This paper looks at different literature sources that discuss how a system of ethics affects the workplace, creating an environment that encourages people to develop their values and their skills.
Abstract The paper begins with a definition of business ethics, then looks into the history of the subject. The writer continues by looking into sources that criticize the approach of businesses in the area of ethics, followed by the subject of philanthropy.
Table of Contents:
Classical/Historical View
Criticism
Shared Values and Goals
Corporate Philanthropy
Attracting and Building a Productive Workforce
Environmentalism and Corporate Responsibility
Conclusion
From the Paper "American business is under particular pressure to invest well in humans: to make them productive, motivated people working in a safe environment free from racial, sexual and other forms of discrimination. The social and political system sends signals to business about what is acceptable through trends in regulation and enforcement.
Managers often fail to understand that employees see work/life balance as a moral issue. Balancing work and family responsibilities is an ethical issue for everyone involved ? employees, employers and society; it's a matter of being socially responsible within the workplace. It is ethically positive to provide proactive family and flexibility programs for the workforce, but most companies won?t do so unless it's profitable or legally mandated. (Kleiman, 2000)."
The paper discusses the various arguments surrounding the issue of donating organs from brain damaged people and whether it is ethical to do so or not.
Abstract The paper examines what constitutes brain death and the rare possibility that a brain dead patient may awaken from this vegetative state. The paper looks at the controversy surrounding the issue both from the side of the family as well as from the side of the hospital staff.
It also touches on the rates of organ donation in different countries as well as the ethical rules governing the transplantation process.
From the Paper "It is ethical to procure organs for donation and transplant from brain dead patients because the criteria is so stringent to declare someone brain dead that it cannot be construed as unethical(Donation, 2001). When a person is declared brain dead they have performed certain required criteria to make that determination. It is ethical to use the organs of a brain dead person because they are only alive by machines, they are not really alive. The use of these organs has the potential to save thousands of lives each year."
Abstract This paper outlines the morality issue behind in vitro fertilization. The paper begins by explaining the concept of IV, so that the reader understands what specifically the method refers to. The paper then goes on to list and explain the various moral issues associated with the IV medical practice, including the biological, ethical and religious significance.
Contents:
Thesis
Introduction
In Vitro fertilization
Literature Review
Fate of the Embryo
Parental Rights
Cryoprecipitation
Human Embryo Research
Genetic Screening
Eugenics
Commercializing Reproduction
Multiple Births
Surrogacy
Religion
The Child
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the first child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), man finally realized his power to create, not passively through instinctual processes but consciously and actively. [Daar 1999] The desire to have children is strong in the human heart and infertility is a serious and painful issue. There are however more aspects to having a child than mere desire and the means by which the child is created is amongst the most important. Over the past few decades science has allowed individuals biologically otherwise incapable of reproducing, to make or have children by artificial methods such as in vitro fertilization."
Abstract The debate over the death penalty continues to confront our society. This paper looks at the beliefs of the proponents and opponents of the death penalty and decides which side is the most suitable in today's society.
Abstract This paper highlights the importance of business ethics internationally. Defining the term business ethics, different shades of its meanings, our paper will then discuss the significance of business ethics, the common business practices followed by a historical view of ethics in various corporations.
Abstract This paper is on the topic of ethics. What is the difference between ethics, morals, and values? A current issue of ethics is the topic of war. Are there ethics in war? What are these and how do they affect the policies on war?
Abstract The term "euthanasia" has come a long way from its original meaning of "a good death" and evolved into a new meaning for modern times of "mercy death". Even while the actual term itself has evolved in meaning, the human race has further qualified with distinctive types of euthanasia, voluntary and involuntary. Although types of voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia can be very different, this paper shows that they may all be judged based on a set of moral responsibilities that accompany every individual's right to control his own life. In the context of these guidelines, this paper argues that all voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, as well as physician-assisted suicide, may be morally permissible, or even obligatory, in accordance with these responsibilities.
From the Paper "My argument for the moral permissibility of voluntary euthanasia draws primarily from the belief in an individual's right to control the ultimate conditions of his life, including his death. This right, of course, is not unconditional. As with all rights, this one is accompanied by responsibilities. In other words, a sentient, competent individual has the right to ultimate control of his own life under the condition that the actions exercised by this right are in harmony with the best interests both of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual. In a situation where the best interests of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual are in conflict, the responsibility is of the individual to choose an action appealing to the greatest utility for all parties involved."
Abstract This paper discusses how, like most tragic or unusual events in history, the 1986 NASA Challenger explosion offers a hindsight perspective of what "went wrong" and what "should have been done" to prevent the loss of lives.
From the Paper "The United States? government, NASA officials, airspace scientists, engineers, educators, public interest groups, and the media alike, immediately jumped on the band wagon to explain the events that led up to the tragedy. President Reagan initiated an independent commission to investigate all of the parties involved, while NASA, the media, and the scientific community pointed fingers, called names, and "explained away" with great political finesse the behavior and choices that ultimately led to explosion. Very much like the Salem Witch Hunt Trials, people were questioned and re-questioned concerning their thoughts and actions. Reporters, academicians, social scientists, culturalists, authors, and even, folk song writers, seized the moment to "glean and explain" the events and the ?lessons learned.? The author, Diane Vaughan, is one of many, who attempted to offer, for a nominal fee of $20+ tax per copy, a "cultural-contextual" explanation of people's thoughts and behavior before and after the explosion. Based on the reading of Dr. Vaughan's book as well as a review of other articles and reports, below is an outline of some of the "lessons learned" from the Challenger accident."
Abstract This paper discusses how three basic issues must be addressed when looking at the ethical background of employee privacy rights. First, one must look at the arguments regarding the employers right to know and to use that knowledge. Secondly, one must investigate the claims of an employee's right to remain private. Finally, one must determine whose ethical responsibility it is to see that each of these competing rights are preserved as much as possible.
From the Paper "The question of an employee's right to privacy poses a particularly difficult ethical dilemma. On the one hand, the employer has an ethical obligation to the worker, to honor their privacy and their general human dignity and rights. On the other hand, the employer has an ethical obligation to the rest of his employees, to his customers, and to his shareholders, and possibly even to society at large to maintain certain standards within the workplace. The employer may also have an ethical obligation to obey relevant state or federal laws. In many ways, these laws can be used as a measure of the accepted ethics of a given situation. However, there are likely many cases where they are insufficient. It is difficult for the law to predict every situation that will arise, particularly in such a personal area as a right to privacy. Additionally, it is possible that the laws themselves are not entirely ethical."
Abstract This paper stresses that successes in cloning mammals have added urgency to ethical questions concerning the possible human cloning. The author explains that the utilitarian philosophy states that worth or value is derived or determined solely by utility; therefore, cloning is acceptable and will bring great things in the future.The paper relates that, from a deontological point of view, moral decisions should never be made on the basis of likely outcomes of actions; therefore, the deontologist feels that the worth of outcomes is completely irrelevant because of the question of moral obligation.
From the Paper "With that being said, a person who is a follower of the deontological thinking may feel that the scientists have over stepped their boundaries. "Are these arguments simply irrational, emotional responses to the moral issue" A deontologist would say no: These arguments, for the deontologist, are quite legitimate and reasonable justifications of the normative claim that it would be immoral to continue to use the anatomy. What is relevant is the nature of the action itself. Certain types of action--such as the involuntary use of a person's remains--are wrong regardless of their outcomes, according to the deontologist. The aim of deontological theory is to define the basic normative principles that provide sound justification for this ethical position.? (Kellenberger, J ) God is the creator and it is man's duty to worship ? not create."
Abstract This paper examines how recent events in businesses make it urgent that corporations consider their ethical stances very carefully and that they not only communicate these standards to employees, but use internal controls to assure that employees conform to those expectations. It looks at how such policies, backed up with effective implementation, will help prevent other companies from going down the path Enron chose. It shows that, while business ethics have always been important, in today's emotionally charged atmosphere, the company with clear and strong ethical principals may well have an advantage in the marketplace.
From the Paper "The problem for corporations when they take the view that ethics are the province of each individual executive is that the executives? actions reflect on the company and sometimes obligate or implicate the company in legal ways as well. While individuals may act according to their own personal scruples, values that may never have been thought out carefully by the individual, the actions are part of company action. It could be argued that the company sets the atmosphere that makes unscrupulous dealings by individuals either more likely or less likely (Paine, 1994) and that companies such as TI, who have a strong ethical company philosophy, are more likely to have few problems with individuals who act for the company in unethical ways."
Abstract This paper explains the social, economic, ethical and political concept, essence of justice, and all that it encompasses. The paper talks about the need for individuals to internalize and actualized justice in order for society to truly achieve it on all levels. Aristotle's definition and concept of justice are also discussed.
From the Paper "The understanding and practice of "justice" is central to the achievement of peace and happiness by the individual as well as society, as a whole. However, no amount of institutalization and administration of legal, political or civil systems, no matter how just or fair, can ever ensure the achievement of the same, without individual and collective commitment to the upholding of the concept of justice, in its fullest sense."
Abstract This paper examines how there are four different systems that one can use as the basis for making ethical decisions, including the utilitarian, moral rights, universalism, and cost-benefit systems of ethics. It looks at how these systems each have their own internal logic and how it is not always best to adhere to the same system for making decisions. It also shows how, in using ethical systems, one can make certain that one's decisions are based on something beyond pure self-interest and follow a standard that best promotes the interests of both the individual and the community at large.
From the Paper "The next system of ethical decision making is known as the moral rights system, which assumes that there are basic inalienable moral rights that underlie all ethical decisions and that these moral principles must not be violated. Generally speaking, our very legal system assumes the presence of such moral rights as do we in most of our decision making. Nonetheless, it is important to consider how far such moral rights must extend and to make certain that one does not confuse moral rights with desires. Certainly, one must locate one's own basic principles and decide what those are and then decide not to violate them. Any ethical system that you create will ultimately be subject to such moral judgments."
