Assignment 4 Suggested Length 1400 To 2000 Words Ethical ✓ Solved

Assignment 4 Suggested Length 1400 To 2000 Words Ethical Theories To

Develop a memo that analyzes the ethical issue involving Luke's situation at ABC Company using the ethical lenses of Utilitarianism, Universal Ethics (Kant’s categorical imperative), The Golden Rule, and Virtue Ethics. The memo should include an explanation of the ethical issue, why it is an issue, and recommendations for Luke's course of action based on each ethical framework. The analysis must consider the confidentiality of internal communications, the potential impact of the project on the neighborhood, and Luke’s obligation to his employer and personal relationships. Incorporate relevant facts, such as the upcoming public announcement of the project, the effect on property values, Owen’s consideration of selling his house, and Luke’s position in advising his colleagues. Ensure the discussion is thorough, approximately 1400 to 2000 words, and employ proper ethical reasoning aligned with each lens.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical dilemma faced by Luke at ABC Company encapsulates the complex intersection of corporate obligations, personal ethics, and social responsibility. As an internal ethics consultant, Luke must navigate the confidentiality of company projects, the potential harm to the neighborhood, and his personal relationship with his brother Owen. This memo analyzes the situation through four prominent ethical lenses—Utilitarianism, Kantian Universal Ethics, The Golden Rule, and Virtue Ethics—and offers informed recommendations for Luke's course of action aligned with each framework.

The Ethical Issue and Its Significance

The core ethical problem concerns whether Luke should disclose or withhold information about the upcoming project involving the development of land into an adult entertainment store. The project’s announcement is imminent, and its impact on property values, community welfare, and personal relationships compounds the dilemma. Confidentiality obligations to ABC conflict with Luke’s concern for Owen's potential economic advantage and the possible harm to the neighborhood. The ethical issue thus hinges on balancing corporate confidentiality and social responsibility with personal loyalty and honesty.

This situation raises questions about responsibilities: Should Luke remain silent to protect his employer’s strategic interests, or should he consider the broader social implications and his personal relationship with Owen? The decision involves evaluating competing duties—duty to employer confidentiality versus moral obligation to prevent potential harm—and understanding the broader consequences of disclosure or non-disclosure.

Utilitarianism Analysis

Utilitarianism, articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering. Under this lens, the ethical choice depends on the consequences of disclosure versus withholding information.

If Luke discloses the project prematurely, several consequences follow. The neighborhood might experience a decline in property values, which could cause distress to residents and financial loss to Owen. Conversely, if Luke maintains confidentiality, the project proceeds as planned, potentially generating economic benefits for ABC and its stakeholders, while the community experiences the negative impact only after the announcement.

From a utilitarian perspective, the crucial question is whether the aggregate happiness gained outweighs the suffering caused. Disclosing early might enable residents like Owen to make informed decisions, possibly benefitting him if he chooses to delay his sale or strategize accordingly. However, premature disclosure could destabilize the neighborhood, leading to anxiety and economic instability.

Given that the company's project is imminent and that disclosure might cause more immediate distress or harm, utilitarian calculus may lean toward maintaining confidentiality to prevent unnecessary suffering. The overall balance suggests that honoring confidentiality aligns with maximizing happiness for the larger community and stakeholders, though this must be weighed against the potential trust issues and moral costs of secrecy.

Kantian Universal Ethics (Categorical Imperative)

Kantian ethics emphasizes acting according to maxims that can be universalized and treating individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means. The principle demands truthfulness, honesty, and respect for moral duties.

Applying Kant's categorical imperative, Luke's act of withholding information from Owen and the public must be motivated by a rule that could be universally adopted. If everyone in his position chose to conceal material information for strategic reasons, trust in professional and personal relationships would erode, undermining the fabric of honest communication.

Furthermore, using Owen as a means to an end—by concealment—violates Kant’s principle of treating individuals as ends. Owen has a moral right to be informed about material facts affecting his property and financial decisions. Failure to disclose the project could be seen as a violation of moral duty, potentially treating Owen unfairly by withholding relevant information.

Conversely, disclosing the project prematurely doesn’t necessarily align with the company's interests or confidentiality obligations, but from a Kantian perspective, honesty and respect for persons take precedence. Therefore, the ethical action, according to Kant, would be for Luke to be truthful and transparent, respecting Owen's right to make informed decisions.

The Golden Rule (Treat Others as You Would Like to Be Treated)

The Golden Rule posits that one should treat others as they themselves wish to be treated. Applying this principle, Luke should consider how he would feel if the roles were reversed—if he were Owen and faced the impending development of his neighborhood with knowledge he lacked.

If Luke were in Owen's position, he would likely prefer to be informed so that he could decide whether to sell now or delay until the market improves. Foregoing information might deprive Owen of agency and could cause feelings of betrayal or mistrust if he finds out only after the project is announced.

Hence, the Golden Rule suggests that Luke should disclose the information to Owen, enabling him to make an informed decision aligned with his desires. This demonstrates fairness, respect, and empathy, fostering trust and honoring personal integrity.

Virtue Ethics Perspective

Virtue Ethics, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, emphasizes character and moral virtues such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and prudence. The ethical course involves cultivating virtues that promote moral excellence and social harmony.

In this context, Luke’s virtues—honesty and integrity—would favor transparency with Owen. Being truthful aligns with traits of trustworthiness and respect. Prudence, or wise judgment, suggests that Luke considers the long-term implications of disclosure versus concealment, weighing the potential harm and benefits to all parties involved.

A virtuous individual would recognize the importance of maintaining trustworthiness and acting consistently with moral character. Concealing information may be seen as lacking integrity and honesty, while disclosure, despite potential drawbacks, upholds virtues of transparency and respect for Owen’s autonomy.

Thus, from a Virtue Ethics perspective, Luke should prioritize honesty and transparency, demonstrating moral integrity and fostering virtuous relationships.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Analyzing Luke’s ethical dilemma through these four lenses yields nuanced insights, but a common theme emerges—the importance of honesty, transparency, and respect for individual rights. Ethically, the most justified course of action is for Luke to inform Owen about the upcoming project, consistent with Kantian duties, the Golden Rule, and Virtue Ethics, and aligned with utilitarian considerations that highlight the long-term benefits of trust and moral integrity.

Disclosing the project respects Owen’s right to make informed decisions, supports social trust, and reinforces moral virtues. While confidentiality remains vital for corporate strategy, ethical obligations to personal relationships and social responsibility must also be honored.

Therefore, Luke should carefully and respectfully disclose the relevant information to Owen before the public announcement, balancing his duty to maintain confidentiality with his moral obligations to honesty, fairness, and virtue. This approach promotes moral integrity, fosters trust, and upholds ethical standards across personal and professional domains.

References

• Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Clarendon Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hartknoch.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bowerie.
• Aristotle. (BC). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross. (Original work circa 4th century BC)
• Ross, W. D. (1930). The Right and the Good. Oxford University Press.
• Snare, R. (2003). Virtue Ethics. Polity Press.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.