...Application of the Normative Ethical Theories on Case 1.2 Abstract In this paper two chosen moral theories are being applied and analyzed on the provided case where John Smith, M.D., is a psychiatrist with a private practice. He has been extremely successful in helping child-abusing parents with his effective therapies but systematically refuses to report child-abuse cases to the authorities. This confidentiality has resulted into more abusive parents who were afraid of being reported to authorities and has avoided taking their child to the physicians (1). The leading idea here is to analyze the case on the basis of two ethical theories; Rule Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics. Also to analyze the decisions and actions that pertains to the case on the basis of professional ethics issue. This will also focus on the questions below: * Identify the moral issue in the case * Analyze the case based on both the ethical issues and explain the insights into how the case and issue should be dealt with * What precisely should be the conclusion Moral Issue in the Case In this case John Smith, M.D., is a psychiatrist with a private practice. He has been extremely successful in helping child-abusing parents with his effective therapies but systematically refuses to report child-abuse cases to the authorities. Dr. Smith believes that by rigorously protecting confidentiality, he is able to help precisely those people who are most likely to injure their children. (1). Is...
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...concerned with the nature of ultimate value and the standards by which human actions can be judged right or wrong. The term is also applied to any system or theory of moral values or principles. Ethics is traditionally subdivided into normative ethics, metaethics, and applied ethics. Normative ethics seeks to establish norms or standards of conduct; a crucial question in this field is whether actions are to be judged right or wrong based on their consequences or based on their conformity to some moral rule, such as “Do not tell a lie.” Theories that adopt the former basis of judgment are called consequentialist (see consequentialism); those that adopt the latter are known as deontological (see deontological ethics). Metaethics is concerned with the nature of ethical judgments and theories. Since the beginning of the 20th century, much work in metaethics has focused on the logical and semantic aspects of moral language. Some major metaethical theories are naturalism (see naturalistic fallacy), intuitionism, emotivism, and prescriptivism. Applied ethics, as the name implies, consists of the application of normative ethical theories to practical moral problems (e.g., abortion). Among the major fields of applied ethics are bioethics, business ethics, legal ethics, and medical ethics. 1. Clearly define the ethical problem. The ethical problem is if I should be honest and report this security breech. 2. Employ applicable laws and regulations. I would have to check my unit's internal...
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...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Kenneth H. Niuman University of Phoenix Ethical and Moral Issues in Business How do you differentiate between ethics and morality.?How does ethics impact governance in business organizations. Ethics and morals may seem the same on the face of it, but if one were to analyze, there is definitely some difference. Morality refers to an adopted code of conduct within an environment and a set of agreed upon rules for what is 'right' and 'wrong'. Morals have formed the spine of modern society, religion and every individual's conscience. The conceptions changed in time and take on a new meaning. For example, killing a human being is immoral in any society but when on the battlefield soldiers are given medals for killing their enemy soldiers.. In a way, morality is in sync with ethics. While one is abstract in understanding, the other is defined and in the form of written code. Morality addresses the ethical queries on the moral outcome of a specific situation. The code of conduct formulated probes prohibitions, controversial behavior, standards of belief systems and social conformity of morally 'right' behavior. Moral codes define 'appropriate' and 'expected' activity. Community morality is usually defined via commentaries and codes of authority. Morality is better understood as an assimilation of beliefs about the essentials to lead a 'good' life. It is not to be confused with religious or fanatic or political preception. Moral codes are...
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...1090 Katharina Blaim Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Eichstaett/Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt, Germany Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities of using halal regulation and certification as a mechanism for applying Islamic business ethics in contemporary world. Design/methodology/approach – The current practices of halal regulation and certification and literature on Islamic ethics were reviewed, to identify a practical approach for Islamic business ethics. Findings – Islam allows and accepts different levels of ethical commitment. A multi-level Islamic ethics framework and a multi-level halal certification approach are proposed to facilitate the implementation of Islamic business ethics in a relative context. Two major developments can enrich halal business practices: harmonization of global standards and governance structure, and integrating responsibility and ethical issues in halal standards. Practical implications – The proposed framework and developments can enrich halal regulation and certification practice. Originality/value – The paper emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in Islamic business ethics implementation, and proposes a new framework and approach to apply Islamic business ethics. Keywords Islam, Business ethics, Social responsibility, Corporate governance, Islamic ethics, Halal, Corporate responsibility Paper type Research paper Journal of Management Development Vol. 31 No. 10, 2012 pp...
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...and ethics. Everyone believes that his or her ethical practice is the only one that existed and others should follow. Most of the people still do not know what to belief and who to follow. Throughout this paper, I will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. These similarities and differences will include a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. They will also include a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtues, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three ethical theories above. Description of Similarities and Differences To discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, I will start with each ethical theory. The similarities between these three theories represent the good in people, how they strive for excellence, and how they justify good. The differences in these three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory is not the same as the other two normative theories, utilitarianism and deontology ethics. This theory focuses more on an individual and his or her characteristics. Utilitarianism and deontology ethics look at what a group should do, and this is different from personal inclinations and desires. In a virtue theory, an individual’s desires and inclinations are relevant to morality. Virtue theory is also called character ethics or agent-based...
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...thank Thomas Donaldson, Diana Robertson and participants in the Kennedy Institute of Ethics Seminar at Georgetown University, and three anonymous reviewers for helpful comments on earlier versions of this article. Funding by the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research and the Georgetown University School of Business summer research fund is gratefully acknowledged. Abstract This paper describes the need and the search to date for a normative moral foundation for marketing. Social contract theory appears promising because of its clear correspondence to the exchange relationships central to marketing thought and practice. It is introduced in a specific formulation known as Integrative Social Contracts Theory. ISCT provides a coherent framework for resolving ethical issues arising between different communities and is therefore particularly appropriate because marketers frequently engage in boundary-spanning relationships and crosscultural activities. The application of ISCT to ethical decision making in marketing is explored through the use of bribery as a major illustrative...
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...significant approaches in normative ethics such as quality ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper is going to evaluate the resemblances and variations between quality concept, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics and morality and it will also talk about an experience to describe the relationship between quality, principles, and ethical principles as their associate with one of the three principles. Differences in How These Theories Address Ethics and Morality Virtue ethics emphasizes on virtues rather than the rules or consequences whereas deontology emphasizes on duties and their adherence to rules, and utilitarianism puts more emphasizes on the consequences of an action while considering what action creates the greatest good for the most. In our weekly readings we found that virtue ethics is also known as an agent based or character ethical theory (Boylan, 2009). In using this approach one must look to do well in all that they do in life. This theory is where many believe in the old saying, “do unto others as you would be done by”. When we look at utilitarianism we see that it sets its strength on the consequences of a moral action and its outcome. According to Boylan (2009), utilitarianism sets that an action is morally right when the action produces more total utility for the group that any other alternative. In this ethical theory one is forced to consider...
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...Alfred North Whitehead’s statement “What is morality in any given time and place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like, and immorality is what they dislike” (Solomon & Higgins, 2009, p.273). As for business, it can have ethical standards, even though businesses are not moral agents. This statement is true because to work well, any business has to incorporate an element of morality. Morality in business is evident when a company provides equal opportunities for all employees. As a result, morals in a business setting act as a guide for employees and managers to work conscientiously. The value of ethical standards in business is that it provides employment opportunities for potential personnel without putting into consideration such aspects as sex, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, nationality, and color. If business adopts the above ethical standards, it concurs with Whitehead’s statement of morality. The reason is that people will like this business and associate it with terms of work and consumer relations. In my opinion, the profit alone cannot be the bottom line of business, even though it is essential for any commerce to make a profit to prove that it is operating in the right direction. To be successful, business has to balance its goals and client service as vital aspects that contribute to a good return. The most significant goal of business is to make money, but there are other less tangible goals that are intrinsic. For instance, when business...
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...Ethics is a set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values. Normative ethics is an ethical system with standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. This ethical system can be broken down into three categories: virtue ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics. Normative ethics' golden rule is to do unto others what we want others to do to us. This establishes a single principle against which we judge all actions. The study and application of ethics has created a variety of approaches to the basic questions of what should I do?, what do i value?, and why do I value that? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the similarities and differences between virtue ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics both morally and ethically. Virtue ethics is the character of a moral agent as a driving force for ethical behavior. For example, a person using the virtue approach would focus less on lying in a particular situation and instead consider the decision to tell a lie or not to tell a lie. Virtue ethics places less emphasis on learning rules, and instead stresses the importance of developing good habits of character. Utilitarian ethics is a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number. For example, a utilitarian approach implies that no moral act like stealing, or a rule like keeping your promise, is in intrinsically right or wrong. The rightness or wrongness...
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...1) Ethical and conceptual issues Current research and research results It is increasingly recognized that within many areas (e.g., disability and handicap), conceptual issues and ethical issues about proper conduct and underlying values are highly intergrated. The treatment of ethical and policy issues depends on the content of the concepts employed and, at the same time, many central concepts are informed by moral opinions and, as a result, contested on ethical grounds. Taking this intergration of conceptual and ethical issues seriously from a research point of view requires that they are very strongly interconnected, i.e. mere studies of the way in which concepts are in fact informed by moral opinions and social values is not siffucient. Outright normative analyses of underlying ethical views need to underpin suggestions with regard to the way in which central concepts should be employed in policy contexts. This has been recognised in research on the basic ethical issue of what should be seen as the basic determinant of the quality of life or well-being (Brülde 1998, 2006), as well as research on applied ethics of relevance for disability (Brülde 2003; Munthe 1996, 1999; Juth 2005; Juth & Munthe 2006), and concepts such as happiness, health, illness, and mental disorder (Brülde 2000, 2006a, 2006b). Research on several of the conceptual issues has demonstrated how they are strongly connected to ethical problems related to health care policies and public health practices...
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...FIRST PAPER Brian Galang Gana ABSTRACT This paper discusses the role of ethics in public administration practice, and considers the probability of adding an ethical dimension to the public service motivation (PSM) construct. Several scholars have linked PSM with ethical behavior in government. Together theory and research have shown that public servants, when compared to ordinary citizens, are more concerned about ethical considerations at both the individual (personal honesty and integrity) and collective (social justice and fairness) levels in the United States. It may thus be possible for ethics to play a fundamental role in scholarly efforts to define and measure PSM. This paper considers the probability of adding an ethical dimension to public administration construct and helps to clarify the role of ethics in PSM discourse and research (Meguid). PSM has strong ethical connotations and numerous scholars have already connected the concept with ethical behavior in government. Research has shown that public servants, when compared to ordinary citizens, are more concerned about ethical considerations at both the individual (personal honesty and integrity) and collective (social justice and fairness) levels in the United States. There are also historical precedents suggesting that ethics is an influential part of PSM. It may thus be...
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...Culture and the question of communicating Responsibility Ludger Heidbrink, Peter Seele Nr. 2/2007 ISSN 2190-5398 2 Who responds to whom? Corporate Culture and the question of communicating Responsibility Prof. Dr. Ludger Heidbrink Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter F. Seele CRR (Center for Responsibility Research) Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut, Essen Outline There are as many opinions on business and ethics as there are statements. In this paper we present the major positions in this ongoing and increasing debate and categorize them according to their ratio as business or ethics, business and ethics and finally ethics in business. In this paper we also present the view, that ethical issues are not separated but connected from business in terms of making profit. We also argue against a strong normative idea of business ethics claiming social responsibility as objective for corporations. After introducing the most common concepts to manage ethics (Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Citizenship (CC)), we identify Corporate Culture as crucial parameter to combine business and ethics by the notion of responsibility. Spheres of corporate responsibility: formal and informal institutions The wording in corporate ethics is of major significance and consequence. By the terms used it might become apparent which positions and which ideologies are applied. Whereas NGOs and government institutions speak of CSR or Social Responsibility, corporations prefer to speak of Corporate...
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...Week 2: This week talked about the accounting environment in Australia. At the beginning of the lecture, we were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained the definitions of accounting terms. Introduction to course outline, trying to understand how it relates to accounting degree as a whole. The way to develop an understanding is to focus on the suitability of current accounting practices and how to develop improved accounting practices where current practices are unsuitable for changing business circumstances. This allows me to look at the course as a whole. Team formation with group of 4 led to some problems as two members had a personality clash and had a fight about the first task which included choosing photos out of a magazine that represented accounting. The group worked the problem out however it just shows the pros and cons of team work as sometimes personalities that clash each other may erase any benefits of team work. The vital issue this week is why regulation is needed and I hope to reflect about this in the weeks to come Other issues is who regulates and why one framework has begun to dominate world wide Why were certain regulations introduced such as “Intangible assets” Not reliable or timely, can’t be measured accurately. Problem is it undervalues organisation. Found the topic beneficial as a whole Week 3: Watched the movie “Company Men”, which reflects the operation of a financial company during the global financial crisis...
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...Ethics Essay Anthony Gonzalez ETH/316 2/23/15 Arthur Murphy Introduction Utilitarianism, deontological, and virtue theory ethics are three normative approaches to ethics. This paper will go over the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics, morality, and it will also discuss a personal experience to describe the correlation between virtue, values, and moral perceptions as they relate to one of the three theories. Similarities and Differences Virtue theory emphasizes character traits rather than the rules or consequences while deontology is described as an action that is right only if it is in accordance with a moral rule or principle. Utilitarianism puts more emphasis on the consequences and that decisions should be made based on happiness for the greatest number of people. Virtue theory does not judge a person as good (or not) based upon one single action in their lives. Rather, it takes a look over time to judge ones character. Virtue theory also looks at past mistakes that are not normally in a person’s historical nature. For example, a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is their character and not because they want to maximize utility or gain favors or simply do their duty ("Virtue," 2010).Utilitarianism usually relies on predicting the consequences of an action. Utilitarianism...
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...philosophy for the study and practice of education in a democratic society. It will be argued that at its core education is a normative enterprise, in that it is driven by fundamental social values as well as the imperatives of social justice. These values and imperatives powerfully shape every dimension of educational theory, policy, and practice. From this perspective, education requires a normative frame of reference. Democracy, understood as not only a political system but more fundamentally as a way of life grounded in specific values and principles, provides a powerful point of reference. At the heart of democracy is the value of liberty, understood as self-determination. Self-determination requires that there should be careful reflection upon and rational deliberation concerning social values and, in turn, the imperatives of justice that inform the purposes and practices of education. It will be argued that philosophy constitutes a mode of inquiry and a discipline that enriches the capacity for reflection and rational deliberation, and hence it is essential for both democracy and the study and practice of education in a democratic society. Education as a Normative Enterprise There are a number of ways in which education is normative. While what follows is not an exhaustive list, it is arguably sufficient to demonstrate the normative nature of education. 73 In Factis Pax Volume 6 Number 2 (2012): 73-84 http://www.infactispax.org/journal/ First, education...
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