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Personal Ethics Theory
For me, the concept of utilitarianism is the most compelling ethical philosophy. When we think about society, we think about what is best for the many, and/or does the means to the end matter more than the end results. This is the basic premise of utilitarianism and the offshoot, deontology. Using utilitarianism, the most ethical thing anyone, individual or society, can do is an action that, when completed, will maximize the happiness of the largest number of individuals, or of society or an organization. Actions have quantitative outcomes and the ethical choices that lead to the "greatest good for the greatest number" are the appropriate decisions, even if that means subsuming the rights of certain individuals (Robinson and Groves, 2003). Deontology or duty-based ethics is from the Greek word "deon" meaning duty or obligation. This subset of utilitarianism helps us better understand the more pragmatic issues about the right or wrong of an action -- or the benefits and potential costs. This philosophy says...
Instead, we must find the motives and ways that the actions moved from idea to reality (Gutman & Thompson, 2004). Immanuel Kant, German philosopher, found that actions are only ethical if they are universal, reversible, and allow for respect toward the individual (White, 2009).
I remember hearing about a way to think of utilitarianism and morality that makes sense in the modern world. Let us say that an FBI agent is managing a situation in downtown Boston in which a sniper is shooting passersby from the top of a building. Law enforcement has cornered this shooter and is ready and waiting for the order to kill the sniper. But, the sniper grabbed a young girl and is using her as a human shield. Do we authorize the snipers to take a shot, hoping that they will not hit the child, or wait and risk that the sniper will kill more innocent civilians? Of course, the child does not wish to die, but neither do the hundreds of potential victims…
REFERENCES
Gutman, P., & Thompson, S. (2004). Why Deliberative Democracy. Princeton, NJ:
Robinson, D. And J. Groves. (2003). Introducing Political Philosophy. New York:
Icon Books.
White, T. (2009, January). Ethics Toolbox. Retrieved from Center for Ethics and Business at Loyola Marymount University: http://www.ethicsandbusiness.org / toolbox / philoethics.htm
This whole process is grounded in a commitment to social justice...." (Morales, 2003) Fortunately, the organization I work for has an open systems approach, which allows its employees to evaluate (1) ways of being (the psychological business process); (2) ways of knowing (the spiritual business process); and (3) ways of behaving (the theoretical and technical business processes). This open system philosophy frees the decision making process from cultural and personal
Cyndi Banks' Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice No serious-minded individual over the age of twelve actually thinks that justice and ethical issues involved in criminality are purely black-and-white or clear-cut issues of good and bad. The first chapters of Cyndi Banks' (2008) Criminal Justice Ethics, however, make it clear that the issues of right and wrong in the criminal justice system are far more complex, specific, and subtle than
Therefore, corporations have had to change their viewpoints and start looking at the long-term consequences of their behavior, as well as looking at the bottom line. Businesses also have to be concerned because consumers have also become aware of environmental concerns, and many consumers are demanding earth-friendly products and have shown a willingness to pay more money to competitors who observe environmentally-friendly practices. Interestingly enough, this demand has given rise
.....personal ethics derive from a combination of established codifications of moral conduct, such as those embedded in political documents or in religious scripture, but also from my personality, my upbringing, and my worldview. I tend towards a utilitarian point-of-view, in that I do believe that the consequences of actions are more important than worrying about whether an action is inherently right or wrong. I also believe that there are situational
They are a great source of strength and I will honor them while remaining true to myself. I am committed to lifelong learning and I will constantly strive to advance my knowledge and skills in the field by attending conferences and clinics, and reading the current literature. I will strive to be a contributing member of society, both professionally and personally. I value education and lifelong learning and will continue to
107) could also apply here. The confidentiality clause in such a case then only applies insofar as it is estimated that there is no need to disclose confidential information to others. In the case of Mrs. Z, her family deserves to know about her situation, because it affects their lives pertinently. Because of the increasing cultural diversity throughout the world, cultural values also play an important part in making ethical