Jeanie Kim

EDUC 397

Final Project: Theory

Part 4: Discuss the ethical theories related to both the ethical problems and such remedies as it might
suggest

In his book Reason, Robert Reich says:

Cynicism about our economic and political system encourages everyone to act selfishly, even
when widespread selfishness imperils the entire system. Without a shared sense of public
morality, the individual feels powerless against the greedy behavior of others, and [feels]
impelled to act selfishly in [self-] defense (Reich, 2005, p.101).

But how can institutions counter this cynicism, especially in the current economic times?
How would utilitarians respond to the ethical issue at Foothill College’s Financial Aid Office
(FAO): communicating changes to financial aid during these difficult economic times,
especially to lower income and first generation students? What would utilitarians tell the FAO in
order to resolve the ethical issue?

The utilitarian perspective would try to maximize the greatest happiness and the “do no harm”
principles for the moral community. In light of the budget problems in the FAO, it is unethical
for Foothill College FAO, or any institution, to decrease its financial aid obligations. However,
the argument is not this simple considering colleges and universities have many obligations to
students and financial aid is only one of them. Would the greatest happiness be maximized if
more students were educated? Mill would argue that not only would the greatest happiness be
maximized, but also Foothill is not doing harm by continuing to provide aid.

If Foothill College FAO was to accept Mill’s do no harm principle, then it must continue to
provide financial aid during these tough economic times. In fact, it is during these tough times
when students need even more assistance. Students who are non-traditional, first generation, and
or lower income are the ones who will be hardest hit during these times. Therefore it is vital for
the moral community at Foothill College to consider the perspectives of students who are
affected by cuts in financial aid. While it is understood that budget cuts may be unilateral, across
many college and university programs, it is important to understand why financial support must
be continued.

Students learn best when multiple perspectives are considered in the classroom. However, if
financial aid is curtailed then these different perspectives will not be considered in the classroom.
How can Foothill College ensure equitable access to education if financial aid is not part of the
equation? Utilitarians would contend that financial aid services need to be continued in order to
maximize the greatest happiness, and this can only be achieved through the increased
participation of all students.

Work Cited

Reich, Robert (2004). Reason: Why Liberals Will Win the Battle for America. Knopf: New
York.