Questions and Answers
What are normative ethical theories?
Rules and principles that determine right/wrong for a given situation.
What is an ethical theory?
An approach to understand making the moral distinction between good/bad.
What is ethical absolutism?
Universally applicable moral principles.
What does ethical relativism suggest?
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What is morality?
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What is the study of ethics?
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What are classical ethical theories?
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What is egoism?
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What does a consequentialist theory focus on?
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What are some criticisms of egoism?
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What does ethical egoism promote?
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What is utilitarianism?
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What problems are associated with utilitarianism?
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What is deontology?
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What is the categorical imperative?
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What are virtue ethics?
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What is the drawback of virtue ethics?
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What is the golden rule?
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Study Notes
Normative Ethical Theories
- Rule and principles that determine what is right or wrong in various situations.
Ethical Theories Overview
- Framework to distinguish between good and bad, aiding everyday moral practices.
- Positions include ethical absolutism (universal principles) and ethical relativism (context-dependent morality), with ethical pluralism in between.
Ethical Absolutism
- Proposes universally applicable moral principles regardless of context.
Ethical Relativism
- Suggests that morality depends on the individual and cultural context, affecting decision-making, especially in international business.
Morality Defined
- Norms and values defined by people and communities that categorize actions as right or wrong.
- Involves descriptive relativism, which addresses the diversity of moral beliefs, and focuses on avoiding harm.
Ethics Explained
- Study of principles, reasons, and rules determining right from wrong, reflecting on morality and its codification for a better society.
Classical Ethical Theories
- Four primary theories: Egoism, Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics.
Egoism
- A consequential theory where actions are morally right if they align with decision-makers' short-term desires or long-term interests.
- Emphasizes enlightened self-interest, suggesting that denying short-term desires may serve long-term interests.
Consequentialist Perspective
- Evaluates ethical decisions based on their outcomes rather than the intentions behind them.
Criticism of Egoism
- Poses that it equates different life approaches, overlooks the impact of self-interest on others, and challenges the sustainability of pursuing personal desires alone.
Support for Ethical Egoism
- Argues that individuals understand their needs better than they can care for others.
- Promotes personal integrity and views all ethics as ultimately self-interested.
Egoism and Market Dynamics
- Aligns with neoliberal models, promoting free competition influenced by the invisible hand.
- Highlights flaws in markets, such as corruption, lack of perfect information, and the exclusion of future societal well-being.
Utilitarianism
- A consequential theory where morality is defined by the greatest good for the greatest number, relying on cost-benefit analysis.
- Categorizes good through maximizing pleasure or happiness, evaluated on both individual and rule-based consequences.
Relevance of Utilitarianism
- Applies cost-benefit analysis in business contexts, though subjective interests may skew analysis and overemphasize majority perspectives at the expense of minorities.
Arguments Supporting Utilitarianism
- Aligns with shared human needs and societal happiness, prioritizing social good over personal interests.
Problems of Utilitarianism
- Subjectivity in consequences and challenges in quantifying benefits can lead to biased evaluations, particularly disregarding minority interests.
Deontology
- A non-consequentialist approach asserting that morality is rooted in obligations that apply universally across ethical dilemmas.
Categorical Imperative
- Establishes a framework with three ethical tests: consistency, human dignity, and universality, assessing the ethicality of actions.
Practices in Deontology
- Emphasizes the importance of universal applicability in business ethics while encouraging individuals to reflect on moral principles.
Consistency in Ethics
- Requires that behaviors should be universally applicable, recognizing potential threats to human security.
Human Dignity Principle
- Advocates treating others as ends in themselves, acknowledging their inherent value and needs.
Universality in Actions
- Proposes that ethical actions must be acceptable to every rational being.
Golden Rule Principle
- Reflects the principle of consistency found in numerous religious traditions.
Non-Consequentialist Approach
- Focuses on the motivations behind actions rather than their outcomes, providing a distinct perspective on ethical evaluation.
Arguments for Deontology
- Protects against intrinsic evils and reliance on subjective judgments, emphasizing immutable ethical laws.
Virtue Ethics
- Concentrates on the character of individuals as the basis for ethical behavior, promoting the development of virtuous traits.
Characteristics of Virtue
- Defines moral virtues as habitual patterns and traits like honesty and courage, linking good actions to good character development.
Support for Virtue Ethics
- Acknowledges that moral development is lifelong and influenced by community interactions, considering emotions and reasoning as critical components of morality.
Drawbacks of Virtue Ethics
- Challenges in identifying communities of good practice and translating virtuous traits into action, highlighting the complexity of ethical decisions.
Practices in Virtue Ethics
- Encourages situational ethics that respect cultural contexts, fostering interpersonal relationships rather than rigid adherence to rules.
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Test your knowledge on classical ethical theories with this flashcard quiz. The quiz covers important concepts such as normative ethical theories and various ethical approaches. Enhance your understanding of morality and ethical frameworks used in everyday situations.