Many Of The Major Contributors To Ethical Theory Were Descri

Many Of The Major Contributors To Ethical Theory Were Described In You

Many of the major contributors to ethical theory were described in your Chapter 1 eGuide. Your project assignment is to select one of the major contributors listed on the next page and prepare a written project. Select one of the major contributors listed below and write a 2-3 page paper addressing the topics and questions provided.

Major contributors include:

  • John Locke
  • Immanuel Kant
  • John Stuart Mill
  • John Rawls

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Immanuel Kant, born in 1724 in Königsberg, Prussia (modern-day Kaliningrad, Russia), was a prominent philosopher whose ethical theories have significantly influenced modern moral philosophy. He was well-educated at the University of Königsberg and spent most of his life as a professor there. Kant's work was characterized by a rigorous approach to epistemology and ethics, emphasizing the importance of reason, duty, and moral law. His emphasis on autonomy and the categorical imperative established a foundation for deontological ethics that continues to be influential today.

Ethical Theories

Kant’s principal contribution to ethical theory is the development of Kantian ethics, centered around the concept of duty and moral law. Unlike consequentialist theories that focus on the outcomes of actions, Kantian ethics assert that moral actions are those performed out of duty and in accordance with universal moral principles. The core of his philosophy is the categorical imperative, which commands individuals to act only according to maxims that can be consistently universalized. This means that one should only act in ways that they would want to become a universal law applicable to everyone, fostering fairness and consistency in moral decision-making.

Kant’s ethical approach has considerable significance in our understanding of ethical decision-making and performance, particularly in professional and business contexts where fairness, integrity, and respect are paramount. It emphasizes the intrinsic worth of individuals, advocating for actions that respect human dignity and promote justice, rather than merely conforming to social or legal obligations.

Application to a Recent News Event

To illustrate Kant's theory, consider a recent news event involving corporate whistleblowing. For example, the case of a pharmaceutical company hiding data on adverse drug reactions was reported in a business periodical. Applying Kant's categorical imperative, the ethical issue revolves around whether the company’s decision to withhold information could be universalized without contradiction. The maxim underlying their actions—"Keep company data secret if it benefits profits"—cannot be universally applied because it would justify dishonesty and jeopardize public trust. From a Kantian perspective, the morally correct action would be to be truthful and transparent, respecting the moral law that mandates honesty and the dignity of patients and the public. Thus, Kantian ethics would categorize such concealment as immoral, advocating for responsibility, transparency, and honesty in corporate conduct.

Conclusion and Recommendations

From this analysis, it is evident that Kant’s emphasis on duty and universal principles provides a robust framework for evaluating moral issues in today’s corporate and governmental environments. His insistence on acting according to maxims that could be universally accepted underscores the importance of integrity and respect for human dignity in ethical decision-making. Kant’s contributions encourage individuals and organizations to uphold moral standards that transcend personal or organizational interests and promote fairness and justice.

Studying ethics remains critically important in today’s business and government worlds because it fosters ethical awareness, guides responsible behavior, and supports the development of trust and credibility. As organizations face complex ethical dilemmas, Kantian principles serve as a guide to consistent and principled decision-making that aligns with societal values of fairness and respect.

References

  • Becker, L. C. (2009). The ethics of Kant's moral philosophy. Routledge.
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by Mary Gregor, 2002. Cambridge University Press.
  • Johnson, R., & Cureton, A. (2005). Moral philosophy. Routledge.
  • Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business ethics: A textbook with cases. Cengage Learning.
  • ndal, R. (2011). Kantian ethics and business: A framework for moral decision-making. Journal of Business Ethics, 104(1), 109-122.
  • Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2019). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalisation. Oxford University Press.
  • Wood, A. (2008). Kantian approaches to business ethics. Business Ethics Quarterly, 18(2), 231-256.
  • Reed, C. (2014). Practical ethics and contemporary management. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 21(2), 148-156.
  • Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2010). Corporate social responsibility: Readings and cases in a global context. Routledge.
  • Tenbrunsel, A. E., & Smith-Crowe, K. (2008). Ethical decision-making: Where we’ve been and where we’re going. Academy of Management Annals, 2(1), 545-607.

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