Ethics Theories: Utilitarianism and Beyond
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How might Virtue Ethics manifest in a company's culture?

  • By encouraging shortcuts to achieve profit
  • Through prioritizing ethical leadership and integrity (correct)
  • By focusing solely on shareholder returns
  • By ignoring employee well-being

What is the first stage of the Ethical Decision-Making Process?

  • Ethical Behavior
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Ethical Awareness (correct)
  • Ethical Relativism

What does Cognitive Moral Development describe?

  • The influence of emotions on decision-making
  • The binary nature of moral choices
  • The stages of moral reasoning progression (correct)
  • The static nature of ethical beliefs

Which trait is primarily associated with Machiavellianism?

<p>Opportunism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do cognitive biases have on ethical decision-making?

<p>They often distort ethical reasoning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an internal locus of control influence decision-making?

<p>It encourages taking responsibility for actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the distinction between internal and external locus of control?

<p>External locus users attribute outcomes to external factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What likely increases Aidan's stress regarding his role on the Board?

<p>A lack of banking experience (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Virtue Ethics?

<p>Cultivating good character (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily associated with the development of Virtue Ethics?

<p>Aristotle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of deontological ethics?

<p>Aligning actions with universal rules or duties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Categorical Imperative require from individuals before taking action?

<p>To evaluate if the action could be a universal law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are virtues described in the context of Virtue Ethics?

<p>Traits of character developed through habit and practice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golden Mean represent in Virtue Ethics?

<p>Moral virtue existing between extremes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of deontological ethics?

<p>It can be inflexible and lead to negative outcomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Kant's ethics, why should one not lie even to save a life?

<p>Because it can never be universally applied as a moral rule (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of Virtue Ethics?

<p>It lacks clear action guidelines for specific situations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the prime role of non-executive directors in relation to executive directors?

<p>To appoint and remove executive directors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Utilitarianism and Deontology fundamentally differ from Virtue Ethics?

<p>Deontology focuses on rules while Virtue Ethics focuses on moral agents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From a utilitarian perspective, why could the €4 billion transfer be considered unethical?

<p>It compromises the integrity of financial statements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental principle of Virtue Ethics?

<p>The moral character of the individual is paramount (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept, associated with Aristotle, refers to flourishing or living a good life?

<p>Eudaimonia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a strength of Virtue Ethics?

<p>It stresses character-building and moral development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does virtue ethics focus on when evaluating ethical actions?

<p>The character of the decision maker. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an aspect of Deontological ethics?

<p>Consequential consideration of actions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a business apply Virtue Ethics in its practices?

<p>By ensuring transparency and honesty in dealings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the argument highlight regarding the impact of the €4 billion transfer on management's performance?

<p>It can lead to future scrutiny and potential ethical breaches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the ethical frameworks discussed, what is the main concern about the CEO's action in the transfer?

<p>It reflects questionable integrity through the act of lying. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about deontological ethics?

<p>It emphasizes universal moral laws irrespective of the outcome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept represents the balance between extremes in Virtue Ethics?

<p>The Golden Mean (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is virtue acquired according to Virtue Ethics?

<p>By performing virtuous acts consistently (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of Virtue Ethics regarding decision-making?

<p>Lacks concrete guidance for action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key question does Virtue Ethics ask?

<p>What kind of person should I be? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of Virtue Ethics?

<p>Focuses on moral development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Utilitarianism?

<p>The right action maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does cultural relativity bring to Virtue Ethics?

<p>Leads to disagreement on what constitutes virtue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of the 'Principle of Utility'?

<p>Jeremy Bentham (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Virtue Ethics differ from Deontology?

<p>Virtue Ethics emphasizes character over rules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to John Stuart Mill, what differentiates some pleasures from others?

<p>The quality of pleasure experienced. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Harm Principle' assert?

<p>Power can only be exercised to prevent harm to others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does Utilitarianism place on consequences?

<p>Consequences determine the morality of an action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who expanded on Bentham's ideas by emphasizing the quality of pleasure?

<p>John Stuart Mill (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Utilitarianism seeks to maximize which of the following?

<p>Total societal happiness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with Utilitarian ethical theory?

<p>Actions are right if they lead to the greatest benefit for the majority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Virtue Ethics

Ethical theory that focuses on developing good character traits and habits, rather than following rules or maximizing outcomes.

Moral Agent

In Virtue Ethics, the person making the moral decision. It emphasizes who you are becoming through your actions.

The Golden Mean

The idea that virtue lies in finding the balance between two extremes. For example, courage is the balance between recklessness and cowardice.

Moral Development

Virtue Ethics emphasizes that becoming virtuous is a process of learning and practice.

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Lack of Clear Guidance

A major criticism of Virtue Ethics is that it doesn't provide clear guidelines for resolving ethical dilemmas.

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Cultural Relativity

Different cultures may have differing views on what constitutes virtue, leading to conflicts in applying Virtue Ethics.

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Utilitarianism

This ethical theory focuses on the outcomes of actions, aiming to maximize happiness for the largest number of people.

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Deontology

This theory emphasizes following universal moral principles, regardless of the outcome.

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Principle of Utility

The principle that states the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the largest number of people.

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Harm Principle

The idea that the only reason to limit someone's freedom is to prevent harm to others.

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Quality of Happiness

The idea that some pleasures are more valuable than others, even if they provide less immediate satisfaction.

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Deontological Ethics

An ethical theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences.

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Jeremy Bentham

The philosopher who famously said, 'Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters; pain and pleasure.'

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John Stuart Mill

The philosopher who expanded on Bentham's ideas by emphasizing the quality of happiness, arguing that intellectual and emotional pleasures are more valuable.

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Intrinsic Value of Actions (Deontology)

The belief that the moral worth of an action is determined by the intention behind it, specifically whether it was performed out of a sense of duty.

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Respect for Persons (Deontology)

The principle that people should be treated with respect as ends in themselves, not merely as means to achieve a goal.

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The Categorical Imperative

Kant's central ethical principle, stating that one should act only according to rules that could be universally applied without contradiction.

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Virtues (Virtue Ethics)

Character traits that promote flourishing and well-being, such as courage, kindness, honesty, and justice.

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Eudaimonia (Virtue Ethics)

Aristotle's concept of the good life, characterized by flourishing and happiness.

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Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle's work that explores the nature of virtue and how it contributes to a good life.

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Virtue

A person's character and habits, particularly in relation to ethical choices.

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Consequentialism

An ethical framework where the moral worth of an action is determined by its consequences. It aims to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.

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Who is Aristotle?

A key philosopher associated with Virtue Ethics.

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What are virtues?

Traits of character that help individuals live a moral life. They are cultivated through habit and practice.

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What is the Golden Mean?

The idea that moral virtue lies in the balance between two extremes.

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Criticism of Virtue Ethics

It lacks clear guidance for action in specific situations and is often culturally relative.

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Utilitarianism - Business

Maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people.

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Deontology - Business

Following a code of conduct that emphasizes honesty and transparency, even if it results in lower profits.

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Virtue Ethics - Business

Emphasize moral development and character-building, fostering long-term ethical behavior.

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Ethical Decision-Making Process

The process by which individuals make ethical choices, involving identifying an ethical dilemma, analyzing the situation, and deciding on a course of action.

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Cognitive Moral Development

A theory that outlines how people develop their understanding of right and wrong, progressing through stages from focusing on self-interest to considering universal ethical principles.

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Machiavellianism

A personality trait that describes individuals who are manipulative, self-centered, and opportunistic, often associated with unethical behavior.

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Cognitive Biases

Mental shortcuts or biases that can distort ethical reasoning, leading people to rely on preconceived notions or misleading information.

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Internal Locus of Control

The belief that individuals control their own outcomes through their actions and choices.

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External Locus of Control

The belief that outcomes are determined by external factors beyond one's control, such as luck or fate.

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Locus of Control and Ethics

The belief that internal locus of control is linked to ethical decision-making, resulting in individuals taking responsibility for their actions.

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Study Notes

Ethics Theories: A Deeper Understanding

  • Ethics explores moral principles governing human behavior.
  • Three dominant ethical theories are Utilitarianism, Deontological Ethics, and Virtue Ethics.
  • Each theory has a different perspective on right and wrong action.

Utilitarianism: A Consequentialist Approach

  • Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory.
  • The morality of an action depends entirely on its consequences.
  • Goal: Maximize happiness/pleasure and minimize pain/suffering for the greatest number of people.
  • Key Philosophers: Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart Mill
    • Bentham: Actions should maximize happiness or minimize pain.
    • Mill: Emphasized quality of happiness, some pleasures are more valuable than others.
      • Harm Principle: Power can only be used to prevent harm to others.
  • Key Features:
    • Consequences matter.
    • Principle of Utility: Actions are judged by their happiness/utility.
    • Happiness is quantifiable; maximize total happiness.
  • Application:
    • Businesses: Weighing benefits (satisfaction) against costs to maximize overall satisfaction.
  • Criticism:
    • Difficult to predict all consequences.
    • May ignore individual rights if benefitting the majority.
    • Subjectivity in evaluating happiness.

Deontological Ethics: A Duty-Based Approach

  • Deontological ethics focuses on rules/principles, regardless of consequences.
  • Moral worth determined by adherence to duties/rules.
  • Key Philosopher: Immanuel Kant
    • Categorical Imperative: Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. (Actions must be universally applicable)
  • Key Features:
    • Duty and rules: Morality is determined by adherence to universal duties.
    • Intrinsic value of actions: Actions are judged based on whether they reflect duty, not personal gain.
  • Criticisms:
    • Can be inflexible; may require actions that have negative consequences.
    • Conflicts of duties not always addressed.
    • Ignores consequences.

Virtue Ethics: Focus on Character and Integrity

  • Virtue Ethics is rooted in Aristotelian philosophy.
  • Focuses on moral character of the individual, not specific actions.
  • Actions reflect virtues of a good person (like courage, kindness, honesty).
  • Key Philosopher: Aristotle
    • Eudaimonia: Flourishing, developing virtues to live a good life.
  • Key Features:
    • Focus on character: Ethical decisions stem from character, motivations, and intentions.
  • Criticisms:
    • Lack of clear guidance for specific actions.
    • Difficulty applying in specific dilemmas.
    • Cultural relativity.

Comparing Ethical Theories

  • Utilitarianism: Focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.
  • Deontology: Focuses on following universal rules and duties.
  • Virtue Ethics: Focuses on developing virtuous character.

Business Applications of Ethics

  • Utilitarianism: Cost-benefit analyses (weighing benefits against costs).
  • Deontology: Emphasizing honesty and transparency in conduct.
  • Virtue Ethics: Prioritizing ethical leadership and building corporate responsibility.

Ethical Decision-Making: A Psychological Approach

  • Ethical awareness – Recognizing ethical dilemmas.
  • Ethical judgment – Determining the right course of action.
  • Ethical behavior – Acting on the ethical decision.
  • Factors influencing ethical awareness: Cognitive moral development, Machiavellianism, moral disengagement.

Cognitive Moral Development (Kohlberg)

  • Pre-conventional: Driven by self-interest.
  • Conventional: Guided by societal norms and laws.
  • Post-conventional: Based on abstract ethical principles.

Machiavellianism

  • Trait associated with self-interest, manipulation, and prioritizing personal gain.

Locus of Control

  • Internal: Individuals believe they control their outcomes.
  • External: Individuals attribute outcomes to luck or external forces.

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Ethics Theories: A Deeper Understanding PDF

Description

This quiz delves into the core ethical theories shaping moral philosophy, with a focus on Utilitarianism. Learn about the principles of this consequentialist approach, the significance of key philosophers like Bentham and Mill, and how actions are evaluated based on their outcomes. Test your understanding of ethics and its implications for human behavior.

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