...Ethics Essay Marlina Ralstin ETH/316 December 3, 2012 Denise Antoon Ethics Essay The subject of ethics can be quite controversial, especially when the three major theories are vying for front-line attention. Understanding why people react to specific situations the way they do is beneficial from any stand point in life whether profession or personal. In the following paragraphs ethics will be defined, as will the three theories; virtue, deontology, and utilitarian. The similarities and differences of these three theories will be discussed, as will the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. Lastly, utilization of a personal experience will be used to explain the relationship between virtue, value, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories; deontology, utilitarian, and virtue ethics. Ethics according to the text, Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action is defined as the science of the right and wrong in human actions. The study of human actions has intrigued many scientists over the ages hence the different disciplines of ethics (i.e. deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics). The text provides the following definitions: Deontology is a theory that emphasizes one’s duty to do a particular action simply because the action itself is inherently right and not because of any calculations of consequences. Deontology operates on the principle of right, regardless of harm or if to do less than right would be of greater benefit...
Words: 664 - Pages: 3
...INTRODUCTION The link between Utilitarianism Theory and the James Hardie Industries – ‘asbestos’ case has helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the difficult ethical questions asked in business and how corporations respond to those questions using moral philosophies. From the time when the short summary written in regards to the meaning and importance of the term ’responsible business’ in week 2, till today, I have explored various historical, moral, governance and economic aspects of business both domestically and internationally, proliferating my knowledge in regards to responsible commerce. I have come to understand the moral landscape or commercial enterprises which have helped me to appreciate the social and ethical dimensions of the business culture. The analysis of the James Hardie case and the Utilitarianism Theory depicts my knowledge growth. In doing so, I am able to now make more informed business decisions for the benefit of both myself and the wider society. JAMES HARDIE The history of asbestos in Australia and around the world is a history of cover up with companies choosing to ignore the dangers for as long as possible. Asbestos causes significant health problems, most notably lung cancer and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the heart and lungs. Exposure to the fibres over a prolonged period – such as in the workplace – increases health risks significantly. The mining process was just the first stage of damaging contact...
Words: 1576 - Pages: 7
...evaluation ethics Student Kaplan University Abstract Compile research which has completed during this course. Reflect upon how what you have learned will change the way in which you conduct yourself in your career. Determine what laws will affect you? Determine what ethical theories will dictate the way in which you make decisions? Think about a situation in which you may be conducting business with people in other cultures. How might your beliefs differ from theirs? Use examples and/or case studies to demonstrate your position. IT590 Assignment Unit 6: Final Project The evaluation ethics Why did utilitarianism become one of the most popular ethical theories? Several factors contributed to its popularity. Most important was the fact that, it is a relatively simple ethical system to apply. Actions are moral merely by you have to calculate the good consequences and bad consequences that will result from a particular action and weighting on a scale. If the good outweighs the bad, then the action is moral. The next factor is that most people are already schooled in using a form of utilitarianism in their everyday decision making. A lot of the decisions that are non-moral decisions are based upon consequences. On the line to get in for the gas pump, we try to find the quickest line so we can get be on our way faster. We mostly analyze our financial decisions buy with (writing checks, store card, credit card, etc.) using a utilitarian calculus of cost and benefits. Making the...
Words: 1070 - Pages: 5
...truly exist in a corporate entity, and perhaps society should be less sceptical of others intentions. Introduction The question of why businesses truly adopted CSR initiatives has never been initiated, thus sparking interests on whether or not it is an authentic act of corporate citizenship or simply a front to financial rewards. This paper aims to analyse Origins Natural Resources dedication towards Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) addressing two major issues the organisation perceived as most significant and relevant to its core products and services. The two categories are addressing the importance of animal cruelty via experimentation and environmental sustainability. These issues will be analysed by applying utilitarianism, Kant and Virtue Ethics theories to address whether the current CSR strategies is a normative model of ethical practices. Lastly, a conclusion on whether the CSR initiative fits any ethical or moral value theories and identifying any new issues unaddressed. Company Overview & CSR Strategies Origins Natural Resources Ltd. is an international business specialising in naturally produced beauty products, and is...
Words: 1795 - Pages: 8
...Ethics In Human Resource Management Alisha Wood Saint Augustine’s University Ethics and Human Resource Management Wikipedia, defines ethics as: "…a study of values and customs of a person or a group. It covers the analysis and employment ofconcepts such as right and wrong, good and evil, and responsibility." Wikipedia, defines utilitarianism as: “…ethical doctrine of greatest good. The ethical doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the criterion of the virtue of action The complexities of business and our human/social society makes corporate ethics a very interesting study. To a practicing manager in the working world today, this becomes critically important, especially if they don’t get it! And many obviously have not and still do not. The questions are really simple to ask - yet hard to answer: What does good business today really mean? What does ethics have to do, if anything, with good business? What impact can the human resource function have on either? Within business, what is my responsibility as a human resource professional? Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is known as one of the areas that has drawn many attentions in the business environment over the last twenty years. Carroll (1991) argued that corporation should be addressed not only from economic and legal perspectives but also from ethical and philanthropic perspectives; the idea of CSR’s pyramid is then derived. Furthermore, the efficiency theory...
Words: 2132 - Pages: 9
...In the case of the ford pinto Lee Iacocca wanted to produce a car to meet with the competition of the Japanese market. The car was to be designed and produced in a condensed time 25 months vice the 43 which would have been the usual. Ford motor company completed the task. At the time there was not a standard from the national highway traffic safety committee as to a rear-end impact, that requirement was not in place until after production. I find Ford was not acting un-ethical in the design and production of the vehicle. The un-ethical part of the event started at the point when the rear-impact test was performed and it was found that the pinto was not up to par. Ford was on the correct path as to the testing of the pinto. There will always be a new regulation in any process of production. Any company has an ethical and moral obligation to meet or want to exceed regulations as to quality of a product. Understanding there will be a cost analyst as to procedures in production, cost of materials and life expectancy of the “product”. Further explanation here as to procedures the production of the product may need to be weighed as to the best economical or the requirements of inspection points during the process, next the needed quality of materials as if to manufacture a dish with a non-toxic finish for food use. And the most confused life expectancy of the product, whether it be a car or a prosthetic hip joint. In an article from NBCNEWS Herb Weisbaun found that consumer reports...
Words: 1022 - Pages: 5
...Abstract The purpose of this assignment is to provide a critical analysis of the decision faced by the transistor Board of Directors through the lens of utilitarianism. This analysis will be accomplished by discussing the key utilitarian ethical problems confronted by the transistor company board of directors; by discussing what advice would Jeremy Bentham would have given the transistor Board of Directors; the author will apply the first four steps of the Utility Test in regard to the case; the author will discuss the Common Good Test and its implication on the case; the author will also compare and contrast the Utility Test and the Common Good Test; and finally the author will explain which of the two tests is most informative, and why. The Case of the Sole Remaining Supplier The decision faced by the Transistor Board of directors is one of many examples that are challenging the everyday decision making in the organizational ethics. In the year 1975, the transistor company boards of directors were faced whether to continue to sell its product to the pacemaker company. If the transistor company decides not to supply its product the consequences would affect the stakeholders that include patients, cardiologists, Pacemaker Company, and the transistor company. For example, many patients who are suffering irregular heartbeat would not live without pacemaker. According to Pacemaker Company, “Pretty soon, no one will be making heart pacemakers, and many people need them. Without...
Words: 2078 - Pages: 9
... The main problem discussed in this report is the following: “Should private or commercial companies be allowed to close exclusive school contracts with schools, or should their activities be forbidden by law?” 3. Objective The purpose of this report is to give an advice to the United States Department of Justice pertaining to the ethical issues surrounding exclusive school contracts. Consequently, suggestions will be given on how to minimize negative effects of the exclusive vending contracts if these operations are allowed to be continued. 4. The Moral Philosophies *4. 1. Teleology* (Utilitarianism) Teleology is a moral philosophy that assesses the ethics of decisions looking at the consequences of the latter. One of the most significant theological theories is utilitarianism theory that is focused on the consequences. It is concerned with the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people even if there are negative consequences for some parties involved. Coca Cola By signing exclusive school contracts and displaying its logos in public schools the company wanted to re-establish its brand loyalty and recognition. This results in increased sales volumes of Coca Cola products leading to additional revenues for the company. The money would be then spent on investment in better working conditions and higher salaries for the employees. Moreover the company production will increase which would lead to hiring additional personnel. On the other hand Coca...
Words: 1872 - Pages: 8
...inevitably a ‘grey area’, this can be interpreted as ethics. Lewis (1985) described defining ethics will be like ‘nailing jello to a wall’ there by suggesting it is virtually impossible to pin point exactly what ethics truly is. There are many factors, which distinguish what is right, and wrong however they are decided predominantly by values and decisions of individuals, in this case managers. In order to comprehend the importance of ethics one must critically take into consideration all parties involved in the process of ethics and ethical decision-making. Why ethics is important for managers? Ethics is defined by the Oxford English dictionary to be ‘morally correct’ as well as Velasquez (2001) who has a similar definition of ethics, suggesting ethics as the ‘principles of conduct governing an individual or a group, it is the study of morality’. However it is difficult to pin point the exact definition of ethics as many authors and instructors have their own distinct meaning of the term ethics, Lewis (2008). In the face of it, it would seem it is a simple problem where there is a right or wrong answer. However as ethics is nor the legal requirement and it isn’t a personal choice but rather in the middle it is subjected to the ‘grey area’, this allows a person or an organisation to make decisions from their own values. For instance an ethical situation will arise when the action of one person or an organisation will either benefit or harm others, hence the...
Words: 2436 - Pages: 10
...Karris Moses Professor Armstrong Law, Ethics and Corporate Governance Assignment 3: Corporate Governance and Ethical Responsibility Research Paper February 17, 2013 Karris Moses Prof. Armstrong LEG 500 February 17, 2013 Dr. DoRight has recently been hired as the President of the “Universal Human Care Hospital”, where he oversees all departments with over 5,000 employees and over 20,000 patients at the medical facility. He has been provided with a broad set of duties and oversight of numerous departments, including business development, customer services, human resources, legal, patient advocacy, to name a few. He has managers in each department that he supervises and who work with him to address the needs of the various internal and external stakeholders of the hospital. Dr. DoRight discovers that some patients within the hospital have been dying as a result of a variety of illegal procedures by doctors and nurses, and negligent supervision and oversight on their part. This was brought to his attention in a few meetings and he told his Regional Director Compliance Manager and Executive Committee in January 2009. He was told by them that the matter would be investigated and they would report any findings to him as soon as possible. After two (2) years, there have been no results from the investigation and some patients are still passing away due to the negligent activities. He also answers to a board of trustees and interfaces with numerous community organizations...
Words: 2595 - Pages: 11
...AS Philosophy & Ethics Course Handbook 2013 to 2014 [pic] OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/rs/index.aspx OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) You are studying Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics and will be awarded an OCR AS Level in Religious Studies. The modules and their weightings are: |AS: |Unit Code |Unit Title |% of AS |(% of A Level) | | |G571 |AS Philosophy of Religion |50% |(25%) | | |G572 |AS Religious Ethics |50% |(25%) | If you decide to study for the full A Level you will have to study the following modules at A2: |A2: |Unit Code |Unit Title |(% of A Level) | | |G581 |A2 Philosophy of Religion |(25%) | | |G582 |A2 Religious Ethics |(25%) | Grading | ...
Words: 13036 - Pages: 53
...ethically sound way. This data adheres to all aspects of the codes of ethics. (Oliver, P., 2010) However, when this is breached the data becomes unethical. It can be debated that unethical data obtained over the years can help benefit the greater good of society, but the cost of utilizing this data can also be argued. I will identify both the affirmative and opposing teams arguments, and briefly drawn upon points raised in the debate. I will also identify the strengths and weaknesses within our teamwork. I was the first speaker for my team, the opposing side. We argued that for the greater good of society, data obtained unethically should not be used today. We discussed the breach of ethical standards, outlining the long list of ways in which ethical guidelines were not taken into consideration. Victoria, our second speaker, drew upon the ethical principles instilled by the Declaration of Helsinki, allowing the audience to gain understanding in the areas that were breached. We also compared the legality of conducting and publishing unethical data, drawing on examples of where the law has been broken. I used rhetorical questions to the audience to gain an understanding of what these individuals were subject to, to try strengthening our points. The affirmative team argued that to benefit society, we must use information drawn from studies conducted unethically. They highlighted many examples of how studies have helped researchers to find cures, and gain a better knowledge of...
Words: 793 - Pages: 4
...Is Euthanasia Immoral Active euthanasia is the willful taking of a person’s life to relieve them of pain and suffering (lethal injection) and passive euthanasia (discontinuing treatment) is to cease medical treatment to prevent the prolonging of pain and suffering resulting in death. The objective and purpose of this paper is to dispute and argue against the use of active euthanasia as a cautious selection of choice to end a persons’ life based on the purposes of relieving pain and suffering for that person using Kantian theory to best support this claim. This paper will consider the ethical complexities of euthanasia. It will take into consideration and briefly explain the ethical theories of deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics to analyze whether the use of active euthanasia is indeed a moral act and if it is morally permissible for doctors to end the lives of their patients by use of euthanasia and should laws allow it? Euthanasia is a form of suicide. People should not be allowed to kill themselves nor should others be allowed to assist them in doing it. The debate of the use of active and passive euthanasia and whether it should be morally permissible and accepted into law has been under much controversy over the years. Active euthanasia should not be permitted because it violates laws against killing, such as criminal homicide-the unlawful taking of the life of another. It is also contrary to the role of the physician which is to prolong the life of patients...
Words: 3317 - Pages: 14
...standard at the time, but they were not required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at that time. The vehicle was rushed into production anyway to compete with foreign compact cars being developed by the Japanese during that time period. Only after the vehicle was made available to the public was the vehicle tested. The Ford Pinto ended up failing the rear safety test, due to the fact that it was susceptible to fire from rear end collisions. Ford engineers determined that the problem could be resolved by installing a baffle, which protected the gas tank from being punctured during rear-end collisions. The part would have only cost between $6.65 and $11 to be install, but the Ford Motor Co. determined through cost-benefit analysis that the cost of lawsuits would be less than the cost of installing the baffle and decided not to install the baffle. Ford Motor Co. also failed to notify customers of the problem and offer them the option to have the baffle installed. Between 1971 and 1978 the Ford Pinto would be involved in thirteen rear-end collisions that caused the vehicle to start on fire. The actions of the Ford Motor Co. were scrutinized for the production of the vehicle. (DeGorge)While the vehicle did meet the safety standards of the time, Ford Motor Co. knew of the problem and did nothing to resolve it. This leads us to the question the ethical actions of the Ford Motor Co. production of...
Words: 1565 - Pages: 7
...Health & Human Services, 2014). During an episode of the television series “ER” a main character, “Nurse Hathaway”, struggles with an ethical dilemma in which she must decide whether or not to break confidentiality with her patient who is also a minor in the name of the law. This patient’s diagnosis turns out to be a serious condition, cervical cancer. The author will discuss this dilemma in terms of ethical implications, ethical theories, alternative solutions, if any, as well as the author’s position on this dilemma. The author will also refer to a landmark case, “Tarasoff vs. Regents” in which “a psychologist failed to warn a woman or her family when his patient threatened to murder the woman,” (Nathanson, 2000) to discuss confidentiality ethics. Ethical Implications of a Breach of Confidentiality There are several implications when referring to the dilemma of a nurse who must decide whether to break confidentiality in order to protect the rights of the community as a whole. In this case, the patient’s behavior did not only affect herself, but also that of minors in her community. By participating in “sex parties” and engaging in sexual behavior that may compromise the health and well being of these minors in terms of life or death, it...
Words: 1302 - Pages: 6
