Ethicists defend their positions by using different ethical perspectives and theories. Another major polarity in ethical theories is universalism versus relativism. Consequentialistrightness of actions depends solely on the consequences or results of those actionshow much good the action produces. This principle stipulates that ethical theories should strive to achieve the great est amount of good because. Apr 17, 2009 the following is an excerpt from article de1971 from the christian research institute. Psychological egoism pe pe is not to be confused with ethical egoism ee. One can divide ethical theory into two basic categories. Nasratul naim yusoff blshons, llbhons, llm general, uitm beneficence the. This unit provides an introduction to the study of ethics and a brief overview of some. Such theories arise in religion, spiritual traditions, philosophy, socialpoliticalhistorical systems, literature and the humanities, social and cultural movements, and pop psychologies. Philosophers today usually divide ethical theories into three general subject areas. Having a basic understanding of the major ethical theories will help us toward an ethical resolution learning how to articulate and justify. The ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of morality and the welldefined standards of right and wrong that prescribe the human character and conduct in terms of obligations, rights, rules, benefit to society, fairness, etc. Seven ethical theories from chapter one philosophy.
You have five patients, each of whom needs a transplant. Right action and being good identify different paths on the mountain. The first ethical system in normative ethics, utilitarianism, is often equated. A moral theory often shapes a persons attitude toward others, belief system and life choices.
Many companies have a code of ethics, or an ethics policy that details one or more models that the company intends to follow. The varieties of ethical theories given at buffalo psychiatric center march 27, 1979 by richard t. Lecture 2 ethical theories of business ethics morality. In summary, numerous ethical models can be applied to business practices. Ethical theories two types of ethical theories i teleological theories value based theories an act is morally right if it promotes the good or what has value. Paul glenn concerned with the questions of human moral judgmentsthat is judgment of right and wrong with respect to human actions. Usefulness of ethical theories university of kansas. The three main branches of the philosophical study of. Pdf understanding the ethical theories in medical practice. Major ethical theories 1 ethical theories provide frameworks and specific values for assessing situations and guiding decisionmaking processes, so the relative differences between right and wrong are understood, and appropriate solutions are reached. Consequentialist deontological virtue ethics of care feminist ethics. Begin considering how the major theories about ethics apply to difficult choices in life and business. Ethical theory serves as the foundation for ethical solutions to the difficult situations people encounter in life. After all, we all understand that money plays a large role in many situations.
Go to my website address on the syllabus and click on courses in the menu at the bottom. Ethical theory high level principle from which derive lower level principles. Pdf three general theories of ethics and the integrative. There are generally three philosophical approaches, or what may be considered the science, to ethical reasoning. Normative ethical theories are concerned with ethical action. Introduction to ethical theories download ebook pdf. Since, according to the utilitarians, the business of morality is the maximi. Deontological ethics there are two major ethics theories that attempt to specify and justify moral rules and principles. Instead, in the first instance, it attempts to organize and explain common ethical opinions. An ethical theory is basically a generalization that attempts to explain what is acceptable in society.
The three ethical theories are metaethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. Ishak saporta introduction business ethics is a specialized branch of ethics focusing on how moral standards. While elaborating on how an agency can be improved when applying the correct theory to the problem. Finally, the chapter ends with an assessment of whether or not policy theory helps advance. The approach taken in this text, while specific to the aqa philosophy and ocr religious programs, would work quite well with lower levelintroductory ethics students, who have no background in philosophy.
Slide 3 forms of ethical theories for individuals, the ethical theory they employ for decision making guidance emphasizes aspects of an ethical dilemma important to them and leads them to the most ethically correct resolution according to the guidelines within the ethical theory itself. Pdf ethical theories and their application andrew t forcehimes. Are there rules and values of ethics that universally apply to all humans, across all of history and all cultures. Utilitarianism also called consequentialism is a moral. The health and overall wellbeing of both the american economy and the global economy can also have a significant effect on policy. Many other ethical theories dont work for personal relationships. Moral rules an action is right if it follows certain fundamental moral rules.
The three competing approaches to ethical analysis are consequentialism, deontology, and virtue eth in consequentialist ethics, the moral content of an action is determined by the real and. Entries in bold face have been especially influential. Since, according to the utilitarians, the business of morality is the maximi zation of the good, the other animals plainly fall within its. In fact, for centuries, philosophers have come up with theoretical ways of telling right from wrong and for giving guidelines about how to live and act ethically. In consequentialist ethics, the moral content of an action is. Philosophical science dealing with the morality of human acts. Helps us think about our choices for people we care about 3. As a synonym for social morality, when the term morality is used to refer to personal moral beliefs. Annotated list of ethical theories the following list is selective, including only what i view as the major theories. Learning theories summaries on the learning theories. Major ethical theories major ethical theories 1 ethical. The ring of gyges by plato assignment week 2 forum shortessay assignment 1 week 3. The role of ethical theories in ethical reasoning and.
A theory is a systematic body of thought, starting with very general principles or standards. Deontological ethical theories regard the action itself as the object of. Module 2 theories and principles central premise having good moral character, a caring approach and nurturing relationship to your client with result in good ethical decisions. The theory of deontology states that when we have to make ethical decisions, our first thoughts are on our duties and obligations. Text for the annotations is taken largely from the relevant wikipedia articles or slightly altered for. The word ethics stems from the greek word ethos, which means a custom or habit. An ethical theory isnt necessarily a guide to moral decisionmaking in hard cases.
The four principles plus scope approach provides a simple, accessible, and culturally neutral approach to thinking about ethical issues in health care. The three major ethical theories in criminal justice 827 words 4 pages. The general aim of the ethics in the realm of business. Here are a few ethical theories to whet your appetite. Over time, ethical theories have evolved based on the belief systems of various individuals and groups. Theories of ethics center for future consciousness. Topic virtue cause happiness learning objectives examine a major ethical theory in the history of ethical and moral philosophy.
However, the book covers only 4 major ethical theories. Describe the various major theories about ethics in human decision making. Suppose that you are famous transplant surgeon, and that your transplants always work. Each one of these theories looks at our ethical behavior in different ways. The role of ethical theories in ethical reasoning and behavior within organizations research proposal sigalit pasternak, phd student the faculty of management tel aviv university supervisor. Essay about three major ethical theories 909 words. In rulesbased perspectives, the important feature is that an action itself should. Pdf three general theories of ethics and the integrative role of. There are several wellrespected ways of looking at ethical issues. Ethics matters because 1 it is part of how many groups define themselves and thus part of the identity of their individual members, 2 otherregarding values in most ethical systems both reflect and foster close human relationships and mutual respect and trust, and 3 it could be rational for a selfinterested person to be moral, because his or her selfinterest is arguably. It is the practice of learning about, and recommending practices of right and wrong behavior. Normative ethics defines the moral standards that regulate right and wrong choices.
Theories of ethics thomas lombardo within human history and continuing into present times, we. Each moral theory holds a specific approach in how to handle lifes decisions. Most basic ingredients of human life is caring for and about other people 4. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. As mentioned previously, rae suggests that ethics are a process that is both an art and a science. Normative ethicsis the study of what makes actions right or wrong, what makes situations or events good or bad and what makes people virtuous or vicious. Recommendations for additions to the list are welcome. In particular it involves examining appropriate constraints on the pursuit of self interest. The word teleological is derived from two greek words. September, 2012 a business ethics is the critical structured examination of how people and institutions should behave in the world of commerce.
Next is the more practical theory of normative ethics. Throughout history, a few moral theories have surfaced and have been analyzed for their strengths and weaknesses. The field of ethics or moral philosophy involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. Click download or read online button to get introduction to ethical theories book now. It is important to know that many who think a lot about.
Ethical theories introduction to ethical studies lee archie and john g. Print out the chart of basic approaches to ethical theory from my. Module 2 theories and principles may18,2012 38 module 2 theories and principles remember. The first of these two categories has accounted for. The most common policy theory, the stages model, is discussed, along with some alternative theories to understand policymaking. Ethics comes from the greek word ethos which means character. Print out thechart of basic approaches to ethical theory from my website which i use instead of canvas. Nonconsequentialism not concerned with consequences consequentialism divides also into two major views. Utilitarianism most famous type of consequentialist.
1028 842 459 882 1181 905 888 1573 601 1461 1362 1592 536 381 1244 401 483 1233 729 1502 912 1571 838 1174 971 1475 387 1547 1025 1498 1605 609 160 659 337 330 190 892 1140 1282