Lecture 15 - Ethics Part 1 Flashcards
What is Utilitarianism/Consequence-based theory?
➢An action is judged as ethical or unethical based on the
consequences/outcome
➢Utilitarian thinking: “The end justifies the mean”
➢Ethically the right action is that that produces more good than bad consequences.
*Basic principles: a) maximising benefits & b) minimising costs
*Predominates western thinking & particularly business & marketing
-i.e., cost-benefit analysis, gain of market share to loss of other plus, many other strategic competitive advantage tools
*Consumer sovereignty
*However:
- Minority rights at risk
-Who decides what ‘good’ is?
- Assumes “end” justifies the “means”!
➢Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of an ethical action:
- An action is right if it produces the best consequences overall
- The greatest good for the greatest number
- An act is right if it maximises overall utility
- The most common form of consequentialism
What are the 4 unanswered questions of Utilitarianism
➢ Who decides what counts as the benefits and costs to be measured?
➢ Can a standard measure be reached?
➢ What counts as consequences?
➢ How far into the future should consequences be calculated?
What is Deontological/Duty-based theory?
➢Is based on the idea that we are morally obliged to follow fundamental rules and principles regardless of consequences
➢To do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do – regardless of consequences – Means rather than end
➢Morality a matter of duty – duty-based approaches to ethics
➢Most famous deontologist is Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
➢Argued for logical consistency, a ‘maxim’ which he called a ‘categorical imperative’. Kant proposed 3 formulations of the categorical imperative:
➢ Act as if, through your actions, you were making universal law for everyone to follow. This formula instruct us to do the things that we would tolerate anyone else doing, and not to give ourselves privileges or excuses. Some examples: Resist the temptation to: Bribe contractors, mislead customers, delay payment to suppliers; etc.
➢ Always treat any human being (self included) as an end in himself/herself, never merely as a mean to an end. Some examples: Respect the safety and dignity of employees/customers; do not take advantage of others’ incapacity; etc.
➢ Act as if you were a member of a community of fellow moral legislators who are ends in themselves. For example, do not force your will upon another, etc.
What is Deontological/Duty-based theory - Specifically Kantianism?
➢Kantianism (both weak and strong forms):
- Strong (categorical imperative): ‘You must respect rights of future generations and refrain from impinging on them’
- Weak (conditional imperative) ‘If you value future generations then refrain from impinging on them’
➢Both forms raise issues:
- Categorical imperative: Only if ethical ground for decision making is sought.
- Conditional imperative: What if we don’t value?
➢Typical duties include:
- Universally binding are duties of fidelity (faith, loyalty), gratitude, justice, beneficence (generosity), self-improvement, non-maleficence (non-harming).
- Additional principles : Be fair, obey the law, keep promises or contracts, respect the rights of others, do not lie or cheat, help those in need, avoid and prevent harming others, encourage others to
follow these principles.
➢Deontological theory assesses right action from the perspective of the ‘act itself’
How does Utilitarianism and Deontology link to business?
➢Both utilitarian/consequentialist and deontological/duty theories are relevant to business
➢It is necessary for business to make a profit (consequence) but, not at all costs (deontological)
➢Also necessary to take into account interests & consequences other than profit (i.e., social & psychological impact, quality of life (QOL), TBL, etc.
➢Necessary restrictions on what can be traded i.e., drugs, child sex and labour, etc. (Deontological considerations)
➢Utilitarian considerations, free markets are controlled by respect for persons and their rights.
