Ethical Delimma Case
November 28, 2007
Ethical Dilemma
Ethics is often defined as a major branch of philosophy, the philosophical study of moral values and rules which encompasses the right conduct and good living. Simply phrased a set of moral principles or values is considered to be a broad definition of ethics. Ethics is more of a subjective distinction between what is good or bad; not what is legally right or wrong. People differ within their moral principles and values because of their different life experiences. People find it easier to cheat what is perceived as a large, faceless entity like a corporation or the government than to cheat a friend or acquaintance, experts say. (James, 2002) Ethics is so important within our society that most ethical values have been integrated into the laws of our land. Society has to have ethical behavior in order to keep the supportive order that has been set. An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a decision must be made about the appropriate behavior in which an individual or company should make to support order. It will often involve an apparent conflict between moral imperatives, if obeyed this would result in one person transgressing another. The history of business in the United States is littered with tales of fraud, deceit and corruption, not only by the hands of a greedy few at the top, but also with the help of employees willing to go along with the charade. (Valenti 2002) Generally speaking, there are two major approaches that philosophers use in handling ethical dilemmas. One approach focuses on the practical consequences of what we do; the other concentrates on the actions themselves. However, there are six core ethical values that have been established to assist society with ethical behavior. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six examples of ethical standards. Unethical behavior is defined as conduct that is different from what others within or society
Ethical Dilemma
Ethics is often defined as a major branch of philosophy, the philosophical study of moral values and rules which encompasses the right conduct and good living. Simply phrased a set of moral principles or values is considered to be a broad definition of ethics. Ethics is more of a subjective distinction between what is good or bad; not what is legally right or wrong. People differ within their moral principles and values because of their different life experiences. People find it easier to cheat what is perceived as a large, faceless entity like a corporation or the government than to cheat a friend or acquaintance, experts say. (James, 2002) Ethics is so important within our society that most ethical values have been integrated into the laws of our land. Society has to have ethical behavior in order to keep the supportive order that has been set. An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a decision must be made about the appropriate behavior in which an individual or company should make to support order. It will often involve an apparent conflict between moral imperatives, if obeyed this would result in one person transgressing another. The history of business in the United States is littered with tales of fraud, deceit and corruption, not only by the hands of a greedy few at the top, but also with the help of employees willing to go along with the charade. (Valenti 2002) Generally speaking, there are two major approaches that philosophers use in handling ethical dilemmas. One approach focuses on the practical consequences of what we do; the other concentrates on the actions themselves. However, there are six core ethical values that have been established to assist society with ethical behavior. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six examples of ethical standards. Unethical behavior is defined as conduct that is different from what others within or society
Cited: Arens, Alvin A., Elder, Randal J. & Beasley, Mark S. Auditing and Assurance Services ‘An Integrated Approach’, 108-109 Martinez, Michelle N. 2000-2007. ‘Making the Right Choice’ Career Recruitment Media, Inc Mueller, Carl 2007. ‘An Ethical Dilemma: How Should You Handle It?’ James, Michael S. 2002. ‘Are You Ethical? The Truth Isn’t Exactly Clear’, ABC News Valenti, Catherine 2002. ‘Are Ethics in the Workplace Disappearing? ’, ABC News