Podcast
Questions and Answers
Utilitarianism is based solely on individual happiness.
Utilitarianism is based solely on individual happiness.
False
The principle of impartiality in utilitarianism means that it does not favor any particular group over others.
The principle of impartiality in utilitarianism means that it does not favor any particular group over others.
True
Utilitarianism allows for flexibility in moral decision-making according to specific situations.
Utilitarianism allows for flexibility in moral decision-making according to specific situations.
True
Utilitarianism is a non-consequentialist ethical theory.
Utilitarianism is a non-consequentialist ethical theory.
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Utilitarianism always provides clear predictions about the outcomes of actions.
Utilitarianism always provides clear predictions about the outcomes of actions.
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Ethical theories can be used as a moral compass for decision-making in business.
Ethical theories can be used as a moral compass for decision-making in business.
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John Stuart Mill argued that happiness should only be the concern of the individual.
John Stuart Mill argued that happiness should only be the concern of the individual.
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The greatest happiness principle suggests maximizing one's own profit.
The greatest happiness principle suggests maximizing one's own profit.
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Utilitarianism can conflict with moral convictions like human rights violations.
Utilitarianism can conflict with moral convictions like human rights violations.
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Determining the goodness of outcomes is essential to consequentialist theories.
Determining the goodness of outcomes is essential to consequentialist theories.
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Utilitarianism is considered empirically grounded because it is based on observable results.
Utilitarianism is considered empirically grounded because it is based on observable results.
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Ethical pluralism acknowledges a single moral conviction as the correct approach.
Ethical pluralism acknowledges a single moral conviction as the correct approach.
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Maximalism is a key characteristic of utilitarianism that seeks to maximize one individual's happiness above all.
Maximalism is a key characteristic of utilitarianism that seeks to maximize one individual's happiness above all.
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Welfarism asserts that well-being is the only source of value in ethics.
Welfarism asserts that well-being is the only source of value in ethics.
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Non-consequentialist ethics focus solely on the actions taken, not the outcomes.
Non-consequentialist ethics focus solely on the actions taken, not the outcomes.
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The complexity of ethical decisions in business is lower than in personal life.
The complexity of ethical decisions in business is lower than in personal life.
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An ethical dilemma involves conflicts between at least two values.
An ethical dilemma involves conflicts between at least two values.
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The underlying assumption of most Western theories suggests that ethics is solely based on emotions.
The underlying assumption of most Western theories suggests that ethics is solely based on emotions.
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Participants in the case studies should anonymize the individuals and companies involved.
Participants in the case studies should anonymize the individuals and companies involved.
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Group discussions for ethical dilemmas should include a minimum of three participants.
Group discussions for ethical dilemmas should include a minimum of three participants.
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John Rawls' principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.
John Rawls' principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.
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It is necessary to upload case descriptions by November 30.
It is necessary to upload case descriptions by November 30.
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According to Rawls, individuals should be aware of their class position when determining justice.
According to Rawls, individuals should be aware of their class position when determining justice.
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Utilitarianism considers the consequences of actions for everyone affected.
Utilitarianism considers the consequences of actions for everyone affected.
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Human behavior is primarily a result of rational, conscious processes.
Human behavior is primarily a result of rational, conscious processes.
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One of the topics for ethical dilemmas includes handling of data.
One of the topics for ethical dilemmas includes handling of data.
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The Ethics of Duty focuses solely on the outcomes of actions.
The Ethics of Duty focuses solely on the outcomes of actions.
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Theories of justice inquire about the fairness of processes and equal chances for everyone.
Theories of justice inquire about the fairness of processes and equal chances for everyone.
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The course encourages individuals to make decisions independently without any group discussions.
The course encourages individuals to make decisions independently without any group discussions.
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Ethics of Rights addresses the entitlements and fundamental human rights of individuals.
Ethics of Rights addresses the entitlements and fundamental human rights of individuals.
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Am I treating everyone fairly is a question associated with Utilitarianism.
Am I treating everyone fairly is a question associated with Utilitarianism.
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The pluralist approach combines various ethical theories to address decision-making.
The pluralist approach combines various ethical theories to address decision-making.
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Selfishness is a viable strategy when social connections are strong.
Selfishness is a viable strategy when social connections are strong.
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Empathy is defined as the ability to exploit the feelings of others.
Empathy is defined as the ability to exploit the feelings of others.
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Reciprocity and compassion are fundamental mechanisms of morality among social animals.
Reciprocity and compassion are fundamental mechanisms of morality among social animals.
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Psychological distance can trigger immoral behavior.
Psychological distance can trigger immoral behavior.
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The Asch experiment focused on the influence of individual opinion in isolation.
The Asch experiment focused on the influence of individual opinion in isolation.
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Group thinking can lead to poor decision-making due to peer pressure.
Group thinking can lead to poor decision-making due to peer pressure.
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Consolation is one of the characteristics of empathy.
Consolation is one of the characteristics of empathy.
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Negative feedback promotes selfish behavior among social animals.
Negative feedback promotes selfish behavior among social animals.
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National and cultural characteristics are irrelevant to ethical decision-making.
National and cultural characteristics are irrelevant to ethical decision-making.
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Moral intensity refers to the level of importance placed on the ethical issue at hand.
Moral intensity refers to the level of importance placed on the ethical issue at hand.
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The concept of proximity is unrelated to the effects of ethical behavior.
The concept of proximity is unrelated to the effects of ethical behavior.
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Locus of control is a psychological factor that does not affect ethical decision-making.
Locus of control is a psychological factor that does not affect ethical decision-making.
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Rewards can strongly influence the extent to which individuals engage in ethical behavior.
Rewards can strongly influence the extent to which individuals engage in ethical behavior.
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Cognitive moral development has no connection to ethical decision-making processes.
Cognitive moral development has no connection to ethical decision-making processes.
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Social consensus involves agreement on ethical issues among a group.
Social consensus involves agreement on ethical issues among a group.
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Temporal immediacy is the only factor contributing to the magnitude of consequences.
Temporal immediacy is the only factor contributing to the magnitude of consequences.
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Study Notes
Critical Approach & Business Ethics
- This 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 Theories: A Moral Compass
- Ethical decisions in business are complex and require transparency.
- Ethical theories function as a moral compass for consistent answers to ethical questions.
- Ethical pluralism acknowledges diverse moral convictions and recognizes a consensus on basic principles.
- Ethical theories should be complementary, not mutually exclusive.
Consequentialist and Non-consequentialist Theories
- Consequentialist ethics evaluates actions based on their outcomes.
- Non-consequentialist ethics assesses actions based on moral principles, regardless of outcomes.
Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory.
- The rightness of an action is determined by maximizing well-being for the greatest number.
- Well-being is the sole source of value.
- Maximizing one's own happiness or profit is not utilitarian; it's simple egoism.
Utilitarianism: Key Characteristics
- Consequentialism: Focuses on the outcomes of actions.
- Welfarism: Values well-being as the sole good.
- Maximalism: Aims to maximize well-being.
- Universalism: Considers the well-being of all affected.
The Impartial Spectator
- Utilitarianism necessitates concern for the happiness of all affected, not just one's own.
- This requires impartiality, like that of a disinterested and benevolent spectator.
Utilitarianism: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Provides clear guidance for moral decision-making; impartial and universal; adaptable to different circumstances; empirically grounded.
- Cons: Difficult to predict or measure consequences; can conflict with moral convictions such as human rights; ignores important factors like motives, intentions, and character.
The Costs and Benefits of Calculating Costs and Benefits
- A human life is estimated at 6.7 million Swiss Francs in Switzerland.
- Cost-benefit analysis was used during the Covid-19 pandemic to evaluate the economic costs of lockdowns vs. lives saved.
The Summers Memo
- Economist Lawrence Summers argued for the migration of polluting industries to lower-income countries.
- This was based on the idea that environmental damage would be minimized overall from an economic perspective.
- This "lowest cost" approach raises significant ethical concerns about social justice and fairness.
Effective Altruism
- Effective altruism emphasizes maximizing beneficial impact.
- It incorporates philosophical and social strategies to benefit others.
- "Earning to give" is a core concept, advocating maximal income generation with charitable donations.
- Inspired by philosopher Peter Singer's arguments for obligations to help extreme poverty.
Deontology
- Deontological theories center on the moral obligation and the rightness of an action based on conformity with moral norms rather than outcomes.
- Moral norms should be universally applicable.
- They usually take a strictly principled and absolute position with regards to moral issues.
Deontology: Ethics of Duties
- Immanuel Kant's deontological approach emphasizes humans as rational beings.
- Actions are judged based on their consistency with universally applicable rules, without regard to outcomes.
- Human dignity and respect for rational autonomy are central concepts.
- The categorical imperative (“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law") is a key principle for creating rules and guidelines.
Deontology: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Respects intrinsic value and human dignity; strong moral intuitions around duties; focuses on intentions and actions within one's control.
- Cons: Can be too inflexible in complex situations; difficult to resolve conflicts between duties.
Virtue Ethics
- Virtue ethics focuses on moral character rather than specific actions or outcomes.
- Key traits include honesty, self-control, fidelity, courage.
- It's about developing good character traits through learning, habits, and community interactions.
Virtue Ethics: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Flexible and adaptable to diverse situations; emphasizes good moral motivations; encourages self-improvement and ethical development.
- Cons: Can lack clear guidance in ethical dilemmas; may vary widely due to judgment differences.
Ethics of Rights
- Humans possess basic, inalienable, and unconditional entitlements.
- Rights theories provide a foundation for constitutional rights, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- The right to own property is a fundamental concept with philosophical interpretations and implications for individuals and society.
John Rawls: Justice as Fairness
- Rawls proposed principles of justice based on a thought experiment called the "veil of ignorance."
- Aiming to decide on principles of justice without personal biases.
Combining Ethical Theories
- A pluralistic approach integrates different ethical theories to solve a complex issue.
- It views ethical considerations on an overlapping basis rather than exclusionary.
Applying the theory: Case studies
- Students will apply ethical theories to case studies from their professional lives.
- Groups will analyze a real-world dilemma and present their findings.
Ethical Decision-Making: Who's in the Driver's Seat
- Most ethical theories assume rational people make decisions, but evidence suggests that emotion plays a significant role.
- Humans are social creatures with innate morality, which influences their decisions..
The Social Origins of Morality
- Social animals share a basic system of moral behavior based on reciprocity and compassion.
- Selfishness is less useful where social connections are effective.
- Empathy, including synchronization and consolation, enables us to understand and share the feelings of others.
What "Triggers" Immoral Behavior
- Power dynamics, psychological and physical distance, and groupthink.
- Conformity experiments (like Asch's experiments) demonstrate the power of peer pressure on individuals.
Individual Factors
- National and cultural characteristics; psychological factors; cognitive moral development; personal values.
Situational Factors
- Issue-related factors, like moral intensity and moral framing.
- Context-related factors, like rewards, authority, and bureaucracy.
Evaluating Business Ethics
- Normative ethical theories (egoism, utilitarianism, ethics of duties, and rights).
Conclusion
- Ethical evaluation is a complex process with multiple perspectives, often requiring the use of a pluralistic approach.
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Description
Test your understanding of utilitarianism and its principles, including individual happiness, impartiality, and flexibility in ethical decision-making. This quiz explores the fundamental ideas of consequentialism and challenges posed by utilitarianism in moral contexts. Ideal for students studying ethics or philosophy.
