8217;s parents to make in this situation? Should they protect their son from prosecution or hand him over to the proper authorities? Jim’s parents must decide which of their options is morally correct, and then choose that option. The ethical principles of divine moral authority and utilitarianism can be used to help a person distinguish the morally correct decision, when confronted with a morally problematic situation. In the Smith’s case, the two principles can be applied to their dilemma in order find the solution that is morally correct. However, the Smith’s through their examination raises another question. Why should we be moral? The morally correct solution to the Smith’s situation varies depending on the ethical principle that is applied. After analyzing the situation using the principles, one learns why we should be moral.Robert C. Mortimer, a philosopher during the 1950s, developed the ethical principle of divine moral authority. The principles of divine moral authority are established primarily by the ethical principles of Catholicism. Mortimer states that, according to moral authority, “man’s ownership and use of the material world is not absolute, but subject to the law of God. (pg. 267).” In order to make a morally correct judgment, we must assure that the judgment coincides with natural moral law, the laws established by our God. Natural moral law, in accordance with Mortimer, states that nature has intrinsic goals (without irregularities) and purposes, in which the lower goals must be subordinate to higher goals. According to Mortimer, the Smith’s must analyze their situation according to natural moral law. Jim has killed a person, which violates one of most sacred laws of God, eve though he did not kill the person intentionally. Although Jim is their son, Jim’s parents must acknowledge that Jim has violated a moral law of the society and the law of God. Though Jim&#...
