PHL 218 Module Four Short Paper Guidelines and RubricOverview When we consider global ethical issues that need to be addressed, it is important to remember that every issue has been shaped by history.

Addressing Food Security as a Global Ethical Issue

Student Name:

Institutional Affiliation: Southern New Hampshire University

Course Code: PHIL-218

Instructor's Name:

Date of Submission: 07/13/2025

1. Description of the Specific Global Ethical Issue

A. Focus: Economic Justice

This project is concerned with economic justice, which primarily focuses on the equal distribution of resources, opportunities, and wealth within societies, ensuring fair access to basic needs and economic stability.

B. Theme: Food Security

Among the current concerns of economic justice, the issue of food security addresses the global problem of providing all people with regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that supports their dietary requirements for a healthy and active life.

C. Special Topic: Food Security

The specific issue is food shortage, which has existed globally, as millions of people face this challenge, especially in developing regions, where economic inequalities have exacerbated the problem. Among the obstacles in this concern are poverty, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, and unfair food distribution mechanisms, as stated by Josette Sheeran in her TED Talk, "Ending Hunger Now."

2. Prominent Ethical Dilemma

The most notable ethical dilemma in the context of food security and economic justice is the tension between the urgent need to provide food aid to the hungry and the long-term goal of establishing sustainable and equitable food systems. When used as emergency food assistance, it is possible to save lives; however, it can also lead to dependency and negative impacts on local agricultural economies (Sheeran, 2011). On the other hand, the focus on systematic changes, such as supporting smallholder farmers or changing trade policies, can postpone the immediate relief of people who are in dire need. This is a dilemma that raises questions about the importance of short-term relief versus long-term structural change, and the consequent need for short-term relief to address available resources in a manner that upholds the dignity and autonomy of the affected communities.

Advantages of Applying an Ethical Framework

The application of an ethical framework in the context of food security provides a systematic approach to addressing the complex moral issues surrounding food security. An example would be that a utilitarian approach would encourage the decision that provides the maximum good in all circumstances, which could mean allocating resources towards programs that benefit the most people, as in the case of investing in sustainable agriculture, as promoted by Sheeran. Instead, a justice-centered approach, such as that of John Rawls, would focus on justice and cater to the interests of the least privileged, including smallholder farmers.

Benefits of Diverse Ethical Perspectives

Various ethical perspectives promote a more effective approach to food security, as they provide a more comprehensive view of the problem and foster innovative solutions. An example of a deontological approach focuses on the moral obligation to provide direct food aid to the needy, ensuring that no one is left to starve to death (Sheeran, 2011). Alternatively, a virtue ethics perspective could focus on developing compassion and responsibility within global food systems, investing in long-term education and empowerment, as is the case with women in agriculture. The combination of these views can lead to a solution that meets both short-term and long-term needs, considers cultural conditions, and encourages countries to collaborate in eliminating hunger.

Reference

Sheeran, J. (2011, July). Ending hunger now. TEDGlobal 2011. TED Conferences. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/josette_sheeran_ending_hunger_now