Oral Presentation
Remember the Titans and Utilitarianism
Slide 1 – Introduction
This movie is based on a true story about a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia during the early 1970s. Throughout the movie, Coach Herman Boone faces many difficult decisions as he works to unite players from different racial backgrounds. I chose this movie because it clearly demonstrates how ethical decision-making can create positive outcomes for an entire group of people."
Slide 2 – What is Utilitarianism?
"Utilitarianism is an ethical theory developed by Jeremy Bentham and later expanded by John Stuart Mill.
The main idea is that the best decision is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Instead of thinking only about ourselves, utilitarianism encourages us to think about how our decisions affect everyone involved.
This theory focuses on the consequences of our actions rather than simply following rules."
Slide 3 – About the Movie
"Remember the Titans tells the story of a high school football team that is forced to integrate during a time when racial tensions were very high.
Coach Herman Boone becomes the new head coach and must lead players who don't trust each other because of their different backgrounds.
Throughout the movie, Coach Boone works to build respect, teamwork, and unity among his players."
Slide 4 – The Ethical Problem
"The biggest ethical problem in the movie is whether Coach Boone should allow the players to remain divided or require them to work together.
Many players didn't want to room together or even talk to teammates of another race.
Coach Boone had to make a difficult decision that many people disagreed with at first."
Slide 5 – Coach Boone's Decision
"Coach Boone decided to mix the players together, make them room together, and hold everyone to the same expectations.
At first, many players were upset and complained about his methods.
However, Coach Boone believed these decisions would help the entire team become stronger, and eventually they did."
Slide 6 – Applying Utilitarianism
"This is a great example of utilitarianism because Coach Boone wasn't trying to make one individual happy.
Instead, he focused on what would benefit the entire team.
His decisions helped reduce racism, build friendships, improve teamwork, and ultimately helped the team become successful.
Even though some players were uncomfortable at first, the long-term outcome benefited everyone."
Slide 7 – Connection to Education
"As a middle school math teacher, I can relate to Coach Boone's leadership.
Teachers make ethical decisions every day.
For example, we create classroom rules, organize group work, help struggling students, and make decisions that benefit the entire class.
Sometimes students don't always like our decisions, but our goal is to create the best learning environment for everyone."
Slide 8 – Personal Connection
"I believe utilitarianism has influenced many of the decisions I make as an educator.
I try to create lessons that help all students learn, encourage teamwork, and treat everyone fairly.
I also understand that every student learns differently, so I work to provide support whenever possible.
Just like Coach Boone, my goal is to help the entire group while still caring about each individual student."
Slide 9 – Conclusion
"In conclusion, Remember the Titans is an excellent example of utilitarianism in action.
Coach Boone made difficult decisions that were sometimes unpopular, but those decisions ultimately created positive outcomes for the entire team.
This ethical theory reminds us that good leadership often means making choices that benefit the greatest number of people.
As both teachers and future professionals, we can use utilitarian thinking to make decisions that improve the lives of the people we serve."
Slide 10 – Closing
"Thank you for listening to my presentation. Are there any questions?"