ch 3 The Core Philosophies

Question 1

Consequentialism

Answer 1

all about end result of ones actions; if end result is ethical, then the action is ethical

pursue actions that maximize social utility

Question 2

Utilitarianism

Answer 2

most commonly applied form of consequentialism

do the greatest good for the greatest amount of people

It’s a quantitative approach to ethics that aims to achieve positive net happiness for all stakeholders affected by an act

Question 3

Advantage of Utilitarianism

Answer 3

It’s objective and measurable; contemplate costs and benefits

it’s formulaic and measurable w/ 3 steps

1. identify stakeholders
2. determine whether the conduct would have a positive or negative affect on stakeholders
3. tally it up; if net result is positive then its ethical

Question 4

Criticisms of Utilitarianism

Answer 4

extremely difficult to gauge the degree of pleasure or utility that people derive from a decision which makes it challenging to decipher pros and cons of a decision; approach decisions from the standpoint of their end consequences regardless of the means used; by only considering the overall benefit to society, decision makers willingly may sacrifice the rights of a few for the benefit of the majority

dont look at degree of the positive or negatives
always sacrificing the minority stakeholders for the majority
doesn’t consider the means of getting the end result

Question 5

Deontology

Answer 5

act in accordance with duty, without regard to the end result

do your duties, then acting ethical, despite the end result

Question 6

2 Principles of Deontology

Answer 6

Universality Principle
6 duties and corresponding rights apply globally to all people, in all situations
The duty to not physically harm others
The duty to respect other privacy
The duty to respect others’ right of free association
The duty to honor others’ property rights and agreements
The duty to treat equals equally, with justice for all
The duty to tell the truth

Reversibility Principle
golden rule of treating others as you would like them to treat you

Question 7

Criticisms of Deontology

Answer 7

“respect human dignity” is too abstract and difficult to visualize; does not provide any guidance for resolving situations in which opposing moral duties are at issue

Question 8

Pitfalls in Ethical Decision Making

Answer 8

focusing only on the short term

focusing only on legalities -> legal may not be ethical

failing to recognize all stakeholders

failure to recognize conflicts of interest -> failure to recognize your bias thinking