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Eth/316 Week 1

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Cross Examination of Business Ethics Theories
Gil Xavier Urbano ETH/316
Cecile Morris

Cross Examination of Business Ethics Theories “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” – Kurt Vonnegut (Mother Night, 1961). Ethics and morality play a major part in our daily lives, wether at our place of business or at home each ethical and moral judgement no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time can change the course of our future. Understanding the theories of Virtue, Utilitarianism and Deontological ethics can give a person a better outlook and overall perspective on how to conduct themselves ethically and morally in all situations. Implementing these theories into the work setting is crucial in providing a concrete base of moral and ethical standards that should be applied daily in the work place resulting in a more streamlined and efficient business.
Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics When comparing the differences and similarities between the three ethics theories it is evident that they all deal with how a person perceives and judges a situation. Not only in the moment that it happens but what will happen immediately after as well as long term consequences. Similarly all three deal with what is the right decision, or what is the best avenue for the current situation. In a simplified break down of the definition of each theory one can describe each term as such: Virtue Theory involves a person trying to work towards acquiring characteristics and traits that others desire a well as excellent performance in work duties, basically being right all the time. In Utilitarianism a person uses their judgement to make a decision based on what he or she thinks will be the best out come for a multitude of people. Lastly with deontology the person makes the decision based on what his or her perception or

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