Theories of Ethics

Theories of EthicsBy: Angela Cabirdo Nathalie Dilan

OBJECTIVESAsses the various roles of theories and theorizing in business ethicsIdentify the key features of a representative range of theories of ethicsCritically evaluate the application of these theories in a business context.

THEORIZING ETHICS2 issues connected to theory of ethics:

1- CONTRAST BETWEEN THEORIES OF BUSINESS ETHICS AS INSTRUMENTS TO HELP MANAGERS FORMULATE DECISIONS -its ambiguous help us understand ethics orto help us want to be ethical

THEORIZING ETHICSStill on the ambiguity How will business people use the ethical theories?- (earlier or later phase of decision making?)

2- WHAT IS THIS THEORIES FOR?3 things it might accomplish( to inform, ground and be a basic starting point)

THEORIZING ETHICSETHICS is NOT SociologyElements of ethical decisionPersonalityNatureOutcomes Situation

ETHICAL EGOISM and SUBJECTIVISMETHICAL EGOISM- what is right is for ones own interests.RATIONAL EGOISM- is self-oriented but leads to more altruistic situations.AYN RAND- altruism is misplaced.. True moral value is to act for oneselfthe pursuit of self-interest wouldnt lead to conflict hence itll harmonize human needs and productiveness

ETHICAL EGOISM and SUBJECTIVISMSUBJECTIVISM- there are no objective considerations regarding morals, each individuals ethical position is not subject to rational criticismNo argument on ethicsSubjectivism and egoism doesnt imply selfishnessVIRTUE ETHICSIt is traced in writings of ancient philosophersThe attempt to understand the rightness or wrongness of an individual action is misplaced.More sense to look at the idea of a good life considered over all.VIRTUE

VIRTUE ETHICSDistinction between a person being virtuous and a person displaying specific valuesbeing ethical is related to being humanImplies a good life avoided extremes.Moderation

VIRTUE ETHICSA virtuous man would simply not find a bribe temptingA person who does find it tempting isnt virtuous at all.VIRTUE ETHICS- an approach to right and wrong that focuses on the character or personality of an individualDEONTOLOGICAL THEORIESIdentifies duties and obligations arising from the nature of an action.Deontology = duty and explanation

IMMANUEL KANTFocuses on what humans can be fully responsible for.Pure ethical choice- an action done out of sense of duty

DEONTOLOGICAL THEORIESCategorical imperative- implies to any rational person. (universal)Is something is a duty for one, it will be a duty for allUniversability test of whether something is ethically acceptable or not.To be really effective need a keen sense of rightness and wrongnessCONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES

Ethics is evaluated in terms of consequences an action carries.One act is made worse because of its consequences.ULITARIANISM- promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Ethics of RightsLegal or Political RightsMoral RightsHuman RightsShaws Properties of Human RightsUniversal applicationEquality of applicationNon-destructibility of rightsIndependence of social or political institutions or practicesNegative rightsRelease individuals from restrictions

Positive rightsIndicate benefits that each individual can expect from government and society.

Human rights appear to be an important but incomplete basis for the ethics of business

DisputesWhat specific benefit should be regarded as human rights opposed to being simply a desirable.Conflict of interests.Concept of proportionality.

JusticeEquated with the idea of fair and equal application of laws and moral codes and rules

Procedural JusticeRefer to processes

Distributive JusticeRefer to outcomes

Distributive JusticeLibertarian approachRadical approachSocial Contract approach

Cultural RelativismIdea that the values embodied in different cultures can only be understood in their own terms.

National or Ethnic groupDominant set of customs, perceptions and practicesParticular businessInternal idiosyncratic styleAcculturationHuman beings are members of a wide range of different kinds of social groupings, each with their own allegiance, and each of which therefore, may be regarded as a legitimate part of their identity, and therefore have a good claim to be reflected in their values and ethical attitudes.

-Amartya Sen

Critical TheoryLooks at theories as theories as special phenomenon needing an explanation of their social existence as much as a justification of their key statements

FeministPost modern ethics

Feminist EthicsBased on idea that ethics in general has bee developed within a male dominated society.

Annette BaierPointed out that transactional approach behind mosttheories of moral choice only works by makingunrealistic assumptions that all relevant parties are in anequal position with respect to choice.

Carol GilliganEthics of care

REVIEW QUESTIONS:What is the principles of the greatest happiness of the greatest number?2. How does feminism critique business ethics theories?3. What does Rawls mean by the veil of ignorance?4. What does the categorical imperative state?5. How does Aristotle try to integrate the different virtues?