Published on: Fri Nov 21 2008
The debate about Affirmative Action takes place in the Public sphere. (D'Souza, 1996) It is a collective decision reached by the opinions of the many citizens and non-citizens which make up American society. While the ideal situation would be to have no discrimination and thus no need for policy to level the playing field, it is generally thought that our society has not yet reached this plateau. Concerning the most appropriate theory to apply regarding the appropriateness of the act of Affirmative Action, I believe anyone you ask would agree with the goal of no discrimination and equal opportunity for all. The question is; what constitutes an ethical policy for reaching this goal of “Equal opportunity for all”? Since this is a debate of the public sphere, and the outcome will affect society as a whole, as well as change the lives of both this and the next generation, a strictly Utilitarian approach is not suitable. While it may be possible for an individual or even a company to decide the best ethical approach based on a ‘Good vs. Bad’ approach, a society wide decision can not be made using logic based on calculation. There are too many variables for us to handle for a Utilitarian approach to suffice. What do you feel is the best theory to approach this debate with? D'Souza, 1996 (Available in Oline Resources ESC College) Beyond affirmative action: the triumph of the California Civil Rights Initiative requires a new approach to race in America.(an initiative to do away with racial preference in employment).Dinesh D'Souza. National Review v48.n23 (Dec 9, 1996): pp26(3).