Utility as the Foundation of Morals

Section 1 

The title of the article is “ Larry Nassar’s Former Boss at Michigan State Faces Charges .” The article was written by Mitch Smith and Steve Friess, on March 26, 2018. I sourced the article from ‘The New York Times’ website. On Tuesday, William D. Strampel, a former dean of the osteopathic medical school, at the Michigan State University, was charged with four counts; willful pretermit of duty, maladministration by a public officer, and unlawful sexual conduct. Dr. William wasn't only accused of failing to safeguard women and girls from the executed assaults by Dr. Nassar, but also for participating in the abuse. According to the detectives, Dr. William made explicit sexual remarks to medical students of the female gender at the university. He grabbed not less than two females on the buttocks and suggested that one of the female students should befit a “centerfold model” ( Fries & Smith, 2018). With regards to the charging documentation, Dr. William solicited naked photographs from a student who recorded a poor performance on a medical school test. 

Detectives also uncovered numerous erotic videos and images on a PC in Dr. Strampel’s office, and this included multiple profiles that seemed to be of students from the Michigan State University. Additionally, detectives discovered a video recording of Dr. Nassar executing a medical procedure on a female patient of tender age on the PC. The charging documentation suggested that Dr. William victimized individuals of the female gender who encountered various difficulties in their coursework. As a college dean, Dr. William abused his office by harassing, discriminating, demeaning, sexually assaulting, and sexually propositioning students of the female gender. An investigator from the Michigan State Police recorded an affidavit in support of the charges. Dr. Nassar pleaded guilty to the presented accusations and was subsequently convicted after the hearings that captured the attention of people globally. Many women including various Olympic gymnasts, delineated replicated assaults executed beneath the illusion of medical care ( Fries & Smith, 2018). 

Section 2 

Is Dr. William D. Strampel’s misconduct during the performance of his duties as an osteopathic medical school dean at the Michigan State University justified? 

Section 3 

No. Dr. William D. Strampel was not ethical in performing his duties as an osteopathic medical school dean at the Michigan State University. 

Yes. Dr. William D. Strampel was ethical in performing his duties as an osteopathic medical school dean at the Michigan State University. 

Section 4 

Utilitarianism relates to a form of consequentialism that incorporates the perception that a “consequence” should be the most significant aspect to be considered during the implementation of any action. Utilitarianism focuses on the probable outcome as opposed to intentions. The most significant feature of the Utilitarian approach is based on its extensive focus on the welfare of the majority; this subsequently provides a liberal social approach to any issue that may arise. The approach also undermines selfish considerations and demands caution in various decision-making procedures, with a diligent focus on the probable outcomes. Additionally, the flexibility inculcated in the utilitarian approach enhances a manager’s capacity to reconsider and modify decision-making procedures based on the prevailing circumstances. Utilitarianism is perceived as an efficient method in ensuring the practical consideration of the stakeholders’ needs and desires, and it fosters ethical reasoning ( Rosen, 2003 ). The conceptualization of utilitarianism does not justify the unethical nature of Dr. Strampel’s conducts due to the negative consequence associated with the implemented decision by Stampel. Dr. William D. Strampel's misconduct during the performance of his duties as a dean at the Michigan State University is not justified, and it should not be considered ethical due to the negative impact associated with his misconduct. Various consequences typify sexual assault to the individuals of the female gender; it may generate physical, emotional, and psychological effects on an individual. 

Section 5 

Is Dr. William D. Strampel’s misconduct during the performance of his duties as an osteopathic medical school dean at the Michigan State University justified? 

Dr. William D. Strampel was not ethical in performing his duties as an osteopathic medical school dean at the Michigan State University, and therefore, his actions were not justified. 

References 

Fries, S & Smith, M. (2018 March 26). Larry Nassar’s Former Boss at Michigan State Faces Charges: Longtime Boss of Physician Who Abused Gymnasts is arrested. The New York Times . Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/26/us/nassar-michigan-state-dean-strampel.html 

Rosen, F. (2003). Reading Hume Backwards: Utility as the Foundation of Morals. In F. Rosen (ed.),  Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill (pp. 29-57) London: Routledge.