The Objection to Utilitarianism and the Short Story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"

  The Objection to Utilitarianism and the Short Story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" Introduction "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," a thought-provoking short story by Ursula K. Le Guin, raises a compelling objection to utilitarianism. It highlights the moral dilemma of sacrificing the well-being of one individual for the greater good of society. This essay will discuss whether this objection undermines utilitarianism, and explore the extent to which capitalism in the United States resembles the society portrayed in the story. Additionally, it will examine whether investors profit off the misery of hourly workers. Objection to Utilitarianism in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" presents a fictional utopian city where the happiness and prosperity of its inhabitants depend on the suffering of a single child locked away in a basement. This narrative challenges utilitarianism by illustrating that under this moral framework, basic human rights can be subservient to the overall happiness or well-being of society. Indeed, this objection strikes at the core of utilitarianism, as it implies that sacrificing individual rights and well-being for the greater good is morally problematic. It forces us to question whether the ends can truly justify the means, and whether it is justifiable to derive happiness and prosperity from the suffering of others. Capitalism in the U.S. and Similarities to "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" When examining capitalism as practiced in the United States, parallels can be drawn to the society depicted in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas." Large corporations, such as Amazon, have faced criticism for allegedly exploiting workers. While capitalism can foster economic growth and innovation, concerns arise when workers' rights and well-being are compromised for profit maximization. In the short story, the prosperity of Omelas relies on the suffering of one individual. Similarly, in some instances within capitalist systems, wealth accumulation can occur at the expense of worker exploitation and poor working conditions. This raises ethical questions about whether capitalism prioritizes profit over the well-being of workers. Profiting off the Misery of Hourly Workers The question of whether investors profit off the misery of hourly workers depends on various factors. While it is true that some investors may benefit from companies that prioritize profits over worker welfare, it is essential to recognize that not all investors engage in such practices. There are socially responsible investment strategies that prioritize companies with ethical practices and fair treatment of employees. However, it is undeniable that systemic issues can exist within certain sectors or companies where workers face low wages, lack of benefits, and limited job security. In such cases, investors who prioritize financial gains without considering the well-being of hourly workers contribute to perpetuating these inequalities. Conclusion The objection raised by "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" underscores a fundamental criticism of utilitarianism by highlighting the moral conflict that arises when basic human rights are subordinated to society's overall well-being. While capitalism as practiced in the United States may share some similarities with the society depicted in the story, it is crucial to recognize that not all capitalist systems or investors profit off the misery of hourly workers. Nevertheless, it is essential to address and rectify instances where worker exploitation occurs within capitalist systems. By advocating for fair labor practices, implementing regulations to protect workers' rights, and promoting ethical investment strategies, we can strive towards a more equitable society where the pursuit of profit does not come at the expense of basic human rights and well-being.

Sample Answer