The Three Major Ethical Theories 1 Consequentialism evaluates

The Three Major Ethical Theories: 1. Consequentialism evaluates actions in terms of consequences: How much “good” or “harm” will an action cause? (Consequences are paramount. ) 1. Deontology asserts that moral action is the “right” thing to do. One must always do one’s duty, irrespective of the consequences. (Actions are paramount. ) 1. Virtue Ethics emphasizes the character of the person. (Aristotle’s “virtues” include honesty, courage, temperance, friendship, etc. )

Approaches to Ethics From: “A Framework for Thinking Ethically” � The Utilitarian Approach (Consequentialism) The ethical action is the one that provides the most good or does the least harm. Or the action that produces the greatest balance of good over harm. � The Common Good Approach (Consequentialism) Ethical actions must focus on the common conditions that are important to the welfare of everyone in our society � The Fairness or Justice Approach (Deontology) Ethical actions treat all human beings equally—or if unequally, then fairly, based on some standard that is defensible. � The Rights Approach (Deontology) The ethical action is the one that best protects and respects the moral rights of those affected. …. Rights imply duties: e. g. , the duty to respect others' rights. � The Virtue Approach (Virtue Ethics) Emphasizes the character of an individual. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, tolerance, and fairness are examples of virtues. Virtue ethics asks: “What would a ‘virtuous’ person do? ”

Making Responsible Decisions: Consider all the Choices: �What choices are available? �What would be the outcomes of each choice? �How would the choice impact people’s lives? Consider the Ethical Values of Each Choice: �Which ethical values will be upheld? �Which ethical values will be violated? �Which ethical values are most important? Least important?

�Decide which ethical principles are most important in a given situation. �Remember the principle of Equal Consideration of Interests (ECI): v. Always act fairly and impartially v. Apply ethical principles equally to yourself and others • Be aware of Personal Conflicts and Conflicting Goals

Important Ethical Principles: �Principle of Honesty �Do No Harm Principle �Principle of Fidelity: fulfill your commitments and act in good faith �Principle of Autonomy: act rationally & responsibly, without coercion �Principle of Confidentiality �Principle of Lawfulness

• What does it take to act ethically? v. Have ethical principles v. Recognize the importance of these ethical principles v. Follow these principles unless there are strong reasons (justification) not to do so v. Apply these principles consistently, equally, and fairly

A FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL DECISION MAKING �Recognize an Ethical Issue ◦ Who will this damage? What are the choices? ◦ Is this issue about more than what is legal or what is efficient? If so, how? �Get the Facts ◦ Do I know enough to make a decision? ◦ Who are the stakeholders? Are some people or concerns more important? Why? ◦ What are the options for acting? Have I consulted the people who will be affected?

Evaluate Alternative Actions ◦ Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm? (The Utilitarian Approach) ◦ Which option best respects the rights of all who have a stake? (The Rights Approach) ◦ Which option treats people equally or fairly? (The Justice Approach) ◦ Which option is best for the community, not just some members? (The Common Good Approach) ◦ Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be? (The Virtue Approach)

A FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL DECISION MAKING (CONTINUED) � Make a Decision and Test It ◦ Consider all these approaches, and decide which option (or combination of options) is best for the situation. ◦ If I told someone I respect--or told a television audience--which option I have chosen, what would they say? � Act and Reflect on the Outcome ◦ How can my decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all stakeholders? ◦ How did my decision turn out and what have I learned from this specific situation?

. �B-CORPORATIONS: Using business as a force for good: https: //www. bcorporation. net/b-the-change �How to value people over profits: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=-o 9 m. ENH 56 I 8

Each team required to choose a topic for the presentation on unethical business practices POSSIBLE TOPICS Reality TV Child beauty pageants Advertising to children Factory farms Organic food industry Fast-food industry Weight-loss industry/Lap-band surgery Cosmetic surgery The pharmaceutical industry/Mylan Vitamin & mineral supplement industry Cryonics The NFL

Possible Topics (continued) Outsourcing Blood diamonds/jewelry industry The pet industry Toyota/Volkswagen /automobile industry Wal-Mart Chevron/BP/oil industry Abercrombie & Fitch/clothing industry Apple/computer industry Private prisons Social media companies The chocolate industry Any other suggestions?