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Responsibility
Ethicists have discussed responsibility as far back at least as Aristotle, usually in terms of responsibility for the results of one's own voluntary actions (Burke 2006). Some actions, however, carry responsibility even if we were not the direct cause or agent, for example our own existence. All of us come into the world through the action of our parents before we are even capable of intentional action. We all must learn to survive, communicate and support ourselves through the support and guidance of those around us, regardless of the specific individuals who fill those roles. These caregivers become our de facto family until we become self-sufficient. This care brings about an obligation to those who invest the time, effort and expense into raising us into independence. Therefore we all have a responsibility either to specific individuals or to others in general if those individuals are no longer present. This can be as simple as being present, or being available if our absence causes worry or distress, or extend as far as a responsibility to return that care either to our own children,...
This also results in a responsibility to eventually stop depending on those others for support, and provide for ourselves, and perhaps even others in order to pay back the investment those caregivers put into our independence. If we want to avoid moral inconsistency and thus accept a 'Golden Rule' ethic where we must treat others as we would be treated, this responsibility then extends to all others especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Performance at work more resembles the first type of responsibility, where the direct action we took was agreeing to participate in the workforce. While checking groceries at the market may not seem like a profound responsibility, by accepting the job I agreed to show up on time, in compliance with certain agreements like dress code and sobriety, and perform the duties for which I expect to be paid. If I don't show up on time…
Reference
Burke, L. (2006). Ethical responsibility. DeAnza College faculty directory. Retrieved from http://faculty.deanza.edu/burkelarry/stories/storyReader$169
In addition, we might ask ourselves if the richer nations have or not a greater responsibility as far as the research and development in the area of sustainable energy are concerned. (Reid, environmentalleader.com) Believing that there are such energy sources or consumption policies which would allow the planet's resources to be maintained for a longer period, while making sure that all the nations are provided with a comfortable living is
These claims are virtually all based on the concept that corporations - particularly multinationals -- should be held accountable for their actions within their sphere of operations. "Corporations, for their part, have responded in numerous ways, from denying any duties in the area of human rights to accepting voluntary codes that could constrain their behavior" (Ratner, 2001, p. 436). In fact, this very point is echoed throughout the literature; for
One obvious counter-argument is that this goes against the idea so fundamental to the American ethos that the accused is innocent until proven guilty, and it is better to let two guilty people go free than to punish one innocent individual. While this may be true of serious capital crimes, a college Honor Board has a responsibility not to simply uphold the rights of the individual but also to the
The foundational ideas of the limits of science and medical ethics goes back a very long way and as it has evolved over the centuries, certain laws, rules, regulations and taboos have been put in place to protect the human race from that sometimes blurred line between scientific discovery and human existence. Medical ethics created a system, bound by the ideals of many that came before them to control this
The current food distribution system exists for economic reasons, not of pure malice. The current food distribution system "…does involve transportation costs, but it also puts food production where it is cheapest," in the most fertile areas of the country and away from urban centers. (Cowen). Putting them near areas where people actually live would not only be an inefficient, sub-optimal use of that land but would also reduce the
Apple Jobs Apple's Post-Jobs Shift From Innovation to Ethicality The death of Steve Jobs would mark a sharp transition in the history of the Apple Company. Driven by innovation under the visionary CEO's watch, Apple would nonetheless be the subject of criticism for its negative ethical performance in areas such as labor rights and environmental compliance. Jobs untimely death would bring new CEO Tim Cook into the office under intense pressure both