...Value and Theories Purpose: Provide a personal look at ethics and morality Personal Credo: “To thine own self be true.” 1. Who are you? Abilities, Talents, characteristics that define you 2. Make a list * Things I would never do to be successful. * Things I would never do to make money. What are ethics? Generally accepted rules of conduct that govern society 1. Higher standard than law 2. “You know it when you see it” * Unfair * Dishonest * Unjust 3. Purpose of ethical theories: Move beyond Divine Command Theory 1. Decisions are made based on guidance from a divine being * E.g., Ten Commandments, U.S. Constitution Joe’s Dilemma, Revisited Using Divine Command Theory, make the argument that: 1. Joe should keep the money Thou shall not steal 2. Joe should give the money to his father Honor thy father and thy mother Divine Command Theory Pros? : Can be simple Wide buy-in in homogenous groups Realistic? Unethical behavior can be constrained Cons? : Creates conflict in heterogeneous groups Conflicting Ethical Egoism Theory Everything is determined by self-interest * We should limit our judgment to our own ethical egos and not interfere with judgment of others * Laws are needed to maintain order. Adherents Ayn Rand, Thomas Hobbes * There is a positive harmony of interests among free, rational humans, such that no moral agent can rationally coerce another person consistently with his...
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...them it is a matter of ethical responsibility, and they need to do it to feel comfortable in their skin. An advantage of this behavior is that the Whistleblowers feel a deep satisfaction making a substantial contribution toward the welfare of society. Of course, personal gratification isn’t the only benefit of becoming a whistleblower. For example, in qui tam cases under the federal False Claims Act, Congress decided to give whistleblowers (or “relators”) a share of the recoveries that result from their lawsuits to encourage people to step forward and take the risks involved in reporting fraud (Qui Tam Team). An overall advantage of whistleblowing is that the welfare of customers and employees can be protected. Blowing the whistle can take a long time and therefore can be very stressful. Families, friends and especially colleagues might not understand the decision and lose patience and trust very quickly. Without someone supporting you, the time until the case has finally settled, could be a hard one. Whistle-blowers have federal protection against recrimination. Regardless, it’s very likely that you will lose your standing in your chosen profession by the insidious practice of blackballing (T.A. White, 2010). Financial loss could occur, if the Whistleblower’s reputation is damaged by the case. The ethical behavior of Douglas Durand and Federal Government Douglas Durand had to go through an ethical dilemma as an executive employee. Most ethical dilemmas involve a conflict...
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...I agree with Deckop when he talks about the purpose of ethical training. I do believe that ethical training can help one make better decisions and more ethical decisions. He is correct when he says the purpose is not to get every question right on the exam but to make the right decisions. It would be great to get every question right on the exam, but that isn’t considered ethical training. I believe the best theory is the profit maximization theory because it’s the most simple and it concentrates on the main point of business. The goal of a firm is to maximize profits while making ethical decisions at the same time. There are both pros and cons of each theory but in profit maximization the Pros outweighs the cons. The primary focus is to maximize profits. Maximizing profits is more valuable than attaining social responsibility. I believe that the business is most successful when you maximize profits then everything else will follow. In the article social responsibility of business is to increase its profits, it talks about what happens when executives steal. I can relate this to my work at Rite Aid. We had a store manager who used to steal money from registers, which led to many employees being fired because of register shortages. I was the one who survived my register only came up short once with 10 dollars in which I saw the manager steal. Assistant managers and supervisors contacted the Loss prevention many times but they could not fire him because they did not have enough...
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...patients in need and to medical institutions. When it comes to the subject of human organs, there are a few ethical standards to consider. There are religious standards, social norms, ethical code, morals, and policies in which we should follow. Critics argue that permitting organs to be bought and sold is unethical. Meaning that to commercialize organs transplants would violate an ethical code and social norm. During my research I’ve found many pros and cons concerning the commercialization of Organ Transplants. One of the pros would be that it shortens the waiting time for those in need of transplants. For example, if you have been on a waiting list to receive a kidney and there are more donated organs you will receive one quicker to save your life. Another pro for commercializing organ transplants are an individual’s rights to have the freedom to do what they wish with their body organs. Some people might equate this example to abortion stating that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do with your body. During NOTA (National Organ Transplant) act of 1984 “one commentator has argued that the "very existence of a law forbidding alienation of organs paradoxically portrays the human body as 'an article of commerce' that lies within the purview of Congressional power and would otherwise be subject to sale on the market."(Gwen, Mayes) There are some more pros to these organ transplants such as money incentives for...
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...Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 30, 2014 Ethics Essay Comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics is what will be discussed in this essay. Also, explaining a personal experience in how the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories will be discussed. What are ethical theories? “Ethical theories deal with the question of how human beings ought to behave in relation to one another. In the broadest sense, they define what qualifies as right and wrong, as well as how to promote human flourishing (Dontigney, 2014).” The comparison between the three ethical theories are that each theory promotes the decision to choose what is right or wrong in particular situation. Whereas, the differences are the types of a situation a person is dealing with. Each of the theories describes a different situation on how one deals with their choice of right and wrong. The definitions of each ethical theory is as follows. First, virtue is a theory that it looks at ones individual character, rather than his or her actions. For example, if a student cheats on an assignment, the virtue theory looks at the students past personality traits to help determine if he or she is guilty (Hamilton, 2014). Second, deontological is a theory that looks at the consequences of one actions toward life choices and how those action relate to responsibility and obligation. For example,...
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...recognized as one of the most controversial bioethical issues within the 20th to 21st century. Bioethics can first be defined as the study of the ethical and moral implications of medical research and practice. The major issue that has risen over the last century is whether or not animals should be tested in scientific or commercial purposes. Is it ethical to perform specific experimentations on various animals, if that animal is faced with life and death situations? Some individuals in our society say yes while others say no. Animal testing has remained to be a global issue for a very long time now and people wonder if this issue will ever come to an end. Animal testing has been researched and experimented with more...
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...Textbook Notes Ch.1 Social psychology: scientific study of how individuals think, feel and behave in a social context. Difference from economic and political science: * Social psyc strives to establish general principles of attitude formation and change that apply in a variety of situation, rather than exclusively to particular domains * Focuses on the psychology of the individual; unlike sociology, social psyc does not classifies people in terms of nationality, rate or socioeconomic class Distinctions and interactions between Social Psychology and related fields: | | Social psyc | v.s. sociology | Focuses on group level e.g. track political attitudes of middle class in Canada | Individual level e.g. examine specific factors that make ind prefer one political candidate to another | Clinical psyc | Seek to understand and treat people with psychological difficulties or disorders | Do not focus on disorders, but on the more typical ways in which ind think feel, behave and influence each other | Personality psyc | Seeks to understand differences between ind that remain relatively stable across a variety of situationsInterested in - Cross-situational consistency | Whereas social psychology seeks to understand how different situations cause different behaviours*Remarks: High degree of connection between these two areas; Two areas complement each other | Cognitive psyc | Study mental processes such as thinking, learning, remembering and reasoning |...
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...individual. Virtue, for many, becomes the theory for the way individuals should follow morality to, eventually become the best person we can be. Part of being an understanding human, for instance, is distinguishing the difference from right and wrong. Making that distinct individualized decision; we have contemplated our own humanity to make something real. Virtue Theory The Virtue Theory is a concept taken up by more than Aristotle that helps individuals define and contrast normative ethics by using deontology, which tends to emphasize cause and effect through rules and duties. The theory, then take admirable human characteristics and try to find the way in which humans should live best. “To experience these emotions (fear, courage, desire, anger, pity and pleasure) at the right times and on the right occasions, and toward the right persons and for the right causes and in the right manner is the mean or the supreme good, which is characteristic of virtue” (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, II). Utilitarianism and Deontology Utilitarianism and Deontology are quite similar, and both hold that the most ethical thin one can do is any action that will maximize the happiness within an organization, or in society as a whole. The central maxim of the debate focuses on what is “good” or “appropriate” being not at the whim of the society in question, but more general and expandable. Actions have quantitative outcomes and the ethical choices that lead to the “greatest...
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...ECOCENTRISM AND ANTHROPOCENTRISM: MORAL REASONING ABOUT ECOLOGICAL COMMONS DILEMMAS KATHERINE V. KORTENKAMP AND COLLEEN F. MOORE University of WisconsinMadison Abstract When do humans extend their ethical scope to include nature? Anthropocentrism and ecocentrism are two ways of understanding an extension of ethics to nature. In an anthropocentric ethic nature deserves moral consideration because how nature is treated a¡ects humans. In an ecocentric ethic nature deserves moral consideration because nature has intrinsic value. In two experiments participants (n=91 and 84) generated moral reasoning responses to ecological moral dilemmas. The reasoning was coded as ecocentric, anthropocentric, or nonenvironmental (i.e., social contracts, truthfulness). Individual di¡erences and situational variables were examined in relation to moral reasoning about ecological dilemmas. Pro-environmental attitudes were related to more ecocentrica nd anthropocentrica nd less nonenvironmental reasoning. The presence of information about the impact of ecological damage on the environment, especially a more ‘‘wild’’ environment, elicited more ecocentric reasoning, while the presence of a social commitment elicited more nonenvironmental moral reasoning. The implications of the research for con£icts over environmental commons dilemmas are discussed. # 2001 Academic Press Ecocentrism and Anthropocentrism: Moral Reasoning about Ecological Dilemmas There is as yet no ethicd ealing with man’s...
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...different types of ethics. In this paper each of the following tree ethical theories utilitarianism, Virtue, and Deontological will be described relating to ethics and morality. Virtue Theory is a theory that emphasizes that role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than doing one’s duty or action in order to bring about good consequences and Utilitarianism is being held the views that the right actions will produce the good in a person. Deontological ethics holds acts that are morally obligatory of their consequences for human actions. My personal experience with these when I was a teenager I became rebellious and wanted to find myself when it came to religion. My parents came from two different religions. My dad is a Lutheran and I my mom is a Southern Baptist. Talk about different end of the spectrum. I had three friends that all had different believes. Before I could start I had to tell all three of my friends and get them to agree to help me to find myself without trying to influence me in any way. They all agreed to do so. One of them was Jewish, the second was a protestant and the third was Catholic. In order for me to really figure out what I wanted, I had to do a lot of research on the subjects. I started by researching on the computer then I went with each of my girlfriends to their prospected church’s for four weeks. I then set down and made a list of the pro’s and cons of all of the religions, including both of my parents as well. After...
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...Michelle L. Vestal Ethical Theories and Behavioral Traits Ethics 316 LARRY FRAZIER Eight July, 2013 What is your theory regarding the ethical beliefs and morals of the people in your everyday life? There is no right or wrong answer to this question because who is to say that one ethical theory or moral behavior is better than another individuals ethical theory or moral behavior? This paper will address the three main ethical theories, Virtue theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological and define them by providing examples of their similarities, and differences. Last this paper will identify how each theory addresses both ethics and morality and the Pros and Cons for each. According to New Yourks Saint Martins Press, 1998, each theory emphasizes different aspects of an ethical dilemma that lead to the most ethically correct resolution according to the guidelines within the ethical theory itself. The first Theory is the Virtue Theory and it is best defined as someone who’s character is pure and good and they naturally strive to do good by all people and they value other peoples well being as much as they value their own. This is a learned trait, but can be achieved by everyone if taught to put good out in the world, not for self gratification but instead because it’s morally right to do so. Unlike the deontological theory, the Virtue theory performs good deeds naturally and without regard to it being their duty to do so. But the negative aspect to this type of theory is that the...
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...filling with smoke, and she has to decide which one she will try to save. Does she go to her bedroom and try to save her husband, or does she go to her daughter’s bedroom? Utilitarianism If Donna wants to make the decision that would be in everyone’s best interest, she would make the decision using the theory of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the moral theory that is based on the results of decisions to choose what would cause the most pleasure or the least amount of pain. These decisions should cause the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people. An individual’s happiness is no more important that the happiness of someone else and the happiness of the group is most important. If the result of the decision causes more happiness or less pain, then it was a good moral decision (Mill, 2004). According to Scarre, Mill’s believed, “the Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (Scare, 1996, p. 91). Is it possible to know if the decision created the desired result? Quantitative Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham believed that the results of ethical decisions could be measured. He developed a formula to determine the happiness quotient of the results which is the basis of Quantitative Utilitarianism. Bentham...
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...Legalizing Marijuana: The ethical issue and problem Dorcas Rivera SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Instructor: Robert Gala September 23, 2013 Legalizing Marijuana: The ethical issue and problem Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug. Therefore, legalizing marijuana, not only now, but for many years, has been the topic on rather or not it should be legalized. Even though marijuana has been legalized for medical use in 18 U.S. states, this has caused big controversy in our country and the ethical issue and problems it presents. In this article I will explain; what is marijuana, the risk of marijuana use, the effects of marijuana (in the brain and body), and the pros and cons of legalizing it. I will also explain how one of the classical theories, utilitarianism, would resolve the problem. On the other hand, I will contrast the response with the perspective brought to the issue by, ethical egoism. Lastly, will ended off choosing which of the two are closer to my view. Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. You may hear marijuana called by street names such as pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, Mary Jane, gangster, or chronic. All forms of marijuana are mind-altering. In other words, they change how the brain works. They all contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. They also contain more than 400 other chemicals. Marijuana's...
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...links to research the basic moral and ethical principles believed by each group. Then determine how you believe each group will react to the issue based on what you find. Provide a brief justification for your answer. After completing the matrix, write a 300- to 500-word summary of the significant similarities and differences among the different religious groups. |SCHOOL ISSUES | |Prayer in School |Creationism v. Evolution |Studying Women’s Rights in the Middle East |Saying the Pledge of Allegiance |Starting a Gay and Lesbian Support Group |Inter-Racial Dating | |COMMUNITY RELIGIOUS GROUPS |Pro/Con |Justify your answer |Pro/Con |Justify your answer |Pro/Con |Justify your answer |Pro/Con |Justify your answer |Pro/Con |Justify your answer |Pro/Con |Justify your answer | |Atheist |Con |Atheists are opposed to prayer in school. They find it to be of an offense. They do not believe in God, therefore they do not believe in praying to God. |Pro Evolution |Atheist doesn’t believe in the power of creation which is aligned to Christianity. They are for evolution, which are scientific verses religious based. |Pro |Atheists believe in the equality of male and woman rights. They support equality and would support woman’s right in the middle east. | Con |When it comes to the pledge of Allegiance...
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...Sometimes people have troubles dealing with everyday life issues, Applied behavioral science uses Psychological knowledge to help people form coping skills to enhance and maintain quality of life. Behavioral science helps analyzes and investigate human behavior, why we think the way we do, do the things we do, say the things we say, and why we feel a certain way. The case study I chose is severe depression from the Clinical Psychology perspective and is about Joe, his family history and his circumstances. As a Psychologist you need to know how to define clinical depression, identify potential sources or causes of severe depression, know the symptoms, be familiar with Psychological theories, and know relevant trends, pros and cons of medication, steps to take to build a good rapport with your client, know what you are responsible for ethically. We all probably know someone who is severely depressed because, Clinical depression affects millions of people each year (University of Pittsburgh, N.D.). If clinical depression is left untreated it can have serious consequences (it could be life threatening). So it is very important that not only Psychologists are well informed on this topic but we all should be. Clinical depression is a mood disorder making someone sad, angry, feeling of loss or frustration that affects their everyday life (Davey, 2011). This kind of depression affects every aspect of your life and does not just go away. You can’t just be happy or cheered up...
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