Power and Responsibility Essay Example for Free

Power and Responsibility Essay In an altruistic sense, the burden of responsibility lies in the person making a decision for the a group of people as a whole and the consequences of such decisions or actions is solely limited to the person who made it. Even though a decision has been made in general to serve the people, the consequences still has to be faced. This does not change with an individualistic point of view wherein a profession that requires high standards in order to perform well needs a greater sense of responsibility for choice. A news writer or reporter who reports unverifiable or fallacious facts can easily retract statements in order to suit journalism rules. But when a doctor makes a mistake, people die. There is no difference with regards to the degree of responsibility a person since all professions must possess a deeper sense of responsibility. In the context of utilitarianism however, the concept is aimed for the welfare of persons as a whole in achieving a desired end. Applied in an individualistic view, responsibility lies with choice and a deeper understanding or personal morals and overall ethics. Utilitarian views are also consistent with consequentialism wherein an action may be considered morally right if it contributes more on a favorable consequence rather than a bad one. In this sense, moral values are then based on a good purpose or outcome. Thus the responsibility of an individual relies on the outcome itself and it may only be considered as morally correct when it serves the purpose of the greater good. Although journalism and health are professions that has corresponding moral and ethical systems, utilitarian views present a morally favorable principle wherein actions are guided by the responsibility of doing a good job not only to avoid moral and ethical problems but also in achieving a contribution to the overall utility or good and a drive in achieving excellence. References (n. d. ). Ethics (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Retrieved July 31, 2008, from http://www. iep. utm. edu/e/ethics. htm#SH2b.