Mandating the use of Smart guns.

Scenario: The use of "Smart Guns" is a hotly debated topic with many on both sides of requiring that all guns be fitted with smart gun technology and not requiring that only smart guns can be owned. If smart guns are required, all newly manufactured guns would need to be smart guns and all guns previously manufactured would need to be retrofitted with smart gun technology. Smart guns are handguns that, through technology, can distinguish between an authorized user and someone who is not authorized. Many have argued that the technology is not reliable, politicians are not qualified to make gun design decisions, that it would be unconstitutional (violate 2^nd amendment), and that it would limit a person's choice of a handgun. Others have argued that smart guns would be safer than regular guns because they could not be used by unauthorized people which would prevent accidents, prevent stolen guns from being used in crimes, and save lives. For example, requiring that gun owners must have only smart guns would prevent children from finding the gun and using it, and criminals would not be able to use stolen guns. Some States have passed or proposed a law that would mandate that only smart guns could be sold in that state once smart guns are available in the U.S. The State Legislature in East Dakota state has been debating a bill introduced to require smart guns in the state. Representative Wayne has the deciding vote on whether or not to pass the bill.

Dilemma: Is it ethical for Representative Wayne to vote to restrict guns sold or owned in East Dakota to only smart guns, assuming smart guns are available?

Work need to be done!

Section 2: Beneficial Aspects

Explain and justify your reasoning for 2 beneficial aspects to your scenario. Basically, what are two benefits of the moral agent doing the action of the dilemma.

You must clearly identify AND JUSTIFY each of these beneficial aspects as follows, so that it is clear to the grader:

A beneficial aspect is XXX (and then explain)

Section 3: Detrimental Aspects

Explain and justify your reasoning for 2 detrimental aspects to your scenario. Basically, what are two detrimental aspects of of the moral agent doing the action mentioned in the ethical dilemma.

Clearly identify AND JUSTIFY each of these detrimental aspects as follows:

A detrimental aspect is XXX (and then explain)

Section 4: SOCIETAL / ETHICAL ISSUES

Here you will discuss 3 Issues that affect society and/or are ethical issues based on the scenario/dilemma that you have assigned again based on the moral agent doing the action of the dilemma.

Use the following formats to clearly identify each item as a societal issue or ethical issue. The grader will NOT try to figure it out, if it is not clearly identified you WILL NOT get credit for it.

Clearly identify AND JUSTIFY each as follows, so that it is clear to the grader.

A societal (or ethical) issue is XXX (and then explain)

Can a societal/ Ethical Issue also be a beneficial/detrimental aspect? YES but be sure it is appropriately explained under each heading.

Section 5: Intended Consequences of the doing the action of the dilemma identify 3

Remember that intended consequences may be negative or positive.

Identify consequences as primary, secondary or tertiary as well as intended or unintended

An intended [primary/secondary/tertiary] consequence is XXX (and then explain)

Can an intended consequence also be a beneficial/detrimental aspect? YES but be sure it is appropriately explained under each heading.

Section 6: Unintended Consequences of doing the action of the dilemma identify 3

Remember that unintended consequences may be negative or positive.

Identify consequences as primary, secondary or tertiary as well as unintended

An unintended [primary/secondary/tertiary] consequence is XXX (and then explain)

Can an unintended consequence also be a beneficial/detrimental aspect? YES but be sure it is appropriately explained under each heading.