Ethics Theories

Normative Theories

Egoism, both as ethical theory and as psychological theory Utilitarianism Kants ethics Other non-consequentionalist themes

Duties, moral rights and prima facie principles

Normative Theories
Normative Theories

consequentionalist themes

non-consequentionalist themes

E goism

Utilitarianism

Kants ethics

Egoism

Associates morality with self-interest An act is morally right if it promotes the person's long term interests A Person or an organisation or a society When an organisation performs or safeguards its interest of others, then we can say that orgn acts ethically.

Egoism (contd.)

Two types
Personalist Theory - Pursue your long term interest, do not dictate what others should do Impersonalist Theory Every one follows their best long term interest, w/o hurting others

Psychological egoism

Ethicists who proposed theory of egoism says:

Humans are by nature selfish creatures Human beings are so made that they must behave selfishly. All actions of men are motivated by self-interest Even the so-construed self sacrificial act like.say whistle blowing in an orgn is an attempt to either take revenge or become a celebrity.

Criticisms of psychological egoism

It is not really amoral theory at all.

It is very much subjective and never try to be objective

It is not a sound theory, it assumes that all actions of men are motivated by self interest

Ignores and undermines the human tendency to rise above personal safety as proved in many situations. like natural calamities etc.

Ignores blatant wrong doings

Does not take a clear stand against personal or organisational vices such as corruption, bribery, pollution, gender and racial discrimination.

utilitarianism

Ethics of welfare

Chief contributers

Jeremy Benthom(1748-1832)

Founder of traditional utilitarianism

Philosopher cum classical economist

John Staurt Mill(1806-1873)

Principles

A decision is ethical if it provides a greater net utility than any other alternative decision. Benthom's principle is stated as

The seeking of pleasure and avoidance of pain that is happiness is the only right and universally desirable end of human action.

Ethics is nothing else than the art of directing the actions of men so as to bring about the greatest possible actions to all those concerned He viewed the interests of community as the sum of interests of its own members

Principles (contd.)
An action is right from an ethical point of view if and only if the sum total of utilities produced by that act is greater than the sum total of utilities produced by any other act the agent could have performed in its place. Right action for a particular occasion is the one that produces more utility than any other possible action. It does not mean that the right action is the one that produces more utility for the person who performs the action.

Assumptions of utilitarianism

We can somehow measure and add the quantities of benefits generated by an action and deduct from it the measured quantities of harm that act produced. And determine tereby which actons produces the greatest total benefits or the lowest total costs.

contd.,

Practising the theory will lead tothe greatest happiness for the greatest number One's action will affect others in different degree and have different implications. Consequences of actions differs in diverse circumstances. Maximisation of happiness in the long run is the major objective. While choosing among possible actions, we need not give up our own pleasure.

Criticism of utilitarianism theory

Measurement of utility Interactability to measurement while deling with certain benefits and costs Lack of predictability of benefits &costs Lack of clarity indefining what constitutes 'benefits' &that of 'costs'

kantianism:ethics of duty

Unqualified good Unique human capacity to act from principle Concept of duty Moral is from reason & not based on human nature Morality are not hypothetical but categorical

example

Lying is always wrong

IMMANUEL KANTS CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES

Categorical Imperative Two stages of formulation

Act only in ways that one wish others to act in the same situation Always treat others with dignity &respect

The requirement that everyone should be treated as a free person equal to

IMMANUEL KANTS CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES

Treat others the way in which you want to be treated by others (Eg. If I reject an employee because he is not good looking, will you want to be fired on the same grounds)

IMMANUEL KANTS CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES

Never treat people only as means, but always as ends (Eg. Use things and love people Do not love things and use people)

CRITERIA FOR CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE

Universabiltiy
Applicable on universal basis

Reversibility
Should be reversible on the same person

Other Normative Theories Stockholder theory

Groups/individuals of owners and managers and relationships Managers/board of directors act as empowered agents Fiduciary relationships By legal and non-deceptive means

Criticism

Myopic view of CSR Not only foolish but dangerous in action False anology

Stakeholder

Groups/individuals who have a claim or stake in firm & vital to survival and success of the firm Achieve success by optimal balance among stakeholders Two principles

Corporate legitimacy Stakeholder fiduciary

care, social contract social responsibility of firm

critism

Woolly minded liberalism weak linkage between stakeholder concept &corporate performance Stakeholder concept is vague to practice Over extending the rights of stakeholders corruption

Social Contract

increase welfare of society without endangering the natural justice Implicit agreement between society &any created entity Firms owe an obligation to the society.

Increased economic efficiency Stable production &distribution Increased liability resources

Social contract

Maximise fulfilment of wants. Increase employees income. Avoid pollution. Optimal use of natural resources. Protect employees interest

criticism

Not a real legal contrct Neither explict nor implicit contracts

Problems created by business firms

Depleting natural resources. Pollution Misuse of political power. Dehumanising workrs.

Indian ethical traditions

Gandhian principles Way in gita Thirukural

Gandhian principles
Ttrusteeship Sarvodhaya Hrarmoniship in workplace

Way in the gita

Thirukkural

Others

Kohlbergs theory Personal values- six pillars of character

Trustworthiness' Respect

Responsibility
Fairness Caring

citizenship