Ethical systems comparison and classification

Ethics Table

Q1.Brief definitions of each primary ethical theory

Duty-based ethics: Regardless of consequences, certain moral principles are binding, focusing on duty rather than results or moral obligation over what the individual would prefer to do (Trevino & Nelson, 2007, Chapter 4). In ethics, deontological ethics, or deontology (Greek: deon meaning obligation or duty), is a theory holding that decisions should be made solely or primarily by considering one's duties and the rights of others. Some systems are based on biblical or tenets from sacred texts.

Consequence-based ethics: Ethical choices should be evaluated in light of their likely consequences, not according to inflexible principles. These ethical systems occasionally set parameters as to what are the 'best' consequences to be achieved, like the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (utilitarianism)

Rights-based ethics: Human beings possess certain inalienable rights as a result of their intrinsic nature that cannot be violated, either by the state or other human beings.

Relativistic ethics: There is no absolute ethical system or intrinsic 'rights' -- everything is defined relatively, and what is considered truth varies widely from society to society, and from era to era.

Human nature ethics: Human nature, as it is environmentally but above all biologically determined, governs what we call 'ethical.' The selfishness or altruism exhibited by humans has genetically and socially evolved and is not the result of externally-imposed moral systems. There is a finite limit to how much human nature can be changed.

Entitlement-based ethics: All human beings are entitled to certain things, such as an education, healthcare, and basic necessities like food and water.

Virtue-based ethics: Being a 'good person' and a morally sensitive human being enables a person to make good ethical decisions, using both deontological and consequence-based approaches, when necessary.

Q2. Identify alternate names or variations of each ethical system based on your reading of the text and supplemental materials.

Duty-based ethics: Deontology, pluralism, moral rights, rights-based, categorical imperative, golden rule

Consequence-based ethics: Utilitarianism, situational ethics

Rights-based ethics: Social contract theory, Lockean ethics, inalienable rights

Relativistic ethics: Postmodern ethics, post-structuralism

Human nature ethics: Social Darwinism, common sense

Entitlement-based ethics: Social welfare, freedom 'from' (from hunger and sickness) as well as freedom to do things (like speak freely)

Virtue-based ethics: Platonism or Aristotelian ethics, morality, 'good' character

Q3. Match the real-world examples listed below with the corresponding systems. The first one has been completed for you in the table.

a. I believe people should be able to eat sand if they like the taste of it. Human nature ethics

b. I believe that if sand is going to be eaten, it should be available for everyone to eat. Consequence-based ethics

c. I believe people should be able to eat sand because it is the right thing to do. Duty-based ethics

d. I believe people should be able to eat sand because it is good for one's health. Virtue ethics

e. I believe people should be able to eat sand if they decide they want to, regardless of whether it is someone else's sand. Entitlement-based ethics

f. I believe people should be able to eat sand if they want to because they are free to make the decision themselves. Rights-based ethics

g. I believe I will eat sand because it is the standard meal for my community. Relativistic ethics

Q4. Duty-based ethics: It is my duty to follow through with instructions my boss gives me, even if I do not agree with the concept. It is my moral obligation to respect authority figures.

Consequence-based ethics: Even though some employees use the Internet responsibly, the majority of them are surfing the Internet for personal use. it's more effective to block all non-work related websites from the corporate Intranet, to ensure that the company maximizes workplace productivity. That's the most important goal!

Rights-based ethics: Every employee has a right to work in an environment that is free of harassment; that is why diversity training is such an important part of our corporation's orientation as well as being compliant with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Relativistic ethics: We're trying to hire more women and minority employees. Hey, the times are changing, and right now, everyone is saying that having a diverse workplace is the right thing to do, even though we used to discriminate against members of these groups in the past.