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Individual: Critiquing Philosophical Approaches to Ethical Decision Making

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Submitted By 247winwin
Words 1097
Pages 5
Week 4 Individual Paper
Angela Tai
ACC 260
May 10, 2013
Douglas Kildsig

Critiquing Philosophical Approaches to Ethical Decision Making
Three philosophical approaches are taken when ethical decisions are being made. These approaches include consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
Consequentialism focus on the consequences associated with the decision that was made. When an individual uses this approach, that individual should ensure that they are fully knowledgeable of the problem in order to make an ethical decision. It is crucial that the person has the ability to examine the affects both negative and positive that will occur because of the decision.
When using the deontology approach, one focuses on if it was a right decision or not instead of focusing on the consequences. With this method, all of the questions about ethics and principles arise.
The last method is called the virtue ethic approach. This method strives on keeping the morals and integrity of both the community and the individuals. By keeping the morals and integrity of a community when making decisions, it ensures that the decision will be made using the personality traits of the individual. These traits include honest, generosity, wisdom, intuition, and common sense.
Is the course of action really the most ethical choice?
Scenario One The mayor made the most ethical choice by refusing the proposal and scarifying the development of hundred jobs and million dollars to be able to consider 100 seniors and 30 employees respectfully. * * * Scenario Two
With this scenario, is it the right decision for Catalina to tell that she had accomplished her sales goals so that she will be able to get her bonus? If Catalina were to make her boss aware of this news, she would not only be benefiting her but also the other employees as well. With this method, if she reports her sales, she would need to cancel it so that it does not have an effect on the other employees receipt for the bonus. This however is unethical. The best thing for her to do is report it even if there is a loss in sales. * Scenario Three
In the last scenario, the consequential approach is taken. Malcolm’s roommates were committing crimes while still living with Malcolm. This puts Malcolm in a predicament, as he would face punishment as well. The best choice for him would be to leave the environment and then report the activity to the police. The best decision would be to follow this approach. * If so, are these the best reasons for making this choice? Explain.
Scenario One
In the first scenario, the mayor uses the consequential approach. He wants to ensure that the decision is being made in support of a new development. His decision was set into place to be beneficial for all residents as well as the town. Unfortunately, this new development would be immoral as if would leave senior residents without a home and the employees of the center would also be without a job.
With the deontology method, the mayor would be obligated to favor the elderly. This decision would put a halt on the new construction. By destroying the senior center, not only will the people be out of a home, unemployment rates will be increased. This poses a question of ethics.
Scenario Two
The virtue ethics requires Catalina to be truthful with her sales. Honesty is crucial with this method. Although with honesty, there will be a loss in their bonuses; it is the ethical option to follow through with this method.
Scenario Three
This approach says that it is Malcolm’s responsibility to report this behavior because drug use is illegal no matter what. He should not be preoccupied with the danger that he may be facing from turning them in, as it is his moral obligation. Even if Malcolm does not partake in the activities, by not telling the authorities, Malcolm is just as guilty as those who are actually doing the drugs.
If not, why? What is a better choice?
Scenario One * The alternative a better choice can be building a nursing home for the senior citizens in the new mall if it is possible. That decision will have both the nursing home and the new project to assure that no one gets left behind as both of these are very important to the community. * There are no better choices for Scenario Two and Three as the selected choices are the best of among all possibilities. * What reasons are there for believing this alternative is more ethical?
Scenario One
This method makes a strong push for the mayor to choose the elderly and ensure that their needs are being met. It is ethically wrong for the mayor to give the okay to evict all of the elderly people from the center. This is because most of them have nowhere else to turn to. With this method, the mayor would be doing the right thing morally.
Scenario Two
It is completely wrong to lie when it comes to the sales no matter what the situation. It is her moral responsibility to give the correct number for sales even if it does not meet the goals of the team. Determining the right choice will have an effect on her survival at the company. Lying would only hinder her opportunities in the company. Ethically, this was the best decision.
Scenario Three
For Malcolm, all suspicion of this behavior needs to be reported immediately as it is the moral things to do no matter what treats may come. By not reporting this negative behavior, it is only time before the individual picks up the habit as well. With all being said, this is the most ethical approach.
Conclusion
“Each of the three approaches contributes differently to a useful and defensible approach for ethical decision making in business or personal life” (Brooks, 2007).
With all three of the scenarios, the first step was to look at the result. In addition, it is crucial to understand that the decisions we make not only affect us but they also have an effect on those around us and those who are also in the situation. In each example, there was also motive behind the decision. For instance in the first scenario, the drive was greed. The main goal for this assignment was to make everyone aware of the different approaches that are needed to make a decision and which methods make the most ethical decisions.

References
Brooks, L. J. (2007). Business & professional ethics for directors, executives, & accountants (4th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson Southwestern. University of Pheonix Ebook.

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