Case Study Ethical Theories Definition
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Trinity Western University *
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LDRS 320
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 1
Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition
Trinity Western University
LDRS 320 I3 - Ethical Decision Making
July , 2023
Part 1: Definition of Duty Theory:
Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 2
The Duty Theory is a normative ethical theory emphasizing the importance of fulfilling moral obligations and duties in making ethical decisions. It proposes that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.
Duty to Self
a)
Develop Your Talents
: This duty suggests that individuals have an obligation to cultivate their abilities, skills, and talents to their fullest potential. It encourages personal growth and the pursuit of self-improvement.
b)
Do Yourself No Harm
: This duty emphasizes the importance of not engaging in actions that may harm oneself physically, emotionally, or mentally. It promotes self-preservation and self-care.
Duty to Others
a)
Fidelity:
Fidelity is the duty of loyalty and faithfulness to others, particularly in relationships and commitments. It involves keeping promises and remaining trustworthy to those we are connected to.
b)
Gratitude:
Gratitude is the duty to show appreciation and thankfulness to others for their kindness, support, or assistance. It acknowledges the positive contributions others make in our lives.
c)
Reparation:
This duty implies that individuals have an obligation to make amends for any harm or wrong they have caused to others. It involves taking responsibility for one's actions and seeking to repair the damage.
d)
Beneficence:
Beneficence is the duty to do good and promote the well-being of others. It involves actively seeking opportunities to help and benefit others.
Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 3
e)
Honesty:
The duty of honesty requires individuals to be truthful and transparent in their interactions with others. It involves not deceiving or misleading others.
f)
Respect:
This duty emphasizes treating others with dignity, consideration, and respect for
their autonomy and rights. It involves recognizing and valuing the inherent worth of every individual.
Example of Using the Duty Theory in Decision-making
Imagine I am working as a project manager in a company, and I discover that a team member has made a significant error in a crucial report that could lead to financial losses for the client. I have the option to either correct the mistake discreetly before the report is presented or remain silent about it to avoid conflict within the team.
In this case, the Duty Theory would guide my decision-making as follows:
Duty to Self:
The Duty Theory encourages honesty, and being honest with myself is essential in such situations. Ask me if I am fulfilling my duty to "Do Yourself No Harm" by suppressing the truth.
Duty to Others: my duty to the client and the company (Honesty) is paramount, as they have trusted my team to deliver accurate work. There is also a duty to practice Beneficence by ensuring the best possible outcome for the client, even if it means addressing mistakes.
Based on the Duty Theory, I would choose to correct the error and inform the team member responsible. This decision aligns with my duty to self (maintaining integrity) and to others (client's best interests). By taking responsibility and showing fidelity to ethical principles,
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Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 4
I demonstrate respect for others and uphold the moral obligations associated with my role as a project manager.
Part 2: Definition of Consequentialism
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the overall consequences it produces. According to this theory, the end justifies the means, and actions are evaluated based on the balance of good and bad they bring about.
Types of Consequentialism
a)
Utilitarianism:
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that states the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes suffering or
pain for the greatest number of people. It aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number.
b)
Egoism:
Egoism is a form of consequentialism that asserts individuals should act in a way that maximizes their self-interest and well-being. Ethical egoism focuses on promoting the best outcomes for oneself.
Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 5
c)
Altruism: Altruism is a type of consequentialism that emphasizes selflessness and acting in a way that promotes the well-being and happiness of others, often at the expense of one's own interests.
d)
Hedonism: Hedonism is a consequentialist theory that holds the ultimate goal of human life is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. It evaluates actions based on their
ability to maximize joy or happiness.
Example of Using the Utilitarianism in Decision-making
A small town is deciding whether to build a new highway through part of the town. From a utilitarian perspective, the town should weigh the following:
- The highway could reduce commute times for many residents, improve business access,
and boost the local economy. This would increase the overall happiness and well-being of many people in the town. - However, the highway would also require demolishing some homes and businesses, displacing residents, and employees. This would decrease the well-being of those directly impacted.
The town needs to determine if the aggregate happiness increase from the economic benefits, reduced commute times for most residents, and improved access outweighs the aggregate unhappiness from the people who would lose their homes and jobs. If so, from a utilitarian
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perspective, building the highway may be the morally right choice as it would produce the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness. The key is for the town to accurately measure and compare the strengths of the positive and negative consequences across the entire population
to maximize the overall utility - the sum total of well-being and happiness.
Example of Using the Egoism in Decision-making
Suppose you have been offered two job opportunities—one with a higher salary and better benefits at a large corporation and the other at a smaller company where you would work with close friends. The job at the larger corporation promises greater financial stability and career advancement, while the smaller company offers a more familiar and enjoyable work environment.
Egoism suggests that you should act in a way that maximizes your self-interest and well-
being. In this situation, you would weigh both options' potential benefits and drawbacks based on
how they align with your personal goals and values. If financial stability and career growth are your top priorities, you might choose the job at the larger corporation. On the other hand, if the comfort of working with close friends and a positive work environment holds greater importance
to you, you might lean towards the job at the smaller company.
Example of Using the Altruism in Decision-making
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Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 7
Imagine you witness an accident on the road and a pedestrian is injured. You are running late for an important meeting, and stopping to help might cause you to miss it. However, providing immediate assistance could save the person's life or prevent further harm.
Altruism encourages selflessness and prioritizing the well-being of others. In this situation, you would likely choose to stop and offer help to the injured pedestrian, putting their safety and needs above your own time constraints. By doing so, you exemplify the values of altruism and prioritize the overall welfare of another person over your personal interests.
Example of Using the Hedonism in Decision-making
Suppose you are planning a vacation and have two destination options: a relaxing beach resort and an adventurous mountain hike. The beach resort promises a tranquil environment, luxury accommodations, and various spa treatments, ensuring a pleasurable and stress-free experience. On the other hand, mountain hiking offers exciting challenges, breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity for personal growth through conquering physical obstacles.
Hedonism evaluates actions based on their ability to maximize pleasure or happiness. To apply this theory, you would consider which vacation option is more likely to bring about a greater sense of pleasure and fulfillment. If you value relaxation and indulgence, the beach resort
might be the preferable choice as it is likely to provide a high level of pleasure and comfort. However, if you prioritize adventurous experiences and the joy of overcoming challenges, the mountain hike might offer a more satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Part 3: Definition of Cultural Relativism
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Cultural Relativism is an anthropological and ethical theory that asserts that moral values and ethical principles are relative to the cultural context in which they are found. It suggests that there are no universal moral truths, and what is considered morally right or wrong varies across different cultures. Cultural Relativism encourages understanding and respect for diverse cultural norms and practices without imposing external judgments.
Types of Cultural Relativism
a)
Eternal Return Ethics:
This type of Cultural Relativism is based on the concept that the ethical values and practices of a culture should be upheld as if they would eternally recur.
It posits that the cultural ethics passed down through generations should be respected and preserved as if they will persist indefinitely.
b)
Cultural Ethics (Culturalist):
Culturalist Cultural Relativism emphasizes that ethical principles and moral values are shaped by the unique cultural background of society. It focuses on understanding and evaluating ethical decisions based on a specific group's cultural beliefs, norms, and traditions.
c)
Virtue Ethics: Virtue Ethics within Cultural Relativism considers the virtues valued by a culture as the foundation for ethical decision-making. It emphasizes developing and embodying virtuous character traits that align with a particular society's cultural norms and values.
d)
Discourse Ethics:
Discourse Ethics in Cultural Relativism places significance on open dialogue and communication within a culture to arrive at ethical decisions. It encourages engaging in discussions and deliberations to collectively determine what is morally acceptable within that particular cultural context.
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e)
Ethics of Care:
The Ethics of Care approach within Cultural Relativism prioritizes caring
relationships and empathy. It values the interconnectedness of individuals within a culture
and highlights the importance of taking care of one another based on the specific cultural context and relationships.
Examples of Using Each Cultural Relativism Theory in Decision-Making
Example 1: Eternal Return Ethics
In a traditional indigenous community, holding a ceremonial ritual before planting crops is a cultural practice. The ritual involves offering prayers and sacrifices to the spirits of nature for
a bountiful harvest and protection against natural calamities. This practice has been followed for centuries and is deeply ingrained in the community's cultural identity.
Decision: As an outsider or policymaker, applying Eternal Return Ethics would mean respecting and preserving this cultural practice as if it will continue indefinitely. Recognizing the
significance of the ritual to the community's identity, one would refrain from interfering with or imposing alternative agricultural methods, even if they might be perceived as more efficient or modern.
Example 2: Cultural Ethics (Culturalist)
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Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 10
In certain cultures, arranged marriages are a common and accepted practice. Parents or elders play a central role in selecting suitable partners for their children based on factors like social status, family reputation, and financial considerations.
Decision: Within Culturalist Cultural Relativism, one would understand that the practice of arranged marriages is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of these societies. When engaging with members of these cultures or providing support, it is essential to respect their traditions and not impose beliefs from a different cultural background.
Example 3: Virtue Ethics
In a culture that values hospitality and generosity, a person is faced with a decision when a stranger arrives at their doorstep seeking refuge and assistance. The cultural virtue of hospitality encourages people to welcome guests warmly and offer them food and shelter.
Decision: Applying Virtue Ethics within Cultural Relativism would lead the person to act in accordance with the cultural values of hospitality. They would choose to provide a warm welcome, offer food and shelter to strangers, and extend the virtues valued within their culture.
Example 4: Discourse Ethics
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In a culturally diverse community, there is an ongoing debate about the appropriate dress code for public places. Some members argue for conservative clothing to uphold traditional values, while others advocate for more liberal attire to promote individual expression and inclusivity.
Decision: Within Discourse Ethics, community members would engage in open discussions and debates to arrive at a collectively determined decision on the dress code. Through dialogue, they would seek to understand different perspectives and find a compromise that respects the diversity of values within the cultural context.
Example 5: Ethics of Care
In a close-knit community, an elderly member falls seriously ill and requires constant care and attention. The cultural norm of the Ethics of Care emphasizes the responsibility of the community to support and look after its elderly members.
Decision: Within the Ethics of Care, members of the community would come together to provide care, emotional support, and assistance to the elderly member in need. They would prioritize the well-being of the individual based on the interconnectedness and care expected within their cultural context.
References:
Case Study: Ethical Theories Definition - 12
Vandersys, Linda. Duty and Rights PPT
. 2023, https://learn.twu.ca/mod/resource/view.php?
id=907391
.
Vandersys, Linda. 320 Unit 9 PPT
. 2023, https://learn.twu.ca/mod/resource/view.php?
id=907395
.
Vandersys, Linda. 320 Unit 10 PPT
. 2023, https://learn.twu.ca/mod/resource/view.php?
id=907398
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