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ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 2
Question 1
The cost benefit analysis of any policy or project must first determine the most significant
costs and benefits. Cost benefit analysis is based on utilitarian foundation, since costs and
benefits are derived exclusively based on whether the impacts make members of society better
off or worse (Nas, 2016). Act utilitarianism is part of the utilitarian theory that is widely accepted
among the existing ethical theories. The Rule Utilitarian theory is best demonstrated when used
in serious ethical issues that affect whole societies and social cost benefit analysis is a perfect
example.
Cost analysis through a utilitarian approach assesses a policy based on its consequences
or outcomes, which are the advantages and costs to all interested parties on an individual level
(Thiroux, 2014). It, therefore, tries to bring about the best for the majority while also trying to
create the least number of harm or suffering. However, despite being a great way of adequately
weighing the costs and benefits of a proposed action or policy, cost benefit analysis also has
For instance, CBA requires that all costs and benefits need to be identified and correctly
measured. However, human error often results in the process, such as accidentally overlooking or
forgetting certain costs and benefits due to the failure to predict indirect causal relationships.
Others include inaccurate calculations that can often lead to unintended consequences.
Question 2
ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 3
Most people tend to think of morality in the sense that a situation does not have a bearing
on what one needs to do. However, Kants moral theory, the categorical imperative, states that
we should act only in accordance with reasons that would apply to similar situations (Thiroux,
2014). It is important to note that the results of ones actions can never be taken into
consideration. This means that we are not to blame if commit an act because it was the right
thing to do, but it in one way or another it had negative outcomes. We are not in control of what
happens in the world since we can only act in ways we believe are appropriate.
For instance, if a doctor tries to save somebodys life if for one reason or another beyond
our control they end up dying, it is not their fault, and this should not undermine the persons
moral character. As such, the results are never based on moral reasoning but the universality of
the rule behind their actions. Hence the rule would be I shall strive to do my best and save the
lives of my patients. By making this statement universal, it would read, All doctors should
Question 3
For several years, the central issue of ethics has been how can a person act? or what
should they be? However, ethics should actually try to offer us moral ideals or collective
guidelines that govern our actions. According to virtue ethics, there are certain principles, like
brilliance, devotion, and courage, which we should try to achieve, which will, in turn, allow the
full development of our humanity. It is only through self-reflection on our potential as humans
that these ideals can be discovered (Anon, 2017). The virtues are attributes, personalities, and
dispositions that permit us to be and act in ways that allow us cultivate this potential. The virtues
allow us to pursue the principles that we have embraced. For instance, excellence, courage,
ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 4
decency, kindness, loyalty, honesty, impartiality, and discretion are some of the examples of
These virtues are developed through learning and practice. According to Zimmerman
(2015), people are able to improve their character through practicing self-control, while self-
indulgence can corrupt and destroy a good character. Just like a runner develops their skill
through training and practice, good character and the ability to be decent, kind, and loving can
Question 4
Today, we live in a world of moral tensions, and these tensions originate from opposing
worldviews. Just by looking at the news today, one easily notices the rising intolerance and
violent clashes due to the world that is torn between opposing views. While these are events that
are not new to the world, it is clear that the trend is becoming more violent as a result of sections
of the society that feel their privileges and advantages are being challenged. This is particularly
the case for religious groups that feel the existence of God is being challenged due to the
In both cases, moral relativists and moral absolutes contend that objective truth doesnt
exist, which only leaves one with nothing but interpretation. This can lead to clashing
interpretations especially in deciding what is true. Thus, according to moral relativists, there is
no truth, because it is not knowable and therefore all beliefs are equally true. Moral relativism
justifies every action of an individual or group of people, but had a particular group of people not
stood up against the slave trade, what would be the history of the United States today. Thus, the
ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 5
widespread adoption of moral relativism around the world can be seen as one of the main sources
of clashing worldviews.
Question 5
To an extent, the choices and decisions that people tend to make on a daily basis are all
somehow unconscious, particularly the little things they do. Religion and choices both play an
important role in our daily lives, and without the idea of God or some type of spirit, human
beings would be lost today (Anon, 2017). Although it has been debated for years, religion
influences our morality, if not necessary for morality. For instance, among within Christianity
and Islam, right or wrong is defined by the rules and laws set forth by the religions respective
god. This is also determined by the interpretation of the religious leaders in such organizations.
In most parts of the world such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, most religious
people feel that God is necessary foundation of morality and good values. However, in relatively
wealthy and secular nations of Western Europe and America, most people believe that morality
is possible without faith. And since for most religious people, morality and religion are the same
thing and are not separable. Therefore, to some extent, religion affects the choices of individuals,
given how it defines what is right and wrong. However, the lack of a common baseline for
defining what sin is makes it hard differentiate what is right from what is right.
ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 6
References
Anon, 2017, Free Will and Determinism, Free Will and Determinism, pp.116.
Thiroux, J P 2014, Ethics: Theory and Practice: Pearson New International Edition. Pearson
Education Limited.
Zimmerman, BJ, Schunk, D H, and DiBenedetto, MK 2015, A Personal Agency View Of Self-