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This lecture continues with the discussion on normative theories emphasizing on nonconsequentialist theories and several other ethical approaches. It elaborates on the application and criticism of these theories and consequences to moral decision making.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students should be able to
y elaborate on Kant s ethics y discuss other nonconsequentialist normative theories,
NONCONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES
(a) KANT S ETHICS
y Only when we act from duty that our actions have moral worth. y Good will
will
y When we act out of feeling, inclination, or self-interest, our actions do not have moral worth.
of our action to become a universal law. Example: A law that allowed promise breaking would contradict the very nature of a promise. A law that allowed lying would contradict the very nature of serious communication.
but whether all rational beings thinking rationally would accept it regardless of whether they are the doers or the receivers of the actions.
No moral worth
(2)
y Kant said that a moral rule must function without exception. y Kant universalization formula can be interpreted flexibly enough to
Never steal except starving Stealing is wrong EXCEPT when hungry is all right.
(3)
Example: Prostitution is immoral because, by selling their sexual services, prostitutes allow themselves to be treated as means. Anyone who work for a wage treated as a means
overridden by a more important obligation. Example: Keeping of promises is morally important. However, under certain circumstances, for example, when a life is at stake it would be morally permissible to break a promise.
basic types:
Duties of fidelity Duties of compensation (for previous wrongful acts) Duties of gratitude Duties of justice Duty of beneficence (that is, to make conditions of
orphanage bring many children happiness but do we have time for this.
Nonconsequentialism in an Organizational Context (1) Moral decision-making involves the weighing of different moral factors and considerations. (2) Acknowledges that the organization has its own legitimate goals to pursue there are limits to the demands of morality and an organization that fulfils its morally free to advance whatever ends it has. (3) Organization must consider carefully how its actions will impinge on the rights of individuals not just the rights of its members, such as stockholders and employees, but also the rights of others, such as consumers.
Critical Inquiries of Nonconsequentialism (1) How well justified are these nonconsequentialist principles and moral rights? (2) Can nonconsequentials satisfactorily handle conflicting rights and principles? Example: Medical care and taxes in a welfare state Limiting property rights
wrong are those that would maximize happiness if society adopted them.
y The adoption of moral principles that guide individual
action.
(b) Ideals
y An ideal is some morally important goal, virtue, or
obligations, ideals, and effects: (1) When two or more moral obligations conflict, choose the stronger one. (2) When two or more ideals conflict, honor the more important one. (3) When rival actions will have different results, choose the action that produces the greater good.
y Discussion Questions
(1) (2) (a) (b) Discuss briefly Kant s Categorical Imperative.
What do you understand about Kant s Ethics? Discuss the application of Kant s for organization and the weaknesses of this theory. Illustrate your answer with examples. In determining the rightness of a moral act, one has to consider the theory of utilitarianism and Kant s theory of Categorical Imperative. Discuss these two theories together with the criticisms. Discuss the application of Kant s Categorical Imperative in the organizational context.
(3)
(4)
(5) (a)
Besides Kant s Ethics, the other nonconsequentialist approaches also have important implications for moral decision-making in business and non business organizations. Discuss these implications with regard to the respective nonconsequentialists. Elaborate on the criticisms of nonconsequentialism approaches. A clerical worker in the personnel department learns that her company has authorized hirings that violate the firm s antinepotism rules and neglect its affirmative action commitments. What should she do about it? Discuss the conflicting obligations, ideals and effects the clerical worker should take into considertation when making a sound moral decision to promote society s well-being. How would you argue the conflicting decisions undertake by the clerical worker from the viewpoint of prudential reason and moral reason?
(b) (6)
(a)
(b)