A scientist was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to sell trade secrets worth $8 million. The scientist had cancer and was expected to live only six months longer. He told the judge, "I don't want to die in prison." But the judge said he had "no choice" and sentenced the scientist to the five years in prison. What ethical theory best describes the absolute position of the sentencing judge?

Question

Jessie Williams

Social Studies

22 October, 19:44

A scientist was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to sell trade secrets worth $8 million. The scientist had cancer and was expected to live only six months longer. He told the judge, "I don't want to die in prison." But the judge said he had "no choice" and sentenced the scientist to the five years in prison. What ethical theory best describes the absolute position of the sentencing judge?

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Answers (1)

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Ramon Rush · Answer 1

Formalism

Explanation:

Ethical formalism may be defined as the ethical theory which defines morality that is based on logic and also reasons which says that if something is considered as right or wrong, it is always defined as right or wrong all the time.

It characterizes moral judgments on the logical forms and not by their content which will promote well being.

In the context, a judge makes a judgement against a scientist for fraud and sentenced him for 5 years instead of the scientist's request to consider him for less punishment because he is suffering from cancer and is likely to die within six months. This is an example of ethical formalism of the judge.