Ethics Defined Law For Business And Personal Use n Three elements of ethics decision ¡ ¡ ¡ Chapter 2 – Ethics In Our Law About a right or wrong action Reasoned Impartial n n Applying same standard to everyone Business ethics ¡ Principles used in making business decisions without regard to profit maximization Ethics In Our Law Ethical Reasoning Based On Consequences n Consequence­based reasoning based on outcome of decision ¡ ¡ Ethical Reasoning Based On Consequences n Process ¡ Act that produces bad consequences is bad Act that produces good consequences is good ¡ ¡ 3 Ethical Reasoning Based On Rules n Fundamental ethical rules ¡ n Determine whether act, in itself, is right or wrong Cannot justify action by showing produces good consequences Describe alternative actions Forecast consequences Evaluate consequences n n ¡ Ethics In Our Law Standard for judging (“The Good”) Number of people affected Action chosen results in greatest good for greatest number of people Ethics In Our Law n Standard for judging decisions based on ¡ Authority n ¡ Law, religion Reasoning n Apply universalizing ¡ Visualize everyone doing action Moral rights ¡ 5 4 Ethical Reasoning Based On Rules n Ethics In Our Law 2 Rightful claims on people that flow from status as human being
Ethics In Our Law 6 1 Ethics Expressed In Law n Majority rule demonstrates consequence­ based ethics ¡ ¡ n Majority rule—elected representatives vote for laws acceptable to majority of people Majority rule can be unjust Civil rights demonstrates rule­based ethics ¡ Civil rights—personal, human rights recognized and guaranteed by constitution Ethics In Our Law 7 Ethical Goals Reflected In Laws n n Consistent rules assure order and predict ability To be just, arbitrary rules or laws must be ¡ ¡ Communicated in advance Applied consistently Ethics In Our Law 8 Obligated To Obey Law n Demanded by ethical reasoning n Have agreed to obey and show integrity ¡ ¡ n Consequences­based and rule­based Capacity to do what right even in face of pressure to do otherwise Avoids punishment ¡ ¡ Civil disobedience—open, peaceful violation of law to protest injustice Scofflaws—persons who do not respect and frequently violate valid laws
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