CHAPTER II: UTILITARIANISM

Group Activity:

UTILITY COURT: Guilty or Not Guilty!

Introduction:

Utilitarianism is the ethical philosophy that actions should be judged right or wrong
based on their consequences. Specifically, utilitarianism states that the most ethical choice is the
one that results in the greatest good for the greatest number.

To understand and apply the concept of utilitarianism, this courtroom-style group activity
can be performed. Each group’s representative will take the stand and hear a case scenario, then
make a decision that they believe aligns with utilitarian ethics. If their choice and reasoning
follow utilitarian thinking, their verdict is “Not Guilty.” If not, the verdict is “Guilty.”

This activity will help students practice applying utilitarian perspectives to different
situations to improve ethical reasoning.

Objective:

Students will be able to:

 Explain the key principles of Utilitarianism.

 Analyze an ethical dilemma using utilitarian reasoning.
 Make ethical decisions that aim to produce the greatest good for the greatest
number.
 Defend ethical choices using utilitarian arguments.

Mechanics:

1. Form a group (5 to 6 members). Each group should assign a role of who will be the
representative and attorney(s).
2. Each group will face 2 case scenarios (will be determined by draw lots).
3. After the case scenarios are determined, each group will be given a copy of their case
scenario.
4. The group analyzes the scenario, chooses an action, and presents their rationale. Their
claims shall be written in a manila paper provided by the group in-charge, the sample
format is the following:
- Plea:
- Option:
- Reasoning:
- Verdict:
5. The attorney questions and cross-examines the representative about their choice to make
a strong point.
6. After the discussions, the representative shall make a plea; Guilty or Not Guilty.
7. The jury decides if the representative made the most ethical choice according to
utilitarianism. They determine a verdict of “Guilty” or “Not Guilty”.
8. Repeat multiple scenarios to give all students a chance to be the representative and
attorney.

Prepared by:

Ayaso, Hares

Barron, Keneth Caesar

Elago, Almira Thea

Fallorin, Ricky

Maya, Leanne Angel

BSES 4