...APPLIED ETHICS A. What is applied ethics? 1. So far we have been focused either on normative ethics, which studies what features make something good/bad, an act right/wrong or a trait virtuous or vicious - or metaethics, which studies philosophical questions about the meaning of ethical words, or the nature of ethical facts 2. Applied ethics is a distinct category of ethical philosophy A. What is applied ethics? 3. Deals with difficult moral questions and controversial moral issues that people actually face in their lives Examples: the moral issues regarding… abortion euthanasia giving to the poor sex before marriage the death penalty gay/lesbian marriage (or other rights) war tactics censorship so-called “white lies” etc. A. What is applied ethics? 4. Given the time we have left in the semester, we’re going to focus on only two example issues: • Whether or not we are morally obligated to help the less fortunate (especially those in other nations) • Whether or not abortion is morally wrong 5. Why we haven’t spent more time on this: • Often results in gridlocked or endless discussions • Having some prior knowledge of some normative theories helps give a framework for discussion • Brings in issues that are not philosophical E.g., a discussion about whether or not the death penalty is morally OK may require sociological information about its effectiveness, etc. B. Suggestions for having good discussions 1. Abortion is a very emotional and charged issue - Students are bound...
Words: 2993 - Pages: 12
...Arguments As we have learned so far in this paper applied ethics is oriented towards practical life questions or situations that one might be having. (e.g. is abortion morally wrong, helping the poor, biomedical ethics) For example, lets say that you are driving a truck and your breaks go out. You notice workers working on both side of the road. You have to decide whether you will kill 5 workers on the right side of the rode or go left and kill one worker. That is when applied ethics comes in, and one looks at their moral principles that they have set for themselves to make their decision. Will re-visit the question at the end of the section once we have gain a better understanding of applied ethics. For the purpose of this paper and to better...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...Meta ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics 1 Running head: META ETHICS, NORMATIVE ETHICS, APPLIED ETHICS. Meta ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics Gina Padilla Crj 220 Ignacio V. Vila April 14, 2012 Meta ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics 2 Running head: Meta ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics. Meta ethics talks about the nature of ethics and moral reasoning. Discussions about whether ethics is relative and whether we always act from self-interest are examples of meta- ethical discussions. In fact, drawing the conceptual distinction between Meta ethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics is itself a "meta ethical analysis." Normative ethics is interested in determining the content of our moral behavior. Normative ethical theories seek to provide action-guides; procedures for answering the Practical Question ("What ought I to do?"). The moral theories of Kant and Bentham are examples of normative theories that seek to provide guidelines for determining a specific course of moral action. Think of the Categorical Imperative in the case of the former and the Principle of Utility in the case of the latter. Applied Ethics attempts to deal with specific realms of human action and to craft criteria for discussing issues that might arise within those realms. The contemporary field of Applied Ethics arouse in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, it is a thriving part of the field of ethics. Numerous books and web-sites are devoted...
Words: 296 - Pages: 2
.... At no time, from 1941 to 1945, did I ever hear it suggested by the President, or by any other responsible member of the government, that atomic energy should not be used in war. I therefore emphasize that it was our common objective, throughout the war, to be the first to produce an atomic weapon and use it. Among the suggestions thus forwarded was one memorandum which questioned using the bomb at all against the enemy. Japan, in July 1945, had been seriously weakened by our increasingly violent attacks. It was known to us that she had gone so far as to make tentative proposals to the Soviet government, hoping to use the Russians as mediators in a negotiated peace. T There was as yet no indication of any weakening in the Japanese determination to fight rather than accept unconditional surrender. We estimated that if we should be forced to carry this plan to its conclusion, the major fighting would not end until the latter part of 1946, at the earliest. I was informed that such operations might be expected to cost over a million casualties, to American forces alone. The determination of the Allies to destroy permanently all authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the country into embarking on world conquest. I personally think that if in saying this we should add that we do not exclude a constitutional monarchy under her present dynasty, it would substantially add to the chances of acceptance. Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, and Nagasaki on August...
Words: 300 - Pages: 2
...factors that influence social responsibility strategies of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross must act ethically with sensitivity to the community and strive for positive effective contribution. The American Red Cross (2013) governing body is the Board of Governors. The Board has the necessary overseeing power to manage business affairs of the organization and maintains sequences of governing documents. The governing documents go through a review process to ensure safeguards are in place so that the needs of American Red Cross are met and reflect present-day industry best practices. There is a commitment with the Board of Governors to hold every member of the American Red Cross to the highest standards in reference to conduct and ethics. In addition, within the American Red Cross are corporate policies and regulations, which require compliance by employees and volunteers (American Red Cross, 2013B). There is a connection between the American Red Cross, because the American Red Cross is a social process. There is not one aspect of the American Red Cross not affected in some way by social elements. The social initiatives are part of the daily workings of the American Red Cross and the American Red Cross strives to widen the role of working toward a responsible social entity. One...
Words: 687 - Pages: 3
...Whether it is from lack of knowledge, plain cold heartedness, or both, it will weigh heavy on their companies future. Lack of community involvement, irresponsibility, and pure disregard for building relationships will be looked upon very negatively and damage not only customer relations but shareholder relations as well. While there are a lot of competition and challenges for small business in today’s economic world, there are also a lot of opportunities to stand out by giving back to the community which in turn will provide a positive environment. Part B: Company Q needs to go back to the drawing board and create a strong code of ethics that outlines provisions for social responsibility. Putting together a powerful, educated, experienced committee that has knowledge about ethics, can put together the guidelines for the company’s ethics and social responsibility. Once they have a good code, they need to implement it immediately to help with damage control. They also need to reevaluate locations and be sure to do a market analysis of each area. This will familiarize them with...
Words: 547 - Pages: 3
...Company Q’s current attitude toward social responsibility. i. Are Q’s actions (as described in the given statement) socially responsible? Why or why not? ii. Why is it important for Q to be socially responsible? b. Part B - Recommend three actions that Company Q could take to improve the company’s attitude toward social responsibility. i. Based on the information described in the given statement, what does Q need to change moving forward? c. Task Tips i. Focus on the information given to you in the task instructions. ii. Try not to over-think this task II. Task 2 – Imagine you are the ethics officer for a new business, Company X. Develop an ethics program that will be a part of the new employee handbook. a. Part A - Standards & Procedures i. This section should clearly describe specific actions, conduct, and/or behaviors that would be acceptable (or unacceptable) for your employees. 1. Example = dress code policy ii. This section must include a minimum of 4 elements to receive a passing score. b. Part B - Training i. This section should describe the type of training program that you will provide for your organization. ii. Elements to consider including: 1. Frequency of trainings 2. Specific content included in training program a. Example = workplace...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...To: Company Q From: Classifying Your Success Inc., Business Consultant RE: Evaluation and Recommendations for Company Q’s Recent Modifications Dear Company Q, Per your request, I will evaluate your business outlook and your recent modifications on how you have or have not made socially responsible decisions. I will then provide stable recommendations for the company’s benefit and best interest. This evaluation and recommendation regarding social responsibility relates to the closing of two facilities, adding new products at the request of your customers, and your denial to donate day-old products to a local food bank. Keep in mind that social responsibility in business can be defined as “an organization’s obligation to maximize its positive impact on stakeholders and to minimize its negative impact.” In addition, “companies have an economic responsibility to be profitable so that they can provide a return on investment to their owners and investors, create jobs for the community, and contribute goods and services to the economy.” Your decision to close the two stores in high crime rate areas, reportedly because the stores were consistently losing money may be unhealthy to the future success of the business. The threats to be considered in this situation are 1) losing that geographical customer base and having to make up for the loss within your existing locations and 2) attracting investors to support your upcoming endeavors because those two businesses were not...
Words: 944 - Pages: 4
...responsibility is very negative. Company Q did not even consider the fact that the employees will lose their jobs if they close those two stores. Had they considered, they could have tried to improve things in those two locations so that they don’t go in a loss rather than just closing the stores. Not only did the employees lost their jobs but the company lost a loyal customer base too by closing those two stores. There is also a significant mistrust between the company Q and its employees going on. The decision to rather throw the food away than to donate it to the food bank because of distrust in their employees shows that Company Q lacks not only business ethics but also social responsibility too. This company needs to set certain guidelines to practice better business ethics within the enterprise and help increase trust between the company and its employees. After several requests from customers for years, they started providing health conscious and organic food products. This could be called as being socially responsible and...
Words: 838 - Pages: 4
...The Standard Formula of an Article in Applied Ethics Although philosophical articles can vary widely in their structure and writing style, most credible articles in applied ethics follow a predictable formula. In this conception of that formula, applied ethics articles can typically be broken into five distinct components: 1. Introduction to the case the author wishes to analyze The introduction usually features a brief overview of the issue and a quick recap of the relevant literature on the subject. If the article is a response to a different view on the same case, the other view will be presented and explained before the author presents his or her own view. Optionally, the author may raise objections to other views on the subject before presenting his or her own view. 2. Proposal of a theory (or principle) which can be used to analyze the case All case analyses must have some theoretical framework on which they are based. Without a framework that illustrates clear behavior-guiding principles, any case analysis will lack compelling support and risk incoherence. 3. Critical analysis of the theory and explanation of why it is superior to alternative theories or principles If the theory has unacceptable flaws, then any case analysis based on that theory or principle will inherit related flaws. Consequently, the author must defend the theory against opposing viewpoints by offering supporting arguments and responding to objections. Any mysterious or puzzling concepts must also be...
Words: 784 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Reflection Paper Ethics Reflection Paper Ethics and social responsibility are important concepts that play a significant role into implementing a strategic plan. Ethics and social responsibility will benefit an organization into having a successful strategy plan and reduce and any potential negative impact of a operation. The subjects to address in this paper are the following, the role of ethics and social responsibility in developing a strategic plan considering stakeholder needs and how my ethical perceptive has evolved throughout the program. Ethics is an important concept as well as the fundamental principles of right individuals conduct. “Business ethics seek to proscribe behavior that businesses, firm managers, and workers should not engage in. Ethics is a source of guidance beyond enforceable law. It is clear and uncontroversial that firms and their workers should not engage in unlawful acts, such as selling harmful or defective products, and ignorance of the law cannot be used as a justification for unlawful actions. Business and management ethics goes beyond the law lo provide guidelines as to what is acceptable behavior in business transactions” (Haq, 2011, p.1). The way a company could successfully establish a mission, vision, or objective for its organization is through adhering ethics. The company must develop values that interest stakeholders. The values should include direction and expectation of the organization. The values should...
Words: 590 - Pages: 3
...Evaluation In evaluating Company Q for social responsibility, I have found that the company has not made a commitment to being completely socially responsible. The definition of Corporate Social Responsibility according to Lord Holme and Richard Watts (2000), “is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large”. The company has made some attempts at social responsible behavior by listening to a portion of their customers supplying them with health-conscience and organic products; however, this concession came after years of request from their customers and the stores only offer a very limited quantity of those types of foods. Company Q has ignored other opportunities to better the general community where the company conducts its business. Company Q has closed two stores in higher-crime-rate areas because of loss of profits. Company Q failed to recognize that this poorly impacts the community and the employees in that area and reflects poorly on its overall corporate image. Also, Company Q opted to throw away day old food instead of giving it to the community food bank believing it may promote fraud or stealing within their own employees. Both of these decisions were not based on a proper socially responsible attitude. This type of behavior was well hidden several years ago before the world was as...
Words: 1004 - Pages: 5
...Ethics Paper Joshua Gilmore MGT/498 10-28-2013 Dr. John Olmstead Introduction Companies and organizations have many plans and goals that are set and chased after year in and year out. The main objective in the end is profits and a company cannot stay afloat if it isn’t profitable. Every company has its ways of being profitable. Ethics plays a large role in a company’s success and could make or break a company in the long run if the company does not practice responsible ethics. Having proper ethics is very important in our ever day life and now with consumers it is important that our companies and organizations are also acting with proper ethics. Some believe that helping the community around the company and abroad is the ethical thing to do and some believe that providing a good product at a good price is being ethical. Role of Ethics and Social Responsibility The concept of social responsibility proposes that a private corporation has responsibilities to society that extend beyond making a profit (Wheelen & Hunger, , 2010). There are many responsibilities in developing a strategic plan and the role that ethics play in the development. Chapter three of (Wheelen & Hunger, p. 70, 2010) speaks on a company that decided to not reach out to its stakeholders before making a move and decided to move to help the community around the company and abroad by spending a lot of the profits to reach out and better the community...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...Task 2 Situation B (Objective 310.2.3-08) Develop an ethics program for a company Task A – Develop an applicable standards and procedures section that includes four elements of acceptable or unacceptable behavior found in a code of ethics. Professional Behavior. All employees are expected to act in a professional and courteous manner when in the company of customers, clients, co-workers, supervisors, and in the general public when performing company business and duties. It is through this professionalism that the best in an individual can show through. Professionalism builds character, respect, dignity, and self-worth. Teamwork and cooperation between colleagues will build the best holistic outcome in what we do. Tobacco Use Tobacco use by employees will not be tolerated on the grounds of Company X, except in the confines of their own personal vehicle. This policy is to include smokeless tobacco. Tobacco use in a personal vehicle will be conducted on the employees scheduled break time. Littering of tobacco by-products will also not be tolerated, and if caught, employee will be cited for littering by local law enforcement. Usage of tobacco products will also be prohibited in the confines of Company X’s vehicles. Gifts Employees of Company X are prohibited from accepting any gift from a business partner, competitor, or public government official (foreign or domestic), in the excess of twenty-five dollars. Some entertainment is allowed, however, like...
Words: 1344 - Pages: 6
...Terrorism and Ethics PHI208 Rebecca Wilson January 24, 2015 Terrorism and Ethics Since the beginning of time, humans have fought one another to establish power. More specifically, Americans have been involved in many wars over the years. Some of these wars have been about nothing more than a power trip, but more recently there has been an ongoing war against terrorism. When thinking of a war and the violence that comes along with it, it seems as though all measures should be taken to prevent such a tragic resolution. When those measures are not successful, or an attack is made on an opposing country, war is usually inevitable, especially when there is terrorism involved. The question arises: Is war on terrorism ethical and just? Using the utilitarian and deontologist theories, I will demonstrate how war on terrorism is in fact justified. Utilitarianism is the theory that the consequences of an action determine the morality of the act; it is also focused on an outcome that appeases the majority (Mosser, 2013). For example, if my children both like pepperoni only on their pizza, and we are a family of three, it would make the most sense to order a pepperoni pizza rather than a deluxe since the pepperoni appeases both children. Since utility is based on consequences, this scenario works because while I enjoy deluxe pizza and it would please me, my children are the majority and pepperoni isn’t bad at all. When applying this ethical theory to the topic of war on terrorism...
Words: 849 - Pages: 4
