Ethics is the philosophical field which attempts to determine what is good, both for the individual and for the society as a whole. It is often defined as the science of morality. It is certainly a subject that is used in discussions about how we should live and the nature of right and wrong. The word ethics comes from the Greek word ethikos, which means “character” or “custom.” For the Greeks, it meant to be appropriate or customary way to behave in society.
Ethics can be ideas, values, a way of thinking, or a view about moral issues. Study of ethics involves a wide range of topics, including different philosophies, systems, ideas or principles. Ten major Ethicists, from different cultures and time periods, and their ethical theories are introduced in this paper followed by a discussion of their relevance with today’s business. Plato was one of the many philosophers known in history. He established the institution of most of western thinking in the areas of logic, philosophy, psychology, and politics. Plato’s be lif in absolutism can be viewed in modern society as voitures, which includes justice, piety and courage.
Aristole, along with Plato is often considered to be one of the two most influential philosophers in Western thought. One of Aristotle’s ethical theories was Eudaimonism. His ethical principle was to develop and maintain acitiviy in accordance with virtue and rational principle. In addition to the beliefs of Plato and Aristole, many others had corresponding views on how the benefits of ethical actions should contribute to society. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, a famous philosopher of scholasticism, good ethics should promote good and avoid evil.
The Essay on Applying Ethics in an Ethical Dilemma
I would never have thought that the hardest part of this assignment was to find a good example of a business organization behaving ethically in an ethical dilemma. There are numerous cases of businesses behaving unethically. The list of businesses behaving illegally is similar to a who’s who of top companies. However, I did find one company that appears to have based their business on ethics. The ...
Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, generally regard as the last major philosopher of the early morden period. Theory of Deontology, developed by Kant, says that ethical principle should be developed in such a way that it will bring goodness to society. Utilitarianism, espoused by the nineteenth century philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, holds that moral behavior produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Mohandas Gandhi, one of the founding fathers of India, was a strong advocate of pacifism as a means of revolution. Pacifism is a commitment to achieve a goal in a non-violent or non-aggressive way.
John Peters Humphrey, the principal drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Throughout Humphery’s life he promoted human rights in Canada and throughout the world. Martha Nussbaum, Professor of Law and Ethics, describes ethics as a duty that will serve the common public. Barbara Jordan, first African-American female to succeed in Texas politics. Jordan, describes ethical behavior as being honest, telling the truth, and doing what you said you were going to do. The ethicists mentioned are few among the many that supports the belief that morals and ethics should play a role in today’s rapid, growing, business world.
The above ethical principals have little implication in today’s business world since the mangers have different perspectives and approach for their individual and organizational goals. However, the business practices should be done in accordance with honesty, truthfulness and reliability. Despite, self-profit and high-level competition in the modern business industry, integrity and moral principles should be the foundation and basis above all. Many have their perspectives and standpoints on ethics however when time comes for decision making, compromises, and judgment calls, our moral codes and natural law of ethics should play a role, thus creating a serviceable outcome.
The Essay on Doing Business Online Poses Certain Ethical Dilemmas Selling Customer Information
Doing business online poses certain ethical dilemmas. Selling customer information, otherwise known as data mining is among the prevailing ethical issues in e-business (Z. Tobias). Ethical business practice requires protecting the confidentiality of customer information. Selling the names and e-mail addresses of its customers is obviously against business ethics. It is a betrayal of confidential ...
