The allegations and the death of Jeffrey Epstein are among the developments that have dominated news headlines in the US for weeks. The New York Times is one of the news outlets that have explored this development in great detail. In one of its articles, authored by Marc Tracy and Tiffany Hsu (2019) this news organization describes the wide-ranging impacts that the scandal has had. In particular, Tracy and Hsu talk about the resignation of an official at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after it was revealed that this institution received donations from Epstein. In the article, Tracy and Hsu identify such other individuals as Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton who have also been forced to defend themselves over claims that they had personal relationships with Epstein. The main theme that Tiffany and Hsu address in their article is that institutions are often faced with serious dilemmas that they must resolve.
The story that Tracy and Hsu share in their article echoes some of the concepts covered in class. In particular, through this story, one is able to understand the real-world implications of such ethical theories as utilitarianism and deontological ethics. Essentially, utilitarianism is an ethical approach that encourages cost-benefit analysis as part of efforts to identify the course of action that delivers the greatest happiness to the largest possible number of people. In deciding to let go of the official associated with Epstein, MIT was acting in its best interest. While it lost an employee who had served it for years, the institution was able to shield itself against accusations of being involved with Epstein. The story also relates to deontological ethics. As opposed to utilitarianism which is practical and pragmatic, deontology urges individuals to strive to honor their obligations. MIT had an obligation to champion for such values as respect for women and protection of children. Since Epstein violated these values, the institution acted ethically when it decided to distance itself from Epstein.
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References
Tracy, M., & Hsu, T. (2019). Director of M.I.T’s media lab resigns after taking money from Jeffrey Epstein. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/07/business/mit-media-lab-jeffrey-epstein-joichi-ito.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepag
