...part of our assignment this week; the completion of Appendix B where we were to decide which course of action was to be taken based on each philosophical approach for the given scenarios. The three philosophical approaches are: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Consequentialism is the view that the value of actions is derived solely from the value of its consequences. In accounting, this approach is used to analyze which decision is most ethical based on the harms and benefits to the stakeholders; basically, it is the decision that does the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. In short, consequentialism is the decision is ethical if the positive outcome is greater than the negative outcome. Deontology is the ethical theory that is concerned with duties and rights. Whereas consequentialism is concerned with actions consequences, deontology is concerned with the obligation or duty motivating the decision (Brooks, 2007, p. 330). Decisions are based around moral standards, rights, fairness, and principles. Virtue ethics seems to lie somewhere between consequentialism and deontology; its primary concern is with traits of character that are morally right. Virtue ethics focuses on an individual’s integrity and character in relation to the moral community, such as professional communities (Brooks, 2007, p. 332). Scenario 1 The consequentialism approach is in favor of economic prosperity; the most favorable consequence for the greatest amount of...
Words: 1045 - Pages: 5
...INTRODUCTION In ethics, consequentialism is explain that an action should be judged right or wrong on the basis of their consequences. Consequentialism theory is also known teleological moral theories. Which teleological word is from Greek ” Telos”,means “end” and ” logos” means “science”. This theory of morality derives duty or moral obligation from what is good or desirable as an end to be achieved. This general approach can be applied at different levels to different normative properties of different kinds of things, but the most prominent example is consequentialism about the moral rightness of acts, which holds that whether an act is morally right depends only on the consequences of that act or of something related to that act, such as the motive behind the act or a general rule requiring acts of the same kind. ( www. plato.stanford.edu) Consequentialist, have two major theories that is ethical egoism and utilitarianism. Both these theories agree that human beings ought to behave in ways that will bring about good consequences. They differ, however, in that they disagree on who should benefit from these consequences. The ethical egoist essentially says that human beings ought to act in the interest of all concerned. ( Jacques P. Thiroux , Keith W. Krasemann) The rough idea behind ethical egoism is that the right thing to do is to look out for own self-interest. That’s mean we are morally required only to make ourselves as happy as possible and have...
Words: 1570 - Pages: 7
...Argument for Consequentialism Consequentialism and Imannuel Kant’s Theory of Moral Value provide a good framework for deciding what right actions are and specifically what actions are deemed intrinsically valuable. Consequentialism is going to emphasis that actions maximizing intrinsic value of all people affected by a situation are morally right while Kant is going to stress that only the motive behind an action determines whether an action is right, regardless of the consequences. Although consequentialism attributes the rightness of an action only on a consequence, consequentialist theories are broader theories of right action because they consider both motives and consequences in making moral decision, whereas Kant’s theory does not. Consequentialist theories of right action have two components. The first component states that a consequentialist theory will always answer what is intrinsically valuable. An object or thing that has intrinsic value is something that has value for its own sake. For example, pleasure and the feeling of happiness are intrinsically valuable because they are good in and of itself. The specific thing that is deemed intrinsically valuable can change according to what consequentialist theory one accepts. For example, utilitarians find the welfare of sentient beings intrinsically valuable while a hedonist finds only pleasure intrinsically valuable. The second component of consequentialist theories explains a principle of right action. In the...
Words: 1765 - Pages: 8
...Max Carey Ethics Paper 2 December 2, 2011 The Argument for Consequentialism Consequentialism and Imannuel Kant’s Theory of Moral Value provide a good framework for deciding what right actions are and specifically what actions are deemed intrinsically valuable. Consequentialism is going to emphasize that actions maximizing intrinsic value for all people affected by a situation are morally right while Kant is going to stress that only the motive behind an action determines whether an action is right, regardless of the consequences. Although consequentialism attributes the rightness of an action only on a consequence, consequentialist theories are more comprehensive theories of right action because they consider both motives and consequences in making moral decision, whereas Kant’s theory does not. Consequentialist theories of right action have two components. The first component states that a consequentialist theory will always answer what is intrinsically valuable. An object or thing that has intrinsic value is something that has value for its own sake. For example, pleasure and the feeling of happiness are intrinsically valuable because they are good in and of itself. The specific thing that is deemed intrinsically valuable can change according to what consequentialist theory one accepts. For example, utilitarians find the welfare of sentient beings intrinsically valuable while a hedonistic utilitarian finds only pleasure intrinsically valuable. The second...
Words: 1873 - Pages: 8
...Consequentialism or Justice An important role in defining justice is the concept of right. Hooker (2011), " A consequentialist theory that presupposes both that justice is constituted by such-and-such and that justice is one of the things to be promoted does not explain why the components of justice are important.” (para. 12). This paper is a reflection of Team’s D thoughts about Chapter 5, “Consequentialism or Justice.” The consequentialism theory is a decision of an individual who will cause a greater good for all. An individual should take the complete relating information and consider every possible option that will provide a decision that will provide every person with greater good. The decision should not affect just one person, or a small group, but each client. At a sleepover party, a rule of not playing with fire should not be set for just one child. The rule should be set for every child in the house because fire is harmful. Every child will benefit from the rule. Distributive justice is the assistance that every human has an equal chance. It provides an ability to help make sure every person has goods equal to others, for the greater good. The goods are not meant to be materialistic, they are meant to be for safety and health for healthy living. The theory intersects with Tamara’s personal value because where Tamara lives, she sees a community that lives by social justice. Many in the neighborhood make informal contracts among each other and use the...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
...The ethical theory of consequentialism states that we ought to base our moral decisions on the decisions that create the best outcomes. Therefore people should act so as to maximise good consequences. On the other hand non-consequentialism focuses on the moral rightness or wrongness of an act by looking at its intrinsic qualities rather than the nature of its consequences. I do not believe consequentialism is superior to non-consequentialism as a basis for making moral decisions due to its flawed nature. Consequentialism is impractical in real life situations as it is very demanding on a person. For they have to think through all the potential consequences of an action which is very time consuming. It is also highly unlikely a person will be able to accurately perceive all the potential consequences of an action at the time of making the decision therefore making it unrealistic. Another objection raised against consequentialism regarding it being too morally demanding is that it suggests one should abandon or neglect one’s own pursuits of happiness if even slightly better results could be created by acting in a way against the good of the person. This is asking people to act selflessly which is very unlikely and goes against most peoples natural instincts. This point also raises the issue that people are rarely if ever making decisions that will create the best outcomes and if they were it would be impossible for normal life to ensue as every act would be questioned, even something...
Words: 422 - Pages: 2
...The use of non-human animals in controlled variable experiments that affect the behaviour or biological systems of such animals is the very definition of animal testing. Animal testing has always been a controversial subject: be it within the bounds of medicinal advancement, cosmetic research, or even in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Many animal rights advocates and societies, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and BUAV (British Union for the Abolishment of Vivisection) questions the need for animal testing. The basis of their arguments consists of concerns over the regulation of these tests, the cruelty of such tests non-withstanding (PETA, 2017). They also question the legitimacy of animal testing, arguing that...
Words: 917 - Pages: 4
...“UTILITARIANISM” A Term Paper in Philospohy 12 (Moral Philosophy) SUBMITTED TO: Karen Acoba Instructor SUBMITTED BY: Joanne Marie B. Sanchez, BS BIO I – A 11:30 – 1:00 pm TTH March, 2016 Introduction “What is right and wrong?” Every day we ask that question, whether in simple situations like choosing a dress to wear in a party, or complicated ones like judging a supposed criminal. It guides our decisions, and helps to get better hold of our actions. In the field of Philosophy, the rightness or wrongness of a moral action is also a vital topic. This topic is termed as Normative Ethics – The study of ethical action. It is the branch of philosophical ethics that investigates the set of questions that arise when considering how one ought to act, morally speaking. Theories like Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, and Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism are some of the Normative Ethics theories. In this study, we will discuss about Utilitarianism. With the objectives of: simplifying a complicated Philosophical theory for students, and understanding deeply the principles of Utilitarianism. Discussion Utilitarianism is mainly characterized by two elements: happiness and consequentialism. Utilitarian happiness is the biggest happiness which (supposedly) every human being looks for. In utilitarianism everything useful to happiness is good. Therefore, the name of the doctrine is utilitarianism, based on the...
Words: 845 - Pages: 4
...From Our Search Bar (http://hwguiders.com/ ) As a student we are required to evaluate the philosophical approaches for each scenario from Appendix B. Evaluating whether or not the reasoning for the course of action listed makes sense. While working on the evaluation of the philosophical approaches we will discuss if the course of action is the most ethical, the best reasons for making the choices, and the reasons for believing this alternative is ethical. Consequentialism is the intent to maximize the usefulness of a decision. For this the relevance of this act depends on its consequences. For this approach it is essential to have a good ethical decisions and perception of it. With this it is important for students to analyze a decision in how the harmful and/or the benefits. This many philosophers’ debate ht consequences should count Deontology is different because it focuses on the obligation or duty in motivating the decision or the actions of the consequences. This depends on the respect, rights, and fairness. This approach brings up issues related to duty, rights, moral standards, and the principles. Virtue ethics approach focus on the integrity of the individuals and the moral of the community. In order to identify the issues of the ethical actions this act centers instead of agent centered. With this professional community will help to identify ethical issues and the guidelines. There is a debate over whether the community focuses on...
Words: 6500 - Pages: 26
...Consequentialism Whether an action is morally right or wrong depends entirely on its consequences. An action is right if it brings about the best outcome of the choices available. Otherwise it is wrong. The Good: Things (goals, states of affairs) that are worth pursuing and promoting. The Right: the moral rightness (or wrongness) of actions and policies. It says: “actions are Right when they maximize the Good”. And “"The ends justify the means". Consequentialism is based on two principles: * Whether an act is right or wrong depends only on the results of that act * The more good consequences an act produces, the better or more right that act It gives us this guidance when faced with a moral dilemma: * A person should choose the action that maximizes good consequences And it gives this general guidance on how to live: * People should live so as to maximize good consequence Consequentialism does not itself say what kinds of consequences are good. Hence people can agree on consequentialism while disagreeing about what kind of outcome is good or bad. If you happen to be in charge of setting speed limits, you might be thinking that a bad result is a death: the fewer deaths, the better. But the people who die in accidents were all going to die eventually anyway, so a fatal accident does not mean there are more deaths than there otherwise would have been. Perhaps, then, what counts as a good result is the amount of life that the action...
Words: 531 - Pages: 3
...Evaluating the Moral Justification of Force in the UK Police Consequentialism and the Use of Deadly Force Among Police Personnel in the UK Against a backdrop of a democratic society, the use of deadly force by the police in countries such as the UK seems implausible for human rights activists. First, police officers are expected to uphold the human rights of every individual hence, civilian rights are always preserved even in criminal cases where the due process of law is considered to be the golden standard in the judicial system. Thus, threading the line between regulations and policies of the agency as well as the ethical and moral dilemma in the use of deadly force predisposes police officers to question the legitimacy as well as the moral justifications in their use of deadly force. While several philosophical theorists have argued for different justifications through philosophical theories, the theory of consequentialism appears to be the one that closely justifies the use of deadly force among the police. Before examining the moral and ethical arguments for the use of deadly force using the consequentialist paradigm, let us first examine the important aspects of deadly force and the use of it by the UK police. First, deadly force as defined by Geller and Scott (23) pertains to the force reasonably capable of causing death or bodily harm. According to this definition, an act that can kill should be consumated before it can be considered as a deadly force hence; threats...
Words: 3190 - Pages: 13
...STRENGTHS OF DENTOLOGY: Deontology is based on duties and rights and respects individuals as ends in themselves. It places value on the intentions of the individual (rather than the outcomes of any action) and focuses on rules, obligations and duties. Deontology requires absolute adherence to these obligations and acting from duty is viewed as acting ethically. The deontological thinkers tend to think about care delivered through a long term continuous relationship. To them breaking care up into smaller fragments is a denial of what caring is really about. They maintain equity and considers every individual equally and worthy of protection. Motivation is valued over consequences, which are beyond our control. An immoral motive cannot be justifies by unforeseen good consequences but a good motive is worthy of value. It provides guidelines for making moral decisions , without the need for lengthy calculation of possible outcomes. It recognises the value of moral absolutes that do not change with time or culture. Deontology sports a fair trial of right or wrong as it depends on a universally accepted morality approach. It also makes the philosopher study both sides of a situation without compromising the outcomes. WEAKNESS OF DENTOLOGY: Deontology: One of the key criticisms in healthcare is that applying a strictly deontological approach to healthcare can lead to conflicts of interest between equally entitled individuals which can be difficult or even seemingly impossible...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...reasoning for the course of action which is listed that makes sense. When evaluating the approaches we are informed to take a course of action that is most ethical, the best reasons for the choice making and the reasons for believing this alternative is ethical. Consequentialism is the intent to maximize the usefulness of a decision. The relevance of this act is depended on its consequences. Now for this approach it’s necessary to have good ethical decisions and perception of it. Even this is important for the students to analyze a decision in and how harmful and beneficial it is. Many of the philosophers are debated on the consequences that should be counted. Deontology is a bit different just because it focuses on the obligation or the duty in motivating the decisions or the actions of the consequences. All of this depends on the respect, fairness, and the rights. This approach is up to the related issues of duty, moral standards, the principles and rights. The next is approach is the Virtue ethics and it focuses on the integrity of the individuals and the morals of the community. To identify the issues of the ethical actions but instead of agent centered. This professional community helps to identify the ethical issues and the guidelines; there is a debate over whether or not the community focuses on the interest. So this means that these individuals are excellence morals, achieving and being intellectual. SCENARIO 1 In this scenario the Consequentialism choice was that the mayor...
Words: 1029 - Pages: 5
...their employees as well as the consumers who are essential to the success of a business. Do businesses have an obligation to be moral? To ask that question one is asking if there is an authority telling the business what is right and wrong. To view a business overall as moral is questionable at best. More likely it could be said individuals within the business are moral. With that one needs to think more in terms of whether or not the business is ethical. Having good ethics, a system of appropriate and good conducts, are important for a business. It leads to good morale with the employees as well as showing consumers that the business is trustworthy. Some of the things to look at are the mentalities that drive a business. What motivates their way of thinking to set forth a set of ethics? Does it come down to one person and their beliefs or are a business’s ethics set by a collective standard? What is the basis for a company to decide what is good or bad for business? For most it seems that upper managements set forth the standards that the business holds as their ethics of practice. This can vary greatly from company to company dependent on the individual group’s views. Some businesses may operate on a consequentialist’s belief system. Consequentialism is the theory that the value and especially the moral value of an act should be judged by...
Words: 966 - Pages: 4
...This becomes a direct contrast to consequentialism, which allows the individual to determine whether “one state of affairs or outcome was impersonally better than another” (Nagel, “Ethics” in The View From Nowhere, 1986, Page 174) based on the consequences. In an essence, the determinant of the morality of an action in consequentialism stems from the end justifying the means. This is contradictory to deontology where moral actions have particular rules which have a “full force against you doing something – not just against it happening” (Nagel, “Ethics” in The View From Nowhere, 1986, Page 177), such as breaking a promise. This is separate from any consequence which following these deontological rules may...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
