Deontology Discussion Board
As Joe is trying to maintain order and follow orders to not allow more people into the already overcrowded Superdome, thousands more flock to the only place they believe they will be safe and where they expect to find shelter, food, clothing, medical supplies, and water.

Fights break out as people are turned away. Joe has a major problem on his hands. He has orders to turn people away so that those already inside the Superdome can be adequately cared for. Many others are outside violently oppose his orders. How can Joe follow his ethical beliefs?

How can you help Joe deal with this situation?

If Joe believes it is his duty to serve by following orders, what should he do?

What are Joe’s choices?

How would a deontologist, like Joe, make this decision?

Given the situation at the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina, Joe is in a very tight position. With him being in the National Guard, he has a duty under the terms of his contract, along with moral responsibilities. I’m assuming it would be an Emergency Deployment. National Guard units are occasionally deployed into active duty to respond to a crisis.

One choice that Joe has to maintain order is to let those individuals in who are separated from their families inside the Superdome. You have to give that much respect to a person because everybody is in a state of panic and wants to know their loved one is safe.

As a deontologist, he is obligated to follow orders which are not to allow any more people into the Superdome simply because it is meant to hold only 9000 people, and is currently housing 20,000 which is a safety hazard, not to mention there won’t be enough rationing available. Things are already bad due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the last thing you need is another safety hazard causing more problems.

If I were Joe, I’d keep my head straight and follow my duty that I am obligated to under the terms of my contract and not allow any more people into the Superdome. This choice would be the best as per to being a deontologist.