Offering the “Sociological Eye” to Examine Ethical Egoism at an Illustrative Homeless Shelter for Men: A Pedagogical Exercise

J Forbes Farmer

doi:10.14738/assrj.610.7312

Abstract

This is an exploration into the philosophical realm of misplaced ethics at an illustrative homeless shelter where human service practitioners should be keeping better focus on delivering services to destitute men in a large industrial city. The question raised is whether or not the cause of the ethical egoism seen there, that results in problems typical of homeless shelters around the world, is structurally based. The problems result in mistrust of the shelter and a diminishment of services to a vulnerable population. Sociologically framed questions serve as a tool for the use of the case method of teaching.

Highlights

The essential concern of consequential moral theorists is that behavior should produce the best balance of good over evil
Bentham (1879, [1789]) called this the “principle of utility” and Mill (1879) called it the “greatest happiness principle.”. This focus on the consequences of action was radical in their day, but in the twenty-first century it has become a powerful lens through which behavior can be analyzed and evaluated in many areas of everyday life, including management, decisionmaking and professionalism in the human services field that is guided by a code of ethics
What are the chances that Chelsea Place can return to the well-run and respected place it once was? 9

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The essential concern of consequential moral theorists is that behavior should produce the best balance of good over evil. Some are urban and some rural, some have waiting lists and some do not, some have referral connections to affordable housing and some do not, and so on The one thing they all should have in common is a mission that reflects the social work code of ethics that mandates an improvement in the quality of life and personal well-being of the vulnerable homeless population that passes through their door, too often a revolving one. He selects and supervises the shelter residents This includes ensuring that house rules are followed, providing crisis counseling, and making referrals for the men who need job training, medical attention or transportation. His job involves distributing mail (men are allowed to use Chelsea Place as their temporary legal residence), and helping the shelter men find affordable housing when their residency term expires.

DISCUSSION

Findings

17. How do you imagine the shelter men see themselves?