Module B
Module B
General Ethics
● Ethics is a branch of philosophy which is the systematic study of reflective choice.
There are three key elements
○ involves questions requiring reflective choice (decision problems)
○ involves guides of right and wrong (moral principles)
○ is concerned with the consequences (good or bad) of decisions
● Problem situation exists when we must make a choice among alternative actions and right choice isn’t always clear.
● Ethical problem situation is one where choice of actions affects wellbeing of others.
● Ethical behavior is one
○ produces greatest good
○ conforms to moral rules and principles
○ best demonstrates virtues you value most
● Code is needed as it provides guidance in addressing situations that may not be available in general ethics theories.
An ethical Decision Process
● One of key elements is reflective choice. This is engaging in important sequence of events beginning with recognition of decision problem.
● Principles of ethics can help one think about 2 questions in real situations
○ Define all facts and circumstances “who, what, where, when, and how”
○ Identify and describe stakeholders rights and responsibilities
○ Specify actor’s major alternative decision actions and consequences
○ Choose among alternative actions
Philosophical principles in ethics
● Function of ethical principles is not to provide a simple and sure rule but to provide some guides for your individual decisions and actions.
● Imperative principle
○ Directs decision maker to act according to requirements of ethical rule.
Decision should be made without trying to predict whether action will create greatest balance of good over evil. Ethics in imperative sense is a function of moral rules and principles and does not involve situation specific calc of the consequences. ○ Immanuel Kant reason and strict duty to be consistent should govern our actions. His categorical imperative = undonciditonal obligation.
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General Ethics
● Ethics is a branch of philosophy which is the systematic study of reflective choice.
There are three key elements
○ involves questions requiring reflective choice (decision problems)
○ involves guides of right and wrong (moral principles)
○ is concerned with the consequences (good or bad) of decisions
● Problem situation exists when we must make a choice among alternative actions and right choice isn’t always clear.
● Ethical problem situation is one where choice of actions affects wellbeing of others.
● Ethical behavior is one
○ produces greatest good
○ conforms to moral rules and principles
○ best demonstrates virtues you value most
● Code is needed as it provides guidance in addressing situations that may not be available in general ethics theories.
An ethical Decision Process
● One of key elements is reflective choice. This is engaging in important sequence of events beginning with recognition of decision problem.
● Principles of ethics can help one think about 2 questions in real situations
○ Define all facts and circumstances “who, what, where, when, and how”
○ Identify and describe stakeholders rights and responsibilities
○ Specify actor’s major alternative decision actions and consequences
○ Choose among alternative actions
Philosophical principles in ethics
● Function of ethical principles is not to provide a simple and sure rule but to provide some guides for your individual decisions and actions.
● Imperative principle
○ Directs decision maker to act according to requirements of ethical rule.
Decision should be made without trying to predict whether action will create greatest balance of good over evil. Ethics in imperative sense is a function of moral rules and principles and does not involve situation specific calc of the consequences. ○ Immanuel Kant reason and strict duty to be consistent should govern our actions. His categorical imperative = undonciditonal obligation.
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