Abstract This paper defines ethics and explains some of the different viewpoints on ethics that exist. The paper then gives a critical view of ethics. Next, it discusses Aldo Leopold's land ethic. The paper concludes that there are many different opposing viewpoints in ethics and every person must make up their own ethics by which to live.
Table of Contents:
How do we Define Ethics?
A complicated System of Groups
Ethical Theories
Deontological Versus Teleological Theories
Every Situation is Different
The Critical View of Ethics
The Never Ending Story
Ethics as a Limiting Factor
Ethics as Propaganda
Ethics and the Environment
Aldo Leopold's Ethics
Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic
Conclusion
In the Literature
The Rose Theory
From the Paper "In order to discuss ethics, one must first attempt to understand the intricacies involved in this discipline. First, a distinction must be made between ethics and morality. "Ethical wisdom consists in knowing how to frame the ideal, and moral sagacity consists in knowing how to put the ideal to work and realize it in practice" (Rader 1964). In other words, ethics may be thought of as the theory by which morality is practiced. Although separate ideas, neither morality nor ethics can exist without the other. Once this distinction is made, the question must be asked, is ethics a science? Researchers have long tried to answer this question, and many have come to the following conclusion. It is believed that ethics is a "normative science: concerned with norms and standards not empirical facts" (Rader 1964)."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of human trafficking, focusing primarily on the issue of prostitution. According to the paper, this is just a modern day version of slavery as many are transported and sold against their will or without their knowledge, believing various false reasons for their movement. Many of the victims of human trafficking are underage minors.
From the Paper "The human trafficking of women for the vice trades, mainly forced prostitution in a multitude of countries is a problem so monumental that most officials see no end to the problem. Resources are poor for the destruction of even the most large-scale offenders and most are under the false impression that the women arrive voluntarily, knowing the life they will follow when they arrive. It is a way to excuse the fact that all but the illegal immigration issues are perfectly acceptable and legal to many of the governments in the locations where the women end up. (Askew 328) Here are just a few statements from women who have been victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution."
Tags: sex, abuse, victim, minors, women, poverty, human, rights
Abstract This paper explains that, when it became both immoral and illegal, sexual harassment in the workplace developed into an increasingly important issue because such behavior can lead to serious repercussions for the individuals directly involved, the workplace and the company itself. The author points out that the problem of ethics in business has been wrongly approached from a masculine point of view, focusing on individuals and duties, when instead it should be regarded from a feminist corporate governance point of view, focusing on the relationships between workers and employers. The paper concludes that neither persons, rules nor ethics can solve all the problems of sexual harassment in the workplace, but the best measures are to avoid difficulties and, when they cannot be avoided, to solve them fairly and in accordance with morality and integrity.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Ethical problem
Effects on the Individuals
Effects on the Environment
Effects on the Company
Solving the Problem by Applying the Theories of Ethics
The Extent to Which the Theories of Ethics Can Solve the Problem
Example
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another measure that needs to be implemented in order for the feminist corporate governance to rightly function is the training of employees. Male employees have to be assured that working under the direct supervision of a female is not the least bit shameful, but a challenging proof of maturity and professionalism. By working under the advice and feminist corporate governance of a woman, female workers would feel better understood and motivated to achieve higher goals themselves."
Abstract This paper reviews "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The paper examines the book's theme of human society's tendency to hold on to redundant traditions and ideas, linking "The Lottery" to class-based system economics. The paper also discusses how the darkness created by the lottery is a reflection of the town's social inequality.
From the Paper "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a shocking tale of a town's sacrificial lottery that satires society's obsolete traditions and rituals. By taking a far extreme, the idea of sacrifice, the author questions our obsolete traditions. However, she also criticizes our social system by putting the three most powerful men in charge of the lottery. Jackson used "The Lottery" to satirize human society both on our pointless traditions and superstitions that we continue to carry out, regardless of whether we see a point in them or not, and our ruthless class-based system, the most powerful being in control of society's welfare and the lower-class sheepishly following the guidance of their overlords.
Abstract This paper explains that businesses use controversial television advertising because controversy spreads more rapidly amongst viewers and thereby increases the spread of powerful word-of-mouth advertising. The author points out that censorship only prolongs or intensifies questionable advertising. The paper explains that, because companies competing for profits will continue to believe that questionable advertising methods relay the most powerful messages, parents who are perturbed by this practice must set limits for their own children's television watching simply by turning it off.
From the Paper "The more protesters - slash - objectors holding up mini-billboards, or picket signs, simply just broaden the advertisement target area even more. Each person can forge their own opinions about the advertisement's approach, but at least the controversy has opened up the doors to many others to consider forming an opinion, whether it is good, or bad. The public response to the Janet Jackson Super Bowl stunt has gotten other advertisers to pull ads, in fear of upsetting TV networks, of course, due to upsets from viewers."
Abstract This paper discusses the moral dilemma that faces embryonic stem cell research in America. It focuses on arguments both for and against the research as well as possible resolutions to the issue. The ideology of various theorists and authors are cited throughout. The paper contends that we should embrace the potential that embryonic stem research could have on preserving and enriching the lives of many and concludes that embryonic stem research is morally justified.
Outline:
Issue
Possible Resolutions to the Issue
Our Opinion
Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper "Both the ethics of utility and the ethics of care, lend support to the embryonic stem cell research based on the above argument. The ethics of utility states that actions are to be judged solely on their consequence, and that the good that could be obtained from the destruction of embryos far outweigh the damages caused to the embryo. The ethics of care dictates that the interests of those who are close to us should be valued above that of strangers and that we should cultivate our natural capacity to care for others and ourselves. Thus acting in the best interest of fully developed humans even at the expense of embryos is only natural (Gilligan). It is hoped that through scientific developments in embryonic stem cell research, cures for diseases such as Alzheimer, Diabetes and Parkinson can be attained. "
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the issue of sports gambling and maintains that gambling is one of the major ethical problems in our society. The writer notes that sports gambling has raised many concerns in society about what it does to the integrity of sports. The paper uses an informal style of writing and is written from a personal point of view. The writer claims that gambling on sports is bad for all professional and collegiate sports. The writer concludes that people need to realize how much gambling takes away from the joy and glory of sports before anything can ever be done to halt it.
From the Paper "Daly and Barkley have been two of the major public figures in sports who have struggled with a majority of problems in their personal lives due to gambling. The message these two famous individuals are sending is detrimental to America's youth."
"The youth in this country today are the first generation that has extensive access to legalized and government-sanctioned gambling. They also live in an environment where legal and illegal gambling is so easily accessible due to the internet. In a study conducted of 585 students at the University of Lethbridge, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, 72% of the students were involved in some sort of gambling over a six month time period. During this period time the average amount of time spent involved with gambling was 33.7 hours."
Abstract The paper explores the technologies and strategies that cheaters use. The paper relates that a large percentage of students don't have any social or moral qualms with using technology to cheat. The paper then suggests how to minimize or eradicate the opportunities for students to cheat.
Outline:
Introduction
Technology in Today's Classroom
Ethos of Cheating Amongst Students
Preventative Measures Against Using Technology to Cheat
Conclusion
From the Paper "Since the dawn of academia there has always been an opportunity to cheat. Cheating has come a long way over the years from writing on your arms and hiding miniature scrolls of paper inside of ink pens to using I-pods, cell phones and Bluetooth capable devices to listen to answers. Cheating hasn't changed but the opportunities to do so have. With the increased acceptability of using technology inside our classrooms the chances of using technology to cheat has become more covert."
Abstract The paper relates that Boeing's corporate social responsibility policy is very specific and extensive and much of the company's action to align itself with that policy has been very effective. The paper then discusses how many argue that Boeing's ethics policy is merely a formality and not practiced. The paper looks at several lawsuits that involved charges of race and gender discrimination. The writer is of the opinion that Boeing has plenty of room for improvement in the area of ethics and social responsibility, but is still an exceptional company and a leader in ethics in many respects. The writer contends that the many discrimination cases brought against Boeing are due to the fact that many Americans are seeking a free hand-out and use lawsuits to this end. The paper is written in first person.
From the Paper "I and many other "experts" could argue that Boeing may have been, and still is the perfect example of a proactive leader in the area of ethics and social responsibility. As a matter of fact, Boeing is a company that has been a leader and innovator in the field of ethics; winning many awards. Business and Commercial even goes as far as to say that Boeing may have "the best employee ethics program in the world" (3). Their corporate social responsibility policy is very specific and extensive, and much of the company's action to align itself with that policy has been very effective. But, many will argue that their ethics policy is merely a formality and that Boeing itself does little to "practice what it preaches". The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported in print, "Boeing's adherence to its own ethics code is no deeper than the paper it's printed on" (4)."
Abstract This paper examines the utilitarian ideal of applying affirmative action to disabled veterans. It explains that rewarding an under qualified candidate over somebody who is more deserving based on merit creates a great deal of controversy. The writer suggests that this is unethical because it has short term effects that may be good but the long term consequences bring about more unhappiness than happiness. The writer also points out that by analyzing affirmative action policies we will find that under qualified candidates hurt the overall progress on racial and gender equality issues. The writer strongly asserts that companies, both federal and civilian, owe it to themselves, their people, and the people who finance them to hire the most qualified candidate for any job regardless of gender, race, or prior service. The writer concludes that affirmative action can be used in a positive way as long as it does not promote negative outcomes.
From the Paper "The United States is one of the youngest countries in the world and has seen itself rise in power due in part to its ability to integrate many different people. The "Melting Pot" as it has been termed affords people many opportunities that other countries don't have. A relatively new idea is that of Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action involves giving preferential treatment to a particular disadvantaged group giving them some sort of benefit. This is done in two ways. The first is by using a quota system. This is where a rule is put in place so that so many people in a program must be from a particular group. The second is on a case by case basis. Here there is just a simple attempt to consider a group in some special manner. Questions arise over the moral and ethical actions of awarding people jobs based on race or gender. A more novel concept is that of applying Affirmative Action to disabled veterans."
Abstract The paper discusses Immanuel Kant's and John Stuart Mill's systems of ethical behavior and shows their similarities in how both are concerned with the moral and ethical duties of the individual with regards to the whole of humanity. The paper reveals how both theories are incomplete; Kant's "Categorical Imperative" suffers from the contradiction that arises when moral actions engender immoral consequences, while Mill's Utilitarianism fails to provide an unambiguous way to judge individual moral actions.
From the Paper "Immanuel Kant, in The Foundations of the Metaphysic of Morals, puts forth a deontological theory of moral action in a trio of formulations called the "Categorical Imperative". It is considered deontological because it is concerned solely with what one "ought" to do, rather than the consequences of action. Thus the determination of ethical behavior is based upon an obligation to act according to a rational principle which is itself universal, absolute, and unconcerned with the consequences. This foundational aspect of the theory is rendered problematic when moral actions create immoral circumstances. If the Categorical Imperative holds all untruths to be immoral, then honestly answering a murderer who requests that one identify the intended victim would be a morally right action that results in a morally objectionable murder."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the ethical elements of the discussion regarding bonuses and compensation for the CEO of an organization. The writer maintains that it is ethical for CEO's to receive large compensation packages, but only if it is inclusive of benefits for all stakeholders, not at the expense of them. The writer notes that the best way to do this is through long-term compensation packages that focus on long-term commitment and vision. The writer discusses that these packages must also focus on long-term profitability and growth for the organization, job security for employees, and return on investment for shareholders and other investors. The writer concludes that ultimately, CEO compensation should realistically follow measurable performance that benefits all stakeholders, not just a few.
From the Paper "The argument designating increasing CEO pay and decreasing shareholder value as unethical is an easy one to make. There is, however, a case to be made on the other side of the issue. Some argue that increasing CEO compensation is a simple matter of supply and demand and is driven by market forces. Others argue that the transition costs of replacing a CEO could be considerably more than the bonuses they receive. Yet another argument is that market fluctuations are inevitable and increasing bonuses are needed to retain top talent and that the investment will pay off over time. Eamonn Walsh goes as far to say that some CEO's are actually underpaid when comparing CEO compensation to stock value. It should be noted that this article focuses on the European market were CEO compensation is generally lower than in the United States. Research has shown that organizations in which their CEO's are compensated in the top 10% have an 80% percent chance of their stock outperforming their peers. Of this group the gains in market capitalization far exceeded the CEO compensation package about 80 percent of the time. On the other hand, organizations offering the lowest compensation had only a 50-50 chance of outperforming their peers."
Abstract This paper describes how the process of do not resuscitate (DNR) can be the source of an ethical dilemma for healthcare workers. The writer discusses a specific case that arose at Euclid Hospital that shows how nurses can be torn between their loyalty to the patient and to hospital policy. Euclid Hospital's risk management policy and ethical decision-making model are also described. The writer concludes that ethical dilemmas can be resolved by improved communication and by assessing each case individually.
Outline:
Introduction
Do Not Resuscitate
Policy vs. Patient Care
Ethical Responses
Risk Management
Ethical Decision Making Model
Conclusion
From the Paper "The primary nurse for this patient did initiate CPR. Family was not present and within two minutes the house physician was on the unit and a DNR order was written and life sustaining efforts ceased. The primary nurse in this situation acted under the ethical precept of deontology. Deontology is one system of ethical decision making. The theory is based on moral rules and unchanging principles. Deontology is based on the belief of standards present for the ethical choices and judgments that nurses make (Aiken, 2004). This approach would justify the nurse initiating CPR on this patient because she was following legal and professional rules."
Tags: nonmaleficence litigation, intensive care unit, clinician, healthcare provider, caregiver
The paper examines the phenomena and rapid spread of social networking sites and blogs, their influence on users and the responsibility this puts on site owners and users.
Abstract Over the past few years we have witnessed an explosion in the number of social networking sites in all shapes and forms as well as an even greater spread in the use of blogs as a means of information dissemination and communication. This paper examines the development of the social networking and blog culture and discusses the responsibility that networking site owners and blog publishers have both to themselves and the larger world of internet users. The author examines the case for free speech and freedom of expression that social networking and blogging is built around as opposed to the need for social responsibility and the preservation of picture and privacy. The work has one drawing and extensive links to internet sites.
From the Paper "Now that the technological era is booming, and far from reaching its pinnacle any time in the near future, the computer and items pertaining to the industry reign supreme. This 'regime of the networks' will last because their uses are vastly increasing to a seemingly infinite number. Moreover, whether information is hoarded, transferred, or rubbed out, it can all be done through such networks. Among the various types, social networks are best suited for examining the responsibilities of users and providers. Although there is a substantially tactile presence when being 'social' in its truest form, social networks allow the physical manipulations of data, info, or even programs in the vast 'cyber space' to make a presence of intangible character, something nevertheless palpable in mindset. This is important to comprehend because based on this assumption, regulations, prohibitions, and responsibilities are developed to help maintain an ethical and legal area. These responsibilities and regulations help in preventing the constant cleansing and upkeep by the provider of such areas based on nonsensical, irresponsible acts on both ends. However, these responsibilities should be balanced, where both sides' obligations are abecedarian enough to actually make an effect."
Tags: blog, social networking, internet blogger responsibility facebook
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in this day and age of technology and wireless connection to vast amounts of electronic information, plagiarism within educational institutions has become a growing concern. The writer points out that nearly every university and college has a very strict policy concerning plagiarism and the penalties for academic dishonesty. While to some people the act of copying the written work or ideas of someone else may not seem to be the most severe of crimes, plagiarism is actually an illegal offence that can be punished by the criminal justice system. The writer discusses that more importantly, however, plagiarism threatens the integrity of the entire educational system. Without the integrity of the educational system, higher levels of education and employers would be at a loss for selecting properly suited candidates. Furthermore, plagiarism is a severe act of disrespect towards the individual whose work is being copied or, in essence, stolen. The writer concludes that plagiarism is a significant and noteworthy problem within the academic sphere and beyond.
From the Paper " One of the reasons that plagiarism has become a growing concern within the academic environment is the increase in access to the internet that most students have, an in fact, require throughout their educational career. Before the advent of the internet, plagiarism required copying information or ideas directly from a published piece of work or another student's work. The Internet now provides a multitude of other methods of plagiarism. Within the domain of cyberspace, 21st Century students can locate information that has never before been previously published in the traditional print form. Furthermore, students can access papers written by other students all over the world. Many e-commerce sites have actually developed to answer the demand of students for pre-written college level papers. A simple search on any popular search engine such as Google.com or Yahoo returns hundreds of web sites offering papers for the use of college and high school students. Some websites allow students to upload their own papers and sell them to other students for a designated price, of course sharing their profits with the website owners. Other sites allow the free distribution of papers, financially fuelled by advertisers wishing to reach the college demographic. Many other websites offer custom writing services, that ensure that a paper will be of high quality and never previously published in another location."
