Ethical Decision-Making Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the duty-based approach?

The moral character of the agent

The ethical obligations of all rational creatures

The personal will and intention (correct)

The consequences of our actions

Who is the philosopher most commonly associated with the duty-based approach?

Immanuel Kant (correct)

Saint Augustine of Hippo

John Stuart Mill

Aristotle

According to the duty-based approach, what is the ultimate goal of an ethical action?

To fulfill our moral obligation (correct)

To promote individual freedom

To achieve personal gain

To maximize overall happiness

What is the term for the formula used to discover our ethical duty in the duty-based approach?

The categorical imperative Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of ethical obligations in the duty-based approach?

They are the same for all rational creatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of reason in the duty-based approach?

It is used to discover rules of behavior that are not contradicted by reason Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of consequentialist ethical theories?

The ethical consequences of particular actions Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the development of utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the utilitarian approach, according to Epicurus?

To maximize pleasure and minimize pain Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes agent-centered theories from consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories?

Their emphasis on the overall ethical status of individuals Signup and view all the answers

How do non-consequentialist theories evaluate the morality of actions?

According to the intentions of the person making the decision Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories?

Their concern with consequences versus intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of employees ignoring procedures and protocol due to lack of motivation?

A decrease in performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind the belief that following God's will is seen as the definition of what is ethical?

God is all-knowing and all-powerful Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's concept is described as the 'teleological suspension of the ethical'?

Søren Kierkegaard Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of a manager's lack of ethical behavior in the workplace?

Loss of employee respect and trust Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of a business's lack of ethics becoming public knowledge?

A loss of credibility and customer base Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what should be the focus of ethics?

The whole of a person's life Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge for a business that has recovered from a lack of ethics?

Restoring consumer confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a person of good character in the virtue approach?

Attainment of certain virtues Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's writings served as a guide for Protestant Reformers like Martin Luther and Jean Calvin?

William of Ockham Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of unethical behavior among employees?

Tension among employees and a lack of trust Signup and view all the answers

What is the central issue in the relationship between religion and ethics, according to the text?

The conflict between religious and ethical principles Signup and view all the answers

What do customers who abandon a company due to its lack of ethics typically do?

Find alternative products and services Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason why employees might engage in unethical behavior?

Because they have unreachable quotas and goals Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of not properly training employees?

They cut corners and make excuses for not completing work up to standards Signup and view all the answers

What are personal ethics and business ethics?

Essentially the same thing, but with different applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a difference between personal ethics and business ethics?

They have different legal obligations and social expectations Signup and view all the answers

What can prevent unethical behavior in employees?

Consistently monitoring employee performance Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a value often included in personal ethics?

Friendliness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Duty-Based Approach

Focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of consequences
Associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant
Ultimate goal is to act in accordance with universal moral principles
Categorical Imperative is the formula used to discover ethical duty
Ethical obligations are absolute and universal
Reason plays a central role in determining our moral duties

Consequentialist Ethical Theories

Primary concern is the consequences of actions
John Stuart Mill is associated with the development of utilitarianism
Happiness and well-being are the main goals of the utilitarian approach (Epicurus's view)

Agent-Centered vs. Consequentialist & Non-Consequentialist Theories

Agent-centered theories focus on the moral character of the individual
Consequentialist theories evaluate actions based on their outcomes
Non-consequentialist theories evaluate actions based on their inherent rightness or wrongness

Consequences of Unethical Behavior

Employees ignoring procedures and protocol due to lack of motivation can lead to errors, accidents, and decreased productivity
Following God's will is perceived as inherently ethical
Kierkegaard's concept of the "teleological suspension of the ethical" suggests that ethical norms can be suspended in exceptional circumstances
Managers lacking ethical behavior can erode trust, create a toxic work environment, and harm the company's reputation
Business's lack of ethics becoming public knowledge can lead to loss of customers, investors, and reputational damage

Virtue Ethics

Aristotle emphasizes developing good character as the focus of ethics
Recovery from a lack of ethics is challenging due to the difficulty in rebuilding trust
Integrity, honesty, and compassion are hallmarks of a person of good character

Other Considerations

Martin Luther and Jean Calvin drew inspiration from Aristotle's writings
Unethical behavior among employees can lead to a decline in productivity, customer dissatisfaction, and legal issues
The connection between religion and ethics is a central topic, with a discussion of different philosophical perspectives
Customers who abandon a company due to its lack of ethics typically seek alternatives and spread negative reviews
Lack of motivation, pressure to meet goals, and perceived lack of consequences can contribute to unethical behavior
Not properly training employees can result in a lack of awareness and understanding regarding ethical practices
Personal ethics are individual beliefs about right and wrong, while business ethics apply ethical principles specifically to the workplace
Personal ethics often influence business ethics, but the two can sometimes clash
Creating a strong ethical culture, promoting ethical leadership, and providing ethical training can prevent unethical behavior
Honesty, fairness, and responsibility are examples of values often included in personal ethics

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Learn about different models, philosophies, and principles governing ethical decision-making, and understand the three broad types of ethical theories to make logical and ethical decisions.