Approaches to Moral Differences

1. There is no Moral Truth

-there is no ultimate right or wrong

2. There is no universal Moral truth

-each culture has its own set of rules that are valid for that culture and we have no right to interfere, just
as they have no right to interfere with rules.

3. Deep down, We can find basic Moral Truths

-this philosophical perspective believes that despite differences, people of different cultures can stll agree
on certain moral basics.

4. There is one Universal Moral Truth

-maintains that there is only one universal moral code that everybody must follow.
The nature of human acts
 human acts- actions that proceeds from deliberate
free will of man.
Two Categories of Human Acts
1. Natural Involuntary Actions- These are actions of man that are performed intuitively or
involuntary.
Examples: metabolism, perspiration, beating of the heart

2. Natural Voluntary Actions- Actions that are within the control of man’s will but only for some
period of time.
Examples: Sleeping, eating, walking.
Human Acts in Relation to Reason
 Good Acts- are those done by man in harmony
with the dictates of right reason
Evil Acts- are those actions done by man in
contradiction to the dictates of reason
Indifferent acts- are those acts that are neither
good nor evil.
Voluntariness of Human Acts
1. Perfect Voluntariness-actions performed with full knowledge and
with full consent.
2. Imperfect Voluntariness-actions that occur when there is no
perfect knowledge or consent or when either or both of the
knowledge and consent is partial.
3. Direct Voluntary- actions that are intended for its own sake, either
as a means or an end.
4. Indirect Voluntary- actions that are not intended for its own sake
but which merely following.
Moral Principles (the indirect voluntary
acts)
1. The action must be morally good in itself.
2. The good effect must precede the evil effect.
3. There must be a grave or sufficient reason in doing the
act.
4. The evil effect should not outweigh the good effect or at
least, the good effect should be equivalent in importance to
the evil effect.
Determinants of the morality
1. The end of the actions
2. The end of the actor
3. Circumstances of the act
Who, what, where, how, by what means, when, why
Benefits of Managing Ethics in the
Workplace
1. Attention to business ethics has substantially improved society.
2. Ethics programs help maintain a moral course in turbulent times.
3. Ethics cultivate strong teamwork and productivity.
4. Ethics support employee growth and meaning.
5. Ethics ensure that policies are legal.
6. Ethics programs help avoid criminal acts “of omission”
7. Ethics help manage values associated with quality management, strategic planning and
diversity management.
8. Ethics program promote a strong public image
Consequences of Ethical Behavior
1. Discrimination in the Workplace
2. Dignity
3. Values
4.Orientation