Description
Select a critical theory (theory selected: Queer theory) and apply it to analyze an ethical conflict presented in a scenario. Then apply a normative theory (theory selected: expected utility) to argue for a resolution to the conflict.
Scenario: For the past year, Rhonda has been volunteering on a large committee that’s working to refurbish the historical theater in town and plan programming for the following year. When she started at the company, Rhonda identified as male (her gender assigned at birth) and her name was Randy. About five months ago, Rhonda changed her name and gender identity and politely requested her colleagues to use her preferred pronouns: she/her/hers. A fellow volunteer on the committee, Phil, refused to do this. After several weeks of continuing to use Rhonda’s former pronouns, Phil was taken aside by the project director, who asked him to respect Rhonda’s wishes and use her preferred pronouns. Phil refused on the basis that this request is confusing because he’s known Rhonda as Randy for eight years and anyway it violates his free speech rights. If you were the project director and could enforce any outcome you believed ethically correct, what would that outcome be? Refer to critical theory and normative theory to support your position.
Instructions:
In a paper appropriate for a professional audience, complete the following:
- Describe the primary interest(s) of at least two stakeholders in the ethical conflict posed by the scenario.
- Explain how these interests are connected and/or opposed.
- Summarize the key insights of a critical theory applicable to the ethical conflict in the chosen scenario.
- Explain connections to another critical theory.
- Analyze the ethical conflict(s) in the chosen scenario.
- Apply one of the following critical theories: feminism, queer theory, critical race theory, postcolonialism, or disability theory.
- Apply a traditional theory of normative ethics to resolve the ethical conflict presented in this scenario.
- Explain how this resolution satisfies certain aspects of another traditional theory of normative ethics.