Application Paper Assignment Chapter 3 Philosophical Ethics

Application Paper Assignmentchapter 3 Philosophical Ethics And Busin

Application Paper AssignmentChapter 3 – Philosophical Ethics and BusinessAfter reading Business Ethics Chapter 3 and reviewing the Guidelines for Application Papers, use the Reality Check (Virtues in Everyday Language) on page 95 and the Reality Check (Where Do Virtues Come From?) on page 98 to craft an academic paper that addresses the following: What are two or three virtues (character traits) that you think are most important in our personal lives and in our business affairs, and explain why you selected those? In your opinion, how are character traits formed and conditioned? Can virtue be taught? Why or why not? What is/are the source(s) of your virtues?

How did you acquire them, and how have they developed over time? Use the attached file (APA (7th Ed) Template for Student Papers) for your document.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of personal and business ethics, virtues serve as foundational character traits that shape moral behavior and decision-making. Among the myriad virtues, trustworthiness, integrity, and diligence emerge as particularly vital both in personal life and within the business context. These virtues foster not only individual moral development but also promote trust and cooperation in professional environments, thereby underpinning ethical conduct and sustainable success.

Trustworthiness is fundamental because it establishes the basis for reliable relationships. In personal interactions, trustworthiness nurtures strong bonds built on honesty and dependability. In business, it facilitates collaboration, customer loyalty, and a positive reputation. Without trustworthiness, relationships tend to deteriorate, leading to conflicts and a breakdown in communication. The importance of this virtue is emphasized in Virtues in Everyday Language (page 95), which highlights trustworthiness as a pivotal moral trait that promotes social harmony.

Integrity, closely related to trustworthiness, involves consistency in moral principles and honesty in actions. It ensures that one’s behavior aligns with ethical convictions, even when faced with temptations or external pressures. In personal life, integrity fosters self-respect and authentic relationships. In the business sphere, it manifests as ethical decision-making, transparency, and accountability. Integrity underpins the credibility of individuals and organizations, making it an essential virtue for long-term success.

Diligence pertains to persistence, hard work, and commitment to one’s responsibilities. This virtue is critical in personal pursuits such as self-improvement and goal achievement. In business, diligence translates to dedication, quality work, and organizational efficiency. It cultivates a mindset of continual effort and resilience, which are crucial for overcoming challenges. Diligence enhances personal growth and organizational productivity, aligning with the virtues discussed on pages 95 and 98 concerning character development.

Regarding the formation of character traits, virtues are shaped through a combination of innate tendencies, environmental influences, and deliberate practice. Psychologically, individuals may have predispositions toward certain traits; however, environmental factors such as family, education, culture, and social norms significantly influence virtue development. For example, a nurturing family environment can foster virtues like honesty and kindness, while exposure to ethical teachings and role models reinforces these traits.

Virtues can be taught and cultivated through intentional effort and education. Teaching principles of ethics, providing moral role models, and creating environments that reward ethical behavior promote virtue development. Philosophers like Aristotle argued that virtues are acquired through habituation—repeated actions reinforcing moral character. By consciously practicing virtues in daily life, individuals can develop and strengthen their character traits over time. This process involves moral reflection, commitment, and reinforcement through positive feedback and social reinforcement.

My own virtues originated primarily through family upbringing and educational experiences. From a young age, I was encouraged to be honest, respectful, and diligent by my parents and teachers. Over time, these virtues have evolved through life experiences, challenges, and conscious efforts to improve my character. For instance, encountering situations that tested my integrity strengthened my resolve, while perseverance in difficult circumstances reinforced my diligence. Continual reflection on my actions and their impact has been instrumental in the ongoing development of my virtues.

In conclusion, virtues such as trustworthiness, integrity, and diligence are essential in fostering ethical conduct in both personal and business spheres. These character traits are shaped through a combination of innate tendencies and environmental influences, but importantly, they can be cultivated through conscious effort and education. Understanding and developing virtues is crucial for personal growth and for cultivating ethical organizations and societies, aligning with the insights presented in Business Ethics Chapter 3 and the referenced Reality Checks.

References

• Aristotle. (2009). Nicomachean Ethics (J. Sachs, Trans.). Dover Publications. (Original work published ca. 350 B.C.)
• Baillie, J. (2002). Virtues and Character Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Hursthouse, R. (1999). On Virtue Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• MacIntyre, A. (2007). After Virtue (3rd ed.). University of Notre Dame Press.
• Okasha, S. (2012). Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Pence, T. (2000). Virtue Ethics and Business. Business Ethics Quarterly, 10(4), 501-514.
• Slote, M. (1984). Morality, Rationality, and Happiness. Routledge.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practicing Virtues: Ethical Development in a Complex World. Oxford University Press.
• Slote, M. (1984). Morality, Rationality, and Happiness. Routledge.
• Vakil, S. (2015). Business Ethics and Society. Routledge.