...Utilitarianism, Ethical Egoism, and Moral Relativism Tom Gardner Ethics is a branch of philosophy that attempts to answer the questions; what’s right? What’s wrong? And why? Moral relativism is an ethics position that essentially states that people have disagreeing moral beliefs and therefore you must but tolerant of other's morals. This position leads to the problematic realization that if this is the case there can be no objective moral truths nor can there be any universal principles. Act utilitarianism and ethical egoism are two different ethics theories that attempt to respond to this challenge of moral relativism in different ways. Ethical egoism attempts to respond to the challenge of moral relativism by justifying that there is a universal principle for what actions are right and what are wrong. It is a form of consequentialism, which means it looks solely at the consequences of action to see if it is right or wrong. The defining sentence of egoism is as follows, “What's good for you is right and what's bad for you is wrong.” This phrase can be interpreted in a number of ways, the most popular one being: every person should act in their own self-interest. This means that when deciding on whether an action is good, any effect on others (mental or physical) by said action has no merit. An egoist that is measuring or justifying an action's goodness is only examining the possible positive or negative effects this action will have on him. The majority of the justification...
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...“Moral relativism is a better system than moral absolutism” Moral relativism refers to the normative ethical system which rejects the idea of absolutes and instead believes that “man is the measure of all things”- which was skilfully expressed by Ruth Benedict. The moral relative system surpasses that of moral absolutism and this will be justified throughout this essay. Moral relativist systems exceed moral absolutist systems due to diversity. The system explains the different values that people hold and encourages diverse cultural expressions due to there being no rigidity or fixe ethical code. This allows for a better system as it signifies freedom of expression and people being able to share their opinions with each other, without there being a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This is due to the system prohibiting dominant cultures from enforcing itself over others simply because of a disparity of opinions. This means that all cultures are valued by a relativist as there is no objective knowledge that one must accept, they instead must accept all actions as equally valid in the society in which they take place. This would then make is difficult for a relativist to criticise religious acts such as Muslim women wearing a hijab in England , which is beneficial to society due to the lack of discrimination and ignorance. In conjunction with diversity, moral relativism is a better system than moral absolutism due to circumstantial aspects. Moral absolutism does not take into account the...
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...Associate Level Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. Include APA formatted in-text citations when applicable and list all references at the bottom of the page. |Ethical Theory | | | | | | | | | | |Utilitarianism |Deontological |Virtue ethics | | | |Definition | |Making choices that determine the sole |Describes the character of a moral agent as | | |A consequentialist theory in a |purpose of morally required, forbidden, or|a driving force for ethical behavior rather | | |normative ethics holding that the |permitted. |than by rules, consequences, or social | | |right decision making is the one | |context...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. Include APA formatted in-text citations when applicable and list all references at the bottom of the page. Ethical Theory | | | | | Utilitarianism | Deontological | Virtue ethics | | Definition | “Moral decisions require taking full advantage of the benefits as well as minimizing the damage to society. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007)”Or moral worth can determine only by the result outcome. One can only weight the morality of an action after knowing the consequences. | “Somebody who concentrates on carrying out what is “right” consistent with their own ethics as it’s as ideals. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007)” “So this approach judges the morality of someone action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, according to which the rightness of an action is determined by its consequences.” | This focuses more on the integrity of the moral actor than on the moral act itself.”“A concentration on virtue ethics, or honesty, deal mainly with an individual’s character, inspirations, as their objectives, in place of results or regulations, as their crucial factor of moral philosophy.” (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) | Ethical thinker associated with theory | Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart | Immanuel Kant | Plato and Aristotle | Decision-making process | “What action nets the best...
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...Chapman Business Ethics Exam Two The Stakeholder theory of a firm is made up into equal percentages on a pie chart, which is made up of Financials, Suppliers, Employees, Customers and Communities. The Stockholder theory of a firm is made up by a pyramid structure consisting of Labor, Management, CEO, Board and Stockholders. I believe the Stakeholder theory is less ethical than the stockholder theory in terms of Libertarianism and Egoism. Libertarianism view points are that there is no direct harm, not infringing on rights, not breaking the laws, government protection only, free market and charity. The Egoism viewpoint is to maximize long-term self-interest. The Stakeholder Theory is less ethical from the Libertarianism viewpoint, because there are some major concerns that don’t agree with their principles. The first principle it breaches is no-direct harm, because it does cause direct harm. The theory causes direct harm by having everybody set as equal to the firm, but in reality the creditors and shareholders are above everybody. I believe this causes harm in that you have to pay back your creditors and shareholders back first, because without them there would not be a company and if you don’t pay them their higher percentage they will not re-invest inside the company, which will cause the direct harm to the pie by causing the equal pie pieces to be broken up and forcing the company to shutdown due to default. This theory also infringes on the rights of the Financials, because...
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... This paper intends to discuss the basic theories within the scope of the tragedy of commons, especially from the ethics perspective. In addition, the paper also explicitly explores two possible ways to solve the tragedy of the commons, the free market solution and the socialism solution, and applies these ways to a real case of Euro’s Tragedy. In the end, referring to Elinor Ostrom’s theory in 2009, the paper recommends the collective agreement from the moral perspective to be the possible ideal solution to the tragedy of the commons. | | Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Formation 2 2.1 Theoretical explain of the formation 2 2.2 Hardin’s grazing model 4 3. Ethics Involved 5 3.1 Ethical Egoism Theory 5 3.2 Utilitarian Theory 5 3.3 Moral Foundation Theory, Virtue Theory and Confucius 6 3.4 Right Theory 6 4. Solutions to the Tragedy 7 4.1 Free market solution 7 4.2 Socialism solution 9 4.3 Comparison of the Two Solutions 10 4.3.1 Attitude towards self-interest 11 4.3.2 Attitude towards common resources 11 4.3.3 Government Function 11 4.3.4 Incentive structures 11 4.3.5 Outcomes 12 5. Case of Euro’s Tragedy 12 5.1 How Euro’s Tragedy Happened 13 5.2 How it related to Tragedy of the Commons 14 5.3 Free Market Capitalism Solution and the Tragedy of Euro 14 5.4 Socialism Solution and the Tragedy of Euro 15 6. A Third Solution 17 6.1 Ethical Obligation 17 6.2 Cultivating Ethics 17 6.3 Elinor Ostrom’s Theory 18 7. Conclusion 20 Bibliography 21 ...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. Include APA formatted in-text citations when applicable and list all references at the bottom of the page. |Ethical Theory | | | | | | | | | | |Utilitarianism |Deontological |Virtue ethics | | | |Definition | |Somebody who concentrates on carrying out |A concentration on virtue ethics or honesty,| | | |what is right consistent with their own |deal mainly with an individual’s character, | | | |ethics as well as ideals. |inspirations as well as objectives, in place| | |Moral decisions require taking |(Trevino & Nelson 2007) |of results...
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...Anscombe and MacIntyre developed Aristotle’s ‘Virtue Theory’. [30 marks] Aristotle’s ‘Virtue Theory’ is an ethical theory that emphasizes on an individual’s character as a key element of ethical thinking, rather than rules about the acts themselves (deontology) or their consequences (consequentialism). Thus making ‘Virtue Ethics’ and deontic ethical theory. Both Elizabeth Anscombe and Alasdair MacIntyre believed that modern ethical studies have lost their ways. The philosophers felt that they were too concerned with normative rules and this doesn’t help to fill the moral vacuum of society. And that ‘Virtue Ethics’ was the only solution to the moral vacuum in society. According to Anscombe, the best way to fill this moral vacuum is to chart our moral virtues. Virtues help ordinary people be moral and must be based on good will; similarly to Aquinas’ internal vs external goods idea in Natural Law. Anscombe believed that society needed the return of Virtue Ethics because she was critical of deontological ethics as she felt they had become outdated. She was also critical of teleological ethics as she believes the end doesn’t justify the means, which we can understand from when she says, “The concepts of obligation, and duty – moral ‘ought’, ought to be jettisoned.” In 1981, MacIntyre wrote a book titled ‘After Virtue’ in which he traces he history of ‘Virtue Ethics’ and attempts to establish a system of the ethical theory appropriate for the modern age. He developed Virtue...
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...XMGT 216 Axia College Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. Ethical Theory Utilitarianism Moral decisions require taking full advantage of the benefits as well as minimizing the damage to society. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) Deontological Somebody who concentrates on carrying out what is “right” consistent with their own ethics as well as ideals. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) Virtue ethics A concentration on virtue ethics, or honesty, deal mainly with an individual’s character, inspirations, as well as objectives, in place of results or regulations, as their crucial factor of moral philosophy. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) Rosalind Hursthouse A good philosopher takes decisions on the basis of the community standards without getting to go through a procedure of making a decision what is shocking, good quality, incorrect, or correct without getting a clash of interests. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) Definition Ethical thinker associated with theory Decision-making process Jeremy Bentham (Sweet, 2008) What action nets the best consequences over bad consequences? Comes within reach of a decision by looking at various activities as well as results that are related with a problem. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) Immanuel Kant (PHILOSOPHICAL ETHICS, 1993) A deontological philosopher takes decisions on the basis of good as well as bad. A good decision is respecting others irrespective...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. Include APA formatted in-text citations when applicable and list all references at the bottom of the page. |Ethical Theory | | | | | | | | | | |Utilitarianism |Deontological |Virtue ethics | | | |Definition |The belief that the value of a |Carrying out what is right and |Dealing with an individual’s character that | | |thing or an action is determined |concentrates with the consistency of their|deal with ethics and honesty and the | | |by its utility (Trevino & Nelson, |own religion and their ideas (Trevino & |objectives of the regulations of the crucial| | |2007). |Nelson, 2007). |moral...
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...Anscombe and MacIntyre developed Aristotle’s ‘Virtue Theory’. [30 marks] Aristotle’s ‘Virtue Theory’ is an ethical theory that emphasizes on an individual’s character as a key element of ethical thinking, rather than rules about the acts themselves (deontology) or their consequences (consequentialism). Thus making ‘Virtue Ethics’ and deontic ethical theory. Both Elizabeth Anscombe and Alasdair MacIntyre believed that modern ethical studies have lost their ways. The philosophers felt that they were too concerned with normative rules and this doesn’t help to fill the moral vacuum of society. And that ‘Virtue Ethics’ was the only solution to the moral vacuum in society. According to Anscombe, the best way to fill this moral vacuum is to chart our moral virtues. Virtues help ordinary people be moral and must be based on good will; similarly to Aquinas’ internal vs external goods idea in Natural Law. Anscombe believed that society needed the return of Virtue Ethics because she was critical of deontological ethics as she felt they had become outdated. She was also critical of teleological ethics as she believes the end doesn’t justify the means, which we can understand from when she says, “The concepts of obligation, and duty – moral ‘ought’, ought to be jettisoned.” In 1981, MacIntyre wrote a book titled ‘After Virtue’ in which he traces he history of ‘Virtue Ethics’ and attempts to establish a system of the ethical theory appropriate for the modern age. He developed Virtue...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B Ethical Theories Chart Complete the chart below using information from the weekly readings and additional research if necessary. |Ethical Theory |Utilitarianism |Deontological |Virtue ethics | |Definition | | | | | |Moral decisions require taking full|Somebody who concentrates on |A concentration on virtue ethics, | | |advantage of the benefits as well |carrying out what is “right” |or honesty, deal mainly with an | | |as minimizing the damage to |consistent with their own ethics as|individual’s character, | | |society. (Trevino & Nelson, 2007) |well as ideals. (Trevino & Nelson, |inspirations, as well as | | | |2007) |objectives, in place of results or | | | | |regulations, as their crucial | | | | |factor of moral philosophy. | | ...
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...January 13, 2014. Individual assignment. This assignment is partly based on the attached article published in The Australian on April 26, 2012 entitled “Poor bear brunt of ‘nanny taxes’” by Adam Creighton and a paper written by Sam Oldfield on August 7, 2013, “Cigarette Tax Hike Defies Economic Logic.” Please read the articles carefully before attempting the questions. You will be required to demonstrate your understanding of economic concepts taught in the unit and relate them to the cases in the articles. This assignment is designed to encourage you to think about the applications of economic concepts learned in this unit to real world scenarios. Based on the attached Rubric, your assignment will be graded on your use of appropriate economic theory and concepts, clarity of exposition and overall quality of your answers. Your answers should follow “Guide to assignment writing and referencing”, available at this link: http://www.deakin.edu.au/currentstudents/assets/resources/study-support/study-skills/assignref.pdf. Answer all questions. Limit the total word count of your assignment to less than 3,000 words. Depth is encouraged over breadth: that is, it is more important that you demonstrate you understand a concept fully, rather than talk about 3 related concepts only cursorily. You are encouraged to use diagrams/examples in your answers when appropriate. 40 marks. Allocation as indicated next to the question. Your score on this assignment contributes towards 40% of your final score...
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...Ethical Theories Chart |Ethical Theory | | | | | | | | | | |Utilitarianism |Deontological |Virtue ethics | | | |Definition | |Deontological is someone who will |Virtue ethics is the concentrating on | | |Utilitarianism is a moral decision|concentrate on making sure they do what is|honesty within the indivudelas character | | |that does require taking advantage|right. While making sure it with their own|inspireation and objects that xcan take | | |of the benefits and minimizing the|ethics opinions and ideas. Such honesty |place on their crucial factors of their | | |damage to society. |and loyalty. |morals. | | | ...
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...Chapter 1 Lecture Notes Chapter theme: This chapter describes the larger business environment within which management accounting operates. It is divided into nine sections: (1) globalization, (2) strategy, (3) organizational structure, (4) process management, (5) the importance of ethics in business, (6) corporate governance, (7) enterprise risk management, (8) corporate social responsibility, and (9) the Certified Management Accountant. I. Globalization 1 A. Import/Export Data i. 2 Imports into the United States (in billions) 1. The data reveal an enormous increase in import activity from 1995 to 2007. In particular, imports from Canada, Mexico, and China skyrocketed. ii. Exports from the United States (in billions) 1. The data reveal an increase in exports to Canada and Mexico. Interestingly, the increase in exports to China pales in comparison to the growth rate in imports from China. iii. 4 Internet Usage 1. The internet fuels globalization by providing companies with greater access to 1 3 4 geographically dispersed customers, employees, and suppliers. 2. While the number of internet users continues to grow, as of 2008, more than 78% of the world’s population was still not connected to the Internet. This suggests the Internet’s impact on business has yet to fully develop. II. Strategy A. Definition 5 i. A strategy is a ―game plan‖ that enables a company to attract customers by distinguishing itself from competitors. B. Customer value propositions i....
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