GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

12401 SE 320THE STREET - AUBURN, WA 98092

GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

12401 SE 320th STREET, AUBURN, WA 98092

PHILOSOPHY 112: "BUSINESS ETHICS" ["ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE."]

PHILOSOPHY 112 (ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE)

1 Immanuel Kant’s “Categorical Imperative Principle,” which states that: “I ought never to act, except in such a way that I can also WILL that my maxim should become universal law.

2. Kantian “Categorical Imperative Principle” is one that was founded by Immanuel Kant –it explains that, we should always “Act in such a way that maxim of your action can be willed as a universal law.” (Beauchamp et al, 2004)

Ø In other words, “Categorical Imperative Principles” is that which admits that there are EXCEPTIONS to acts of duty, and its absolutely binding

Ø Categorical imperative principle gives instructions about how one must act

Ø Kantian ethics follows that: morality should follow absolute rules that admits no exceptions –which is the moral contention with Kantian Moral theory

“Kantian Ethics” is a “Normative Ethical Theory.”

4. What is an Ethical Theory?”

“Ethical theory” is simply the “reflection on the nature and justification of right actions.”

5. What is “Ethics?” It is the philosophical reflection on moral beliefs and practices.”

6. What is Maxim? According to Immanuel Kant, “maxim is that subjective rule that individual must use in making a decision.”

7. What do we mean by the word “Statutory law?” –Law that is based upon federal and state “statutes” and all the administrative regulations that follow these statutes

8. What is a “virtue ethics?” –It is based on the principle that goes to suggest that “morality is comprised of virtue, which has to do with a person’s character and the type of action that originates (emanate) from such a character. (Beauchamp et al, 2004)

9. “Ethical relativism,” what is it? –It is an ethical theory that has “empirical claim of cultural relativism” as the proper Normative Norm

9. “Cultural relativism, what is it? –It claims that good or bad are purely relative to a particular culture. It is an “anthropological theory,” per sé.

10. Morality: -“It is the principles or rules of moral conduct.”

11. Utilitarianism –It is a moral theory that asserts what is right is that which produces “the greatest good for the greatest number of people affected.”

Utilitarianism as a principle is divided into two:

a. “Act Utilitarianism” –It states that one ought to act (perform acts) that MUST lead to the “greatest good for the greatest number ..”; and also treat RULES as very useful guidelines to help determine behavior; And “break a moral rule, only if such an action will produce the “greatest good for the greatest number …..” (Beauchamp et al, 2004)

b. “Rule Utilitarianism:” –That rules have central position in morality that cannot be compromised by the demands of particular situation.” (Beauchamp et al, 2004)

GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

12401 SE 320THE STREET - AUBURN, WA 98092