Podcast
Podcast
Podcast
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements best describes ethical relativism?
Which of the following statements best describes ethical relativism?
- Moral principles are universal and unchanging.
- Ethical truths exist independently of societal norms.
- Certain actions are inherently immoral, regardless of context.
- Morality is determined by cultural, historical, and personal circumstances. (correct)
Moral absolutism easily accommodates cultural diversity and complex situations by adapting universal principles to fit specific contexts.
Moral absolutism easily accommodates cultural diversity and complex situations by adapting universal principles to fit specific contexts.
False (B)
What is the core idea behind determinism?
What is the core idea behind determinism?
all events, including human actions, are caused by prior conditions
Corporate Social Responsibility extends beyond profit-making, highlighting businesses' responsibilities towards ______ and the environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility extends beyond profit-making, highlighting businesses' responsibilities towards ______ and the environment.
Which of the following is a criticism of ethical relativism?
Which of the following is a criticism of ethical relativism?
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Which of the following examples indicates a company engaging in fair treatment of employees, according to the main principles of business ethics?
Which of the following examples indicates a company engaging in fair treatment of employees, according to the main principles of business ethics?
Free will suggests that biological and environmental factors completely determine all human actions.
Free will suggests that biological and environmental factors completely determine all human actions.
Name three main items that individuals can do to contribute to sustainable development.
Name three main items that individuals can do to contribute to sustainable development.
Which ethical theory in environmental ethics prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements?
Which ethical theory in environmental ethics prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements?
Questions and Answers
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Flashcards
Flashcards
Ethical Relativism
Ethical Relativism
Moral values are shaped by social, cultural, and individual perspectives; what is right or wrong is subjective and varies across societies.
Moral Absolutism
Moral Absolutism
The view that certain ethical principles are universal and unchanging, regardless of cultural or individual differences.
Free Will
Free Will
The ability to make choices independently, without being entirely controlled by external forces or deterministic factors.
Moral Responsibility
Moral Responsibility
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Determinism
Determinism
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Business Ethics
Business Ethics
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
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Environmental Ethics
Environmental Ethics
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Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development
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Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism
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Flashcards
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Study Notes
Study Notes
- This module examines ethical issues in business, focusing on moral views, personal responsibility, and decision-making, and analyzes their impact on society.
Ethical Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism
- Ethical relativism contrasts with moral absolutism as two different perspectives on ethics.
- Ethical relativism claims that morality is based on culture, history, or personal situation.
- Moral absolutism states that universal moral principles are applicable to everyone, regardless of conditions.
Ethical Relativism
- Argues that moral values are shaped by social, cultural, and individual perspectives.
- What is considered right or wrong is subjective and can vary across societies.
Main Features of Ethical Relativism
- Rejects universal moral standards, denying the existence of objective, universally applicable moral principles.
- Each culture establishes its ethical framework, determining what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable.
- Societal norms, values, and historical contexts shape moral judgments, influenced by collective beliefs and practices.
Examples of Ethical Relativism
- Arranged marriages are considered normal in some cultures but seen as a violation of individual autonomy in others.
- Dietary practices vary, with some cultures prohibiting certain animals, while others consume them regularly.
Criticisms of Ethical Relativism
- Can justify harmful or unethical practices if culturally accepted, such as discrimination.
- Discourages critical examination of harmful practices, hindering moral growth and societal progress, by asserting that all moral codes are equally valid.
- Leads to conflicting moral standards in multicultural societies, making it difficult to resolve ethical disagreements.
Moral Absolutism
- Asserts that certain ethical principles are universal and unchanging, regardless of cultural or individual differences.
Main Features of Moral Absolutism
- Moral laws apply to all individuals equally, regardless of culture, period, or personal beliefs, and are objective and unchanging.
- Ethical truths exist independently of societal norms or traditions, based on fixed principles beyond cultural beliefs and customs.
- Certain actions are inherently immoral, regardless of circumstances.
Examples of Moral Absolutism
- Universal human rights should be upheld regardless of nationality or culture.
- Taking another person's life without justification is universally condemned, regardless of context.
Criticisms of Moral Absolutism
- Can be rigid, ignoring cultural diversity and the complexity of human societies.
- Might not provide clear answers where ethical principles conflict, like balancing honesty with compassion.
- Different cultures can interpret and apply universal moral values differently.
Free Will, Moral Responsibility, and Determinism
- The debate between free will and determinism explores whether humans have control over their actions or if external forces predetermine their choices.
Free Will
- The ability to make choices independently, without being entirely controlled by external forces or deterministic factors.
Main Features of Free Will
- Individuals have control over their decisions.
- People can distinguish right from wrong and are accountable for their choices.
- Biological or environmental factors do not entirely determine human actions.
Examples of Free Will
- Choosing a career: A person chooses a career based on interests and aspirations rather than being forced into a specific path.
- Moral choices: Returning a lost wallet even though they could have kept the money is an example of free will.
Criticisms of Free Will
- Decisions may still be influenced by genetics, upbringing, and societal norms.
- Neuroscience suggests that brain activity may determine choices before conscious awareness.
- May be limited in extreme situations, such as coercion or mental illness.
Moral Responsibility
- The obligation to act in accordance with ethical principles and be accountable for one's actions.
- It requires moral agents to recognize how decisions affect others and accepting the consequences.
- Plays a key role in ethics, guiding behavior, and societal norms.
Main Features of Moral Responsibility
- Requires the ability to make choices, control over actions, and the freedom to choose between different options.
- People must be held accountable for the consequences of their actions, whether intentional or unintentional.
- The intention behind an action is important in determining moral responsibility.
- Actions done with deliberate intent carry more moral weight than those done accidentally.
- A person must understand the potential consequences of their actions and be aware of the ethical implications before deciding.
- Assumes that the person is capable of understanding right from wrong.
Examples of Moral Responsibility
- Helping someone in distress is an example of moral responsibility because it involves a conscious decision to act with kindness and empathy.
- If someone accidentally breaks another person's property, they are morally responsible for apologizing and taking steps to make amends.
- Parents have the moral responsibility to raise their children, provide for their needs, and teach them right from wrong.
- A corporation that pollutes the environment has a moral responsibility to minimize harm to the planet and take actions to protect natural resources.
Criticisms of Moral Responsibility
- Determinism challenges moral responsibility, as choices may not be fully free.
- Moral luck challenges the fairness of assigning moral responsibility, as outcomes often depend on factors beyond a person's control.
- Mental health conditions or diminished cognitive abilities may affect a person's responsibility for their actions.
Determinism
- Suggests that all events, including human actions, are caused by prior conditions and cannot occur otherwise.
Main Features of Determinism
- Every action is the result of preceding causes, which influence outcomes.
- A combination of biological, environmental, and social factors influences human behavior.
- The choices are often shaped by past experiences and external influences, leaving little room for true autonomy.
Examples of Determinism
- People born into a family with a history of high intelligence may excel academically due to inherited traits and cognitive predispositions.
- A child raised in an abusive household may develop trust issues and struggle with relationships or exhibit aggressive tendencies in adulthood.
Criticisms of Determinism
- It may undermine moral responsibility and accountability for one's actions.
- Human decisions may not be purely determined, involving a blend of pre-existing influences and some degree of free will.
- Individuals can adapt and alter their behaviors over time, which suggests the possibility of overcoming deterministic influences.
ETHICS IN BUSINESS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- Business ethics refers to moral principles that guide corporate behavior, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- CSR extends beyond profit-making, highlighting a businesses’ responsibilities towards society and the environment.
Business Ethics
- Governs decision-making processes and ensures that companies operate with integrity and fairness.
Main Principles of Business Ethics
- Companies should provide truthful information to customers and stakeholders.
- Fair wages, safe working conditions, and non-discriminatory policies are essential.
- Businesses must ensure product safety and avoid deceptive marketing.
- Ethical leadership and accountability prevent corruption and fraud.
Examples of Ethical and Unethical Business Practices
- Honest advertising accurately represents its products, whereas false advertising deceives consumers.
- Paying employees a living wage is ethical, whereas underpaying workers is exploitative.
- Implementing eco-friendly production methods is ethical, whereas disposing of waste irresponsibly is unethical.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Focuses on the ethical obligations of businesses toward social and environmental well-being.
Key Areas of CSR
- Reducing carbon footprints, adopting renewable energy, and minimizing waste is environmentally sustainable.
- Supporting education, healthcare, and job creation initiatives is community engagement.
- Providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and respecting workers' rights are ethical labor practices.
- Donating a portion of profits to charities and social causes is philanthropy.
Examples of CSR Initiatives
- Companies using biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact is eco-friendly packaging.
- Supporting suppliers in developing countries by ensuring fair compensation is fair trade practices.
Benefits of Business Ethics and CSR
- Ethical businesses attract loyal customers and improve brand reputation.
- Fair treatment of employees increases job satisfaction and productivity.
- Investors are more likely to support companies with strong ethical standards.
- Companies practicing CSR can achieve sustainable success by aligning financial goals with social impact.
Environmental Ethics
- Examines ethical principles in environmental protection and promotes sustainability.
- Addresses real-world issues and practical ways to promote sustainability.
Environmental Ethics
- The study of the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment.
- It explores how we should interact with the planet and its ecosystems.
- Examines issues like conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice.
Why Environmental Ethics Matters
- The environment provides essential resources like air, water, and food.
- Human activities impact ecosystems, leading to problems like pollution and climate change.
- Ethical principles guide responsible actions toward nature and future generations.
Ethical Theories in Environmental Ethics
- Anthropocentrism values nature only for its usefulness to humans and assumes human superiority.
- Biocentrism recognizes the intrinsic value of all living things and emphasizes their moral consideration.
- Ecocentrism prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements.
Environmental Ethics Issues
- Focus on the moral responsibility to protect nature and address human impact on the planet.
- Clearing forests for agriculture or development destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity.
- Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) cause global warming, which affects vulnerable communities.
- Dumping toxic waste into the water harms marine life and human health.
- Excessive fishing depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.
- Factory farming and poaching threaten animal welfare and conservation.
Sustainable Development
- Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
Three Pillars of Sustainable Development
- The pillars work together to ensure long-term prosperity and well-being.
- Economic Sustainability ensures economic growth without causing long-term harm to the environment or society.
- Environmental Sustainability focuses on protecting natural resources and ecosystems while supporting human needs.
- Social Sustainability promotes fairness, equality, and access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
Role of Individuals in Sustainable Development
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.
- Conserve energy and water.
- Support sustainable businesses and products.
- Raise awareness and advocate for sustainable policies.
Sustainable Development in the Philippines
- The Philippines strives for sustainable development by balancing economic growth, environmental conservation, and social well-being.
- The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aligns with the SDGs to promote inclusive growth.
- Programs like renewable energy projects, waste management initiatives, and reforestation efforts help sustainability.
- Government and private sectors work together to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure while protecting the environment.
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