LJU4801
OCT/NOV PORTFOLIO 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 OCTOBER 2024
, Question 1
In this scenario, different philosophical approaches to ethics can help analyze the
actions of Mark Pachio and the reactions of both teams, Shibobo FC and Maluti FC.
Below, I'll outline three primary ethical approaches: consequentialism, deontology, and
virtue ethics, as they apply to the situation. Then, I'll provide an evaluation of which
approach may be most suitable in this context.
1. Consequentialism (Utilitarianism)
Consequentialism, particularly utilitarianism, evaluates the morality of an action based
on its outcomes. From this perspective, an action is morally right if it leads to the
greatest happiness or least harm for the most people involved. In Pachio’s case, his
deliberate handball may be considered a calculated action aimed at achieving the best
outcome for his team, Shibobo FC. By preventing the goal, Pachio gave Shibobo a
better chance to reach the semi-finals, which they ultimately did after winning the shoot-
out.
Shibobo FC’s perspective aligns with consequentialist reasoning. The team might argue
that Pachio’s action, though against the rules, was justified by the positive outcome for
Shibobo – advancing to the semi-finals. From their point of view, the handball's benefits
outweighed the harm, especially since Pachio faced an immediate penalty for his
actions (a red card and a penalty kick), which balanced the scales of fairness in their
eyes.
However, from Maluti FC’s perspective, this action led to an unfair disadvantage.
Despite the penalty, they believe the act broke the integrity of the game by introducing
dishonesty, thus viewing the action as detrimental to fair play values.
2. Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based)
OCT/NOV PORTFOLIO 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 OCTOBER 2024
, Question 1
In this scenario, different philosophical approaches to ethics can help analyze the
actions of Mark Pachio and the reactions of both teams, Shibobo FC and Maluti FC.
Below, I'll outline three primary ethical approaches: consequentialism, deontology, and
virtue ethics, as they apply to the situation. Then, I'll provide an evaluation of which
approach may be most suitable in this context.
1. Consequentialism (Utilitarianism)
Consequentialism, particularly utilitarianism, evaluates the morality of an action based
on its outcomes. From this perspective, an action is morally right if it leads to the
greatest happiness or least harm for the most people involved. In Pachio’s case, his
deliberate handball may be considered a calculated action aimed at achieving the best
outcome for his team, Shibobo FC. By preventing the goal, Pachio gave Shibobo a
better chance to reach the semi-finals, which they ultimately did after winning the shoot-
out.
Shibobo FC’s perspective aligns with consequentialist reasoning. The team might argue
that Pachio’s action, though against the rules, was justified by the positive outcome for
Shibobo – advancing to the semi-finals. From their point of view, the handball's benefits
outweighed the harm, especially since Pachio faced an immediate penalty for his
actions (a red card and a penalty kick), which balanced the scales of fairness in their
eyes.
However, from Maluti FC’s perspective, this action led to an unfair disadvantage.
Despite the penalty, they believe the act broke the integrity of the game by introducing
dishonesty, thus viewing the action as detrimental to fair play values.
2. Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based)
