Ethical Theories

Question 1

Divine Command Theory

Answer 1

The resolution dilemma is based upon religious beliefs

Question 2

Natural Law

Answer 2

There are certain rights and conduct controlled by God, and no matter what a society or government does, those rights and law remain supreme

Question 3

Ethical Egoism

Answer 3

It defines the right or acceptable behavior in terms of its consequences for the individual

Question 4

Ethical Egoists

Answer 4

Believe they should make decisions that maximize their own self-interests

Question 5

Ethical Egoism People

Answer 5

Adam Smith and Thomas Hobbes

Question 6

Adam Smith Belief

Answer 6

Although people are self interested they are also rational

Question 7

Enlightened Egoists

Answer 7

People who act to further the interests of others will ultimately further their own self-interest

Question 8

Categorical Imperative Theory

Answer 8

It believes that individuals should evaluate their actions in light of the consequences that would follow if everyone in society acted the same way

Question 9

Categorical Imperative Theory Factors

Answer 9

1. The resolution doesn’t use human beings as a means by which others obtain benefits
2. The resolution doesn’t use others in a way that gives a one-sided benefit
3. The resolution is done for the right reason

Question 10

Categorical Imperative Theory People

Answer 10

Immanuel Kant

Question 11

Contractarians and Justice Theory

Answer 11

It states that if people imagine there are no existing rules, but that they don’t know how they will be affected by the decision’s outcome, they will choose the most fair and impartial resolution. While doing so they have on a veil of ignorance, so they don’t know if their actions will cause them to be a prince or a pauper.

Question 12

Contractarians and Justice Theory People

Answer 12

John Locke and John Rawls

Question 13

Individual Rights Theory

Answer 13

1. Everyone has a set of rights

2. It’s up to the government to protect those rights

Question 14

Individual Rights Theory People

Answer 14

Robert Nozick

Question 15

Moral Relativists

Answer 15

You weigh the competing factors at the moment and then making a determination to take the lesser of the evils as the resolution

Question 16

Moral Relativists Central Factor

Answer 16

The pressure of the moment and whether the pressure justifies the action taken

Question 17

Virtue Ethics Theory

Answer 17

Using an acquired set of virtues to do what a person with good moral character would do

Question 18

Virtue Ethics Theory People

Answer 18

Aristotle and Plato

Question 19

Utilitarianism Theory

Answer 19

Using a cost/benefit analysis to determine which behavior provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people

Question 20

Utilitarianism Theory People

Answer 20

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

Question 21

Utilitarianism Theory Cost/Benefit Analysis

Answer 21

You compare all the alternatives and choose the one that results in the greatest benefit to the most people

Question 22

12 Ethical Dilemmas

Answer 22

1. Taking things that don’t belong to you
2. Saying things that aren’t true
3. Saying things that are true, but misleading
4. Buying influence or engaging in conflict of interest
5. Hiding or divulging information
6. Taking unfair advantages
7. Committing acts of personal decadence
8. Carrying out interpersonal abuse
9. Allowing organizational abuse
10. Violating rules
11. Condoning unethical actions
12. Balancing ethical dilemmas

Question 23

Peter Drucker Theory

Answer 23

Above all do no harm

Question 24

Warren Buffet Theory

Answer 24

Would I be okay with my actions being described on the front page of a newspaper that can be read by people close to me?

Question 25

National Enquirer Test

Answer 25

You make up the worst possible headline and then reevaluate your decision

Question 26

Wall Street Journal Model 3 Questions

Answer 26

1. Am I in compliance with the law?
2. What contribution does this choice of action make to the company, the shareholders, the community, and others?
3. What are the short- and long-term consequences of this decision?

Question 27

The 6 steps for analyzing ethical dilemmas

Answer 27

1. List the facts of the case.
2. List what we’d like to know and any assumptions that we’ve made about the case.
3. List the primary and secondary people involved and how they are connected to the case.
4. Come up with 3 resolutions for the case and tie them each to an ethical theory.
5. List the costs, legalities, and impacts for each of the resolutions.
6. Make your final recommendation for the case.