Ethics Theories: Utilitarianism and Beyond

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Questions and Answers

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?

Opportunism Signup and view all the answers

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

They often distort ethical reasoning Signup and view all the answers

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

It encourages taking responsibility for actions Signup and view all the answers

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

External locus users attribute outcomes to external factors. Signup and view all the answers

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

A lack of banking experience Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Virtue Ethics?

Cultivating good character Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily associated with the development of Virtue Ethics?

Aristotle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of deontological ethics?

Aligning actions with universal rules or duties Signup and view all the answers

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

To evaluate if the action could be a universal law Signup and view all the answers

How are virtues described in the context of Virtue Ethics?

Traits of character developed through habit and practice Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golden Mean represent in Virtue Ethics?

Moral virtue existing between extremes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of deontological ethics?

It can be inflexible and lead to negative outcomes Signup and view all the answers

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

Because it can never be universally applied as a moral rule Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of Virtue Ethics?

It lacks clear action guidelines for specific situations Signup and view all the answers

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

To appoint and remove executive directors. Signup and view all the answers

How do Utilitarianism and Deontology fundamentally differ from Virtue Ethics?

Deontology focuses on rules while Virtue Ethics focuses on moral agents Signup and view all the answers

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

It compromises the integrity of financial statements. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental principle of Virtue Ethics?

The moral character of the individual is paramount Signup and view all the answers

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

Eudaimonia Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a strength of Virtue Ethics?

It stresses character-building and moral development Signup and view all the answers

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

The character of the decision maker. Signup and view all the answers

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

Consequential consideration of actions Signup and view all the answers

How might a business apply Virtue Ethics in its practices?

By ensuring transparency and honesty in dealings Signup and view all the answers

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

It can lead to future scrutiny and potential ethical breaches. 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?

It reflects questionable integrity through the act of lying. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about deontological ethics?

It emphasizes universal moral laws irrespective of the outcome Signup and view all the answers

Which concept represents the balance between extremes in Virtue Ethics?

The Golden Mean Signup and view all the answers

How is virtue acquired according to Virtue Ethics?

By performing virtuous acts consistently Signup and view all the answers

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

Lacks concrete guidance for action Signup and view all the answers

What key question does Virtue Ethics ask?

What kind of person should I be? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of Virtue Ethics?

Focuses on moral development Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Utilitarianism?

The right action maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does cultural relativity bring to Virtue Ethics?

Leads to disagreement on what constitutes virtue Signup and view all the answers

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

Jeremy Bentham Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Virtue Ethics differ from Deontology?

Virtue Ethics emphasizes character over rules Signup and view all the answers

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

The quality of pleasure experienced. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Harm Principle' assert?

Power can only be exercised to prevent harm to others. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does Utilitarianism place on consequences?

Consequences determine the morality of an action. Signup and view all the answers

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

John Stuart Mill Signup and view all the answers

Utilitarianism seeks to maximize which of the following?

Total societal happiness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with Utilitarian ethical theory?

Actions are right if they lead to the greatest benefit for the majority. Signup and view all the answers

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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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.