Consequentialism, Deontology And Virtue Ethics
Tiffany Russell
1/27/13
Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics The philosophies of consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics are guidelines for decision making that utilize very different theories of how an ethical dilemma should be approached. Consequentialism is a philosophy that asks whether or not the end justifies the means. “In other words, an act and therefore a decision is ethical if its favorable consequences outweigh its negative consequences” (Brooks, 2007, p. 329). Deontology, on the other hand, uses the principle of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you don’t want someone to lie to you, you should not lie to others (Brooks, 2007, p. 331). Virtue ethics are more inherent to the character …show more content…
I believe this is an ethical business decision because it is taking into consideration the good of the entire town. The senior center can be moved to another location, whereas the new development cannot. The deontology and virtue ethics philosophy, however, propose the development not be allowed. Morally, I do not disagree, as they are stating loyalty to the senior citizens is more important than increasing revenue within the town; however, in regards to business ethics, I do not agree. I believe the mayor has a responsibility to the citizens of the town to support growth and bring new jobs for …show more content…
Assuming there is not a code of business conduct that is enforced regarding this type of behavior, and Catalina can get away with reporting the three sales, then submitting them as cancelled, she can help all of her co-workers as well as herself. I do not feel this is an ethical action because it is dishonest and once a person is allowed to get away with something like that, they are putting themselves on a slippery slope. If it is ok to lie about 3 sales, why not lie about 6 or 8? Catalina needs to be honest and report her actual sales, which also agrees with the deontology and virtue ethics philosophies. Deontology says she should not report the sales because it is lying, and essentially, if she does not want her company to lie to her, she should not lie to them. Virtue ethics places more emphasis on Catalina’s over all character by expecting honesty to be a basic part of who she is. If she lives her life honestly, the decision is an easy one to
1/27/13
Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics The philosophies of consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics are guidelines for decision making that utilize very different theories of how an ethical dilemma should be approached. Consequentialism is a philosophy that asks whether or not the end justifies the means. “In other words, an act and therefore a decision is ethical if its favorable consequences outweigh its negative consequences” (Brooks, 2007, p. 329). Deontology, on the other hand, uses the principle of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you don’t want someone to lie to you, you should not lie to others (Brooks, 2007, p. 331). Virtue ethics are more inherent to the character …show more content…
I believe this is an ethical business decision because it is taking into consideration the good of the entire town. The senior center can be moved to another location, whereas the new development cannot. The deontology and virtue ethics philosophy, however, propose the development not be allowed. Morally, I do not disagree, as they are stating loyalty to the senior citizens is more important than increasing revenue within the town; however, in regards to business ethics, I do not agree. I believe the mayor has a responsibility to the citizens of the town to support growth and bring new jobs for …show more content…
Assuming there is not a code of business conduct that is enforced regarding this type of behavior, and Catalina can get away with reporting the three sales, then submitting them as cancelled, she can help all of her co-workers as well as herself. I do not feel this is an ethical action because it is dishonest and once a person is allowed to get away with something like that, they are putting themselves on a slippery slope. If it is ok to lie about 3 sales, why not lie about 6 or 8? Catalina needs to be honest and report her actual sales, which also agrees with the deontology and virtue ethics philosophies. Deontology says she should not report the sales because it is lying, and essentially, if she does not want her company to lie to her, she should not lie to them. Virtue ethics places more emphasis on Catalina’s over all character by expecting honesty to be a basic part of who she is. If she lives her life honestly, the decision is an easy one to