Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the fundamental question of virtue ethics?
What is the fundamental question of virtue ethics?
Which of the following is a pro of virtue ethics?
Which of the following is a pro of virtue ethics?
What aspect of virtue ethics can lead to inconsistent moral evaluations?
What aspect of virtue ethics can lead to inconsistent moral evaluations?
Which of the following describes a limitation of following strict ethical rules?
Which of the following describes a limitation of following strict ethical rules?
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What do virtues develop through according to virtue ethics?
What do virtues develop through according to virtue ethics?
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What is a primary focus of ethics of rights?
What is a primary focus of ethics of rights?
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What makes virtue ethics different from rule-based ethics?
What makes virtue ethics different from rule-based ethics?
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Which of the following is a criticism of virtue ethics?
Which of the following is a criticism of virtue ethics?
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What is a key aspect of utilitarianism that distinguishes it from other ethical theories?
What is a key aspect of utilitarianism that distinguishes it from other ethical theories?
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Which of the following does NOT describe utilitarianism?
Which of the following does NOT describe utilitarianism?
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According to utilitarianism, what should be considered when making moral decisions?
According to utilitarianism, what should be considered when making moral decisions?
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What is one potential drawback of utilitarianism?
What is one potential drawback of utilitarianism?
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Which principle aligns with the impartial perspective of utilitarianism?
Which principle aligns with the impartial perspective of utilitarianism?
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Which ethical theory is characterized by its reliance on measurable outcomes?
Which ethical theory is characterized by its reliance on measurable outcomes?
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What defines the principles of justice in John Rawls' theory?
What defines the principles of justice in John Rawls' theory?
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How does utilitarianism relate to the concept of hedonism?
How does utilitarianism relate to the concept of hedonism?
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In a pluralist ethical approach, which question aligns with Utilitarianism?
In a pluralist ethical approach, which question aligns with Utilitarianism?
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Which of the following best describes a potential conflict posed by utilitarianism?
Which of the following best describes a potential conflict posed by utilitarianism?
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Which ethical theory emphasizes obligations and duties?
Which ethical theory emphasizes obligations and duties?
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What does the question 'Am I treating everyone fairly here?' primarily relate to?
What does the question 'Am I treating everyone fairly here?' primarily relate to?
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According to the pluralist approach, what must one consider about rights?
According to the pluralist approach, what must one consider about rights?
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What is the key feature of the 'veil of ignorance' concept in Rawls' theory?
What is the key feature of the 'veil of ignorance' concept in Rawls' theory?
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Which principle asks if one's actions could be universalized for everyone?
Which principle asks if one's actions could be universalized for everyone?
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What does the pluralist approach combine when evaluating ethical decisions?
What does the pluralist approach combine when evaluating ethical decisions?
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How do deontological theories determine the rightness or wrongness of an action?
How do deontological theories determine the rightness or wrongness of an action?
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What does the categorical imperative state?
What does the categorical imperative state?
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What distinguishes deontological theories from consequentialist theories?
What distinguishes deontological theories from consequentialist theories?
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According to deontological ethics, what cannot justify the violation of a moral norm?
According to deontological ethics, what cannot justify the violation of a moral norm?
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What is a key aspect of Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics?
What is a key aspect of Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics?
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What is an example of a negative right in deontological theory?
What is an example of a negative right in deontological theory?
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Which of the following is considered a pro of deontological ethics?
Which of the following is considered a pro of deontological ethics?
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What does universality refer to in deontological ethics?
What does universality refer to in deontological ethics?
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What is the first step in describing an ethical dilemma according to the guidelines?
What is the first step in describing an ethical dilemma according to the guidelines?
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Which of the following is NOT a suggested topic for describing an ethical dilemma?
Which of the following is NOT a suggested topic for describing an ethical dilemma?
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What must participants do with the selected case descriptions?
What must participants do with the selected case descriptions?
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According to the content, what is said to significantly influence human behavior?
According to the content, what is said to significantly influence human behavior?
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Why are emotions and attachment often neglected in ethical decision-making according to Western theories?
Why are emotions and attachment often neglected in ethical decision-making according to Western theories?
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What is often a conflict in ethical dilemmas as highlighted in the content?
What is often a conflict in ethical dilemmas as highlighted in the content?
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What is a formal requirement for entering the exam?
What is a formal requirement for entering the exam?
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What is noted about the nature of moral reasoning in human beings?
What is noted about the nature of moral reasoning in human beings?
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Which factor is classified as an individual factor influencing ethical decision-making?
Which factor is classified as an individual factor influencing ethical decision-making?
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What does the term 'moral intensity' refer to in the context of ethical decision-making?
What does the term 'moral intensity' refer to in the context of ethical decision-making?
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Which situational factor is concerned with how ethical behavior is treated within an organization?
Which situational factor is concerned with how ethical behavior is treated within an organization?
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Which cultural characteristic can influence ethical decision-making in business?
Which cultural characteristic can influence ethical decision-making in business?
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What does 'moral framing' involve in ethical decision-making?
What does 'moral framing' involve in ethical decision-making?
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Which of the following describes 'temporal immediacy'?
Which of the following describes 'temporal immediacy'?
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Which of these is NOT a component of Hofstede's cultural dimensions relevant to ethical decision-making?
Which of these is NOT a component of Hofstede's cultural dimensions relevant to ethical decision-making?
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Which situational factor relates to the likelihood of an outcome occurring from an ethical decision?
Which situational factor relates to the likelihood of an outcome occurring from an ethical decision?
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Flashcards
Consequentialism
Consequentialism
A theory that holds that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences.
Hedonism
Hedonism
A theory that states that pleasure or happiness is the ultimate good and the aim of moral action.
Maximalism
Maximalism
A theory that states that the best action is the one that produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.
Universalism
Universalism
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The impartial spectator
The impartial spectator
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Utilitarianism: Pros
Utilitarianism: Pros
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Utilitarianism: Cons
Utilitarianism: Cons
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Deontology
Deontology
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Universal Law
Universal Law
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Human Dignity
Human Dignity
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Ethics of Duties
Ethics of Duties
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Categorical Imperative
Categorical Imperative
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Rationality
Rationality
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Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics
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Virtues
Virtues
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Virtue Ethics: Advantage
Virtue Ethics: Advantage
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Virtue Ethics: Advantage
Virtue Ethics: Advantage
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Virtue Ethics: Advantage
Virtue Ethics: Advantage
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Virtue Ethics: Disadvantage
Virtue Ethics: Disadvantage
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Virtue Ethics: Disadvantage
Virtue Ethics: Disadvantage
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Ethics of Rights
Ethics of Rights
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Distributive Justice
Distributive Justice
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The Veil of Ignorance
The Veil of Ignorance
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Ethics of Duty
Ethics of Duty
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Pluralist Approach
Pluralist Approach
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Fairness
Fairness
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Individual Factors in Ethical Decisions
Individual Factors in Ethical Decisions
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Cultural Influence on Ethics
Cultural Influence on Ethics
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Moral Intensity
Moral Intensity
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Moral Framing
Moral Framing
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Contextual Influence on Ethics
Contextual Influence on Ethics
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What creates an ethical dilemma?
What creates an ethical dilemma?
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What is the focus of "Critical Approach & Business Ethics"?
What is the focus of "Critical Approach & Business Ethics"?
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What does it mean to describe a situation in a "value-neutral manner"?
What does it mean to describe a situation in a "value-neutral manner"?
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What is the underlying assumption of Western ethical theories?
What is the underlying assumption of Western ethical theories?
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Study Notes
Critical Approach & Business Ethics
- The course covers ethical theories and decision-making in business.
- Week 2 objectives include understanding and applying different ethical theories, describing their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the social origins of ethical decision-making.
- Ethical decisions in business are complex and require transparency.
- Ethical pluralism is a starting point, acknowledging different moral convictions and cultural backgrounds.
- Ethical theories work best in a complementary manner, not mutually exclusive.
Consequentialist and Non-consequentialist Theories
- Consequentialist ethics judge actions based on their outcomes (e.g., utilitarianism).
- Non-consequentialist ethics judge actions based on their adherence to moral rules or duties (e.g., deontology).
Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that prioritizes actions maximizing overall well-being.
- It combines consequentialism with the view that well-being is the sole source of value.
- An action is morally right if and only if it maximizes well-being.
- The greatest happiness principle dictates choosing actions maximizing happiness for the greatest number.
- Personal happiness maximization isn't utilitarian but egoistic.
Utilitarianism: Key Characteristics
- Consequentialism: The morality of an action is determined by its outcome.
- Maximalism: The action should provide the greatest benefit to the majority.
- Hedonism: Pleasure and happiness are the ultimate values.
- Universalism: Actions should benefit everyone equally.
The Impartial Spectator
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"The happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what is right in conduct, is not... (one's) own happiness, but that of all concerned." - John Stuart Mill
-
Utilitarianism requires impartiality similar to an impartial spectator.
Utilitarianism: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Clear, practical guidance for moral decisions; impartial and universal; flexible and adaptable; empirically grounded and testable.
- Cons: Difficulty predicting consequences; potential conflicts with moral convictions (e.g., human rights); neglects motives, intentions, and character.
The Costs and Benefits of Calculating Costs and Benefits
- A human life in Switzerland is estimated to be worth 6.7 million Swiss Francs, used in policy analysis.
- This cost-benefit analysis has been applied to the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if lockdowns were worth the economic losses.
The Summers Memo
- Economist Lawrence Summers advocated relocating polluting industries to lower-income countries.
- This was deemed to minimize costs for those countries.
- The efficiency of this approach was argued from a utilitarian perspective, showing how pollution can be transferred to lower-income nations resulting in overall gain for all involved.
Effective Altruism
- Effective altruism is a movement aiming to maximize positive impact on others.
- It advocates using reason and evidence to determine how best to benefit others.
- One interpretation involves maximizing earnings to donate to charities.
- The movement was motivated by, among others, philosopher Peter Singer, who argued that people have an obligation to help those in poverty.
- The drowning child analogy illustrates an obligation to act to save a life.
Deontology: Ethics of Duties
- Deontology is a duty-based ethical theory.
- It assesses the rightness or wrongness of actions based on adherence to moral norms, not consequences.
- Moral norms are universal and applicable to all individuals.
- Deontological theories stand in opposition to utilitarianism, as actions are evaluated based on their conformity to moral norms.
- Moral norms are often expressed in terms of moral rights and duties.
Deontology: Ethics of Duties, Kant
- Immanuel Kant believed ethical standards should originate from rational thought (not empirical experience).
- An action is right only if the rule guiding it could be a universal law.
- Consistency, universality, and respect for human dignity are key concepts.
Deontology: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Respects intrinsic value of every person; strong, widely shared moral intuitions; ethics are entirely within our control.
- Cons: Can be inflexible; difficulty reconciling conflicting duties; potential for outcomes that conflict with moral intuition.
Virtue Ethics
- Virtue ethics focuses on moral character.
- The fundamental question is not "What should I do?", but "What kind of person should I be?".
- Virtues (e.g., honesty, self-control, fidelity, and courage) are developed through practice and communal learning leading to flourishing.
- A virtuous person acts in ways reflecting these virtues.
Virtue Ethics: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Flexible and adaptable; promotes moral motivation (not just rules or punishment); optimistic and self-affirming, developed by habit through the right practices.
- Cons: Doesn't always provide clear guidance in moral dilemmas; reliance on individual judgment, potentially inconsistent moral evaluations.
Ethics of Rights
- Human beings are entitled to fundamental rights (life, liberty, and property).
- Rights theories provide a foundation for constitutional rights and treaties.
- Rights are inalienable, basic entitlements inherent to all individuals.
Example: The Right to Property
- Everyone has the right to own property (alone or in association).
- John Locke argued that labor creates property rights.
- However, there must be enough left in common for others.
Ethics of Rights: Justification
- Entitlement to rights can be justified through fundamental beliefs about human nature (e.g., all men are created equal).
- Rights can be seen as rationally justifiable outcomes of social contract.
- John Rawls describes a thought experiment ("veil of ignorance") to formulate a theory of justice and associated rights.
John Rawls: Justice as Fairness
- Identifying the most essential principles of distributive justice.
- Rights and liberties, social positions (jobs/offices), income, and wealth are valuable goods to be distributed justly.
- Justice is achieved when principles are chosen from a "veil of ignorance".
Combining Ethical Theories: A Pluralist Approach
- A framework that considers various ethical considerations.
- Social consequences are considered alongside duties to others, and the entitlements of others.
- Fair outcomes consider the disparities between "winners" and "losers".
Applying the Theory: Case Studies - Week 11
- Application of ethical theories to case studies representing professional life.
- Working in groups of four to five students.
- Selecting one case with specific instructions on formatting and submission dates.
Applying the Theory: Case Study Description
- Value-neutral description of the ethical dilemma.
- Explanation of its ethical nature and questions arising.
- Identification of conflicting values.
- Use of listed topics (discrimination, data handling, customer relations) for detailing the situation.
Ethical Decision-Making: Who is In the Driver's Seat
- Underlying assumptions of ethical theories: Rationality, autonomy, and a somewhat passive view of morality.
- Acknowledging the role of emotions: Ethical judgments are influenced by fast, automated emotional judgments (not purely rational). Evidence indicates that humans are social beings, capable of moral reasoning, as well as inherently emotional.
The Social Origins of Morality
- Social animals share reciprocity and compassion.
- Reciprocity is fundamental.
- Selfishness can be a valid response only when relationships break down/become ineffective.
- Empathy for others' feelings is crucial.
So What "Triggers" Immoral Behaviour
- Power: Individuals in positions of power might exhibit unethical behavior.
- Psychological and/or Physical Distance: This makes it easier to treat people as commodities rather than individuals.
- Group Thinking: Conformity pressures can significantly influence behavior.
Group Thinking and Peer Pressure
- Conformity experiments showed how strong group pressure can influence individual judgments.
Individual Factors Influencing Ethical Decision-Making
- National and cultural characteristics (Hofstede).
- Psychological factors (locus of control).
- Cognitive moral development.
- Personal values
Situational Factors Influencing Ethical Decisions
- Issue-related: Moral intensity and framing.
- Context-related: Rewards, authority, and bureaucracy.
Evaluating Business Ethics
- Normative ethical theories (egoism, utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, feminist ethics).
- International differences in ethical perspectives.
- Pluralist evaluation (integrating multiple perspectives).
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Description
Test your knowledge on various ethical theories, including virtue ethics and utilitarianism. This quiz covers key concepts, benefits, criticisms, and fundamental questions that arise within these ethical frameworks. Challenging questions await you to deepen your understanding of ethical philosophy.