for low wage earners.
Please note that by law enrollment is required by all US citizens and green card holders, with financial penalties for non compliance.
http://www.healthcare.gov/ takes you to your state’s website. 1-800-318-2596 helps answer your questions.
Thank you all,
Raihan Sayeed
Medical Student