PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

George Thomas

Chapter 1 : MORAL REASONING AND ETHICAL THEORY

Joe,What you are doing is right.But I am sure there is a better way

What is Moral Reasoning?

What about Ethics than?

Ethics and ethical problems are a well-discussed issue in this present world. Look at the issue of Iraqi prisoners held by the US and British army. Were they well treated and if not was it ethical.

Ethical problems in management are complex because of the extended consequences, alternatives, outcomes, uncertain occurrences and personal implications.

The Meaning of Ethics

Ethics Is this Ethical?

1.1 The Meaning of Ethics

It is defined as the principles of morally acceptable conduct of individuals. It is also individuals personal beliefs about right and wrong behavior. (Refer pg.3)

Is my comment too sincere ?

a.

The Meaning of Professional Ethics It is the moral values that a group of similarly trained people develops to control their performance of a task or resources. Eg. doctors, teachers, lawyers etc.

b. Factors That Form Individual Ethics (pg.3)

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Family values Peer influences Life experiences Personal values and morals Situational factors

Am I letting things happen?

c. Views of Ethics
i. Utilitarian (meaning design for use rather than beauty) -people should evaluate ethical dilemmas in term of the potential harms and benefits of an action. . Who are directly & indirectly affected . What benefits & harms they experince . How long these effects will last. ii. Golden Rule a Christian term meaning do to others as you would have them do to you

iii. Kantian/Rights Theory by Immanuel Kant meaning that in a moral universe, every person has certain basic rights.
Refer Table 1.1 pg 6

d. Enlightened Self- Interest Self-interest can be a positive force especially in improving the well being of all members of the society.

Normative Philosophy and Ethical Relativism

Philosophy is the study of thoughts and conducts.

Normative philosophy is the study of the proper thoughts and conducts

Ethical relativism is to see how appropriate is the ethic in a moral reasoning.

Why bomb here and there?

I like fireworks.
Just followmah

ETHICAL THEORY
After 2400 years, human has establish some consistent analytical method of classifying our action as right or wrong. Their 5 major systems which has direct relevance to managerial decisions (Pg.8)
1.

Eternal Law (Thormistic Natural Law)

It is said to be incorporated in the mind of god.

2. Classical

Teleological Ethical Theory : Utilitarianism Teleology a Greek words that means outcome or result. Here the importance is the result that truly matters in our treatment of other people. Teleological ethical system, which focuses on net consequences rather than individual intentions are, termed Utilitarianism.Utilitarianism is closely related to Jeremy Bentham,a British thinker.

3.

Classical Teleological Ethical Theory : Universalism

It is a deontological approach and the reverse to teleological theory.Deontology is a Greek term meaning duties or obligation of an individual.

Universalism states that it is the intent behind a decision or action that is important for we can never foresee and evaluate all possible results.

4.

Distributive Justice Theory;

It is based on the primacy of a single value (justice) rather than a single principle.

5.

Personal Liberty Theory;

This theory is proposed by Roberty Nozick.

It is based on the primacy of a single value (liberty) rather than a single principle.

How Ethical Can This Be?

CONCLUSION
Instead of using just one ethical system, we should use all 5 systems through the consequences of our actions. Moral reasoning plays an important role in this matter.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Chapter 1
1. 2.

What is Ethics ? How is an individuals ethics formed? Compare and contrast some of the features of Utilitarianism and Universalism in respect of ethical theory.

To Be Continued

George Thomas 013 8650747