Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Chapter 03
Philosophical Ethics and Business

True / False Questions

1. Ethical theories attempt to answer the question of how we should live, but do not give
reasons to support their answers.
True False

2. Philosophical ethics provides justifications that must be applicable to all people regardless
of their religious starting points.
True False

3. Deontological ethical traditions direct us to consider the moral character of individuals and
how various character traits can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and meaningful human
life.
True False

4. Utilitarianism has been called a consequentialist approach to ethics and social policy.
True False

5. The ultimate ethical goal of deontology is to produce the best consequences for all parties
affected by the decisions.
True False

6. Utilitarianism opposes policies that aim to benefit only a small social, economic, or
political minority.
True False

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

7. It is possible to argue on utilitarian grounds that child labor is ethically permissible because
it produces better overall consequence than the alternatives.
True False

8. The "administrative" version of utilitarianism considers competitive markets to be the most

efficient means of maximizing happiness.
True False

9. The "market" version of utilitarianism argues that questions of safety and risk should be
determined by experts who establish standards that the business is required to meet.
True False

10. Utilitarians would object to child labor as a matter of principle.

True False

11. The idea behind deontological ethics is commonsensical.

True False

12. A social contract functions to organize and ease relations between individuals.
True False

13. The concept of a human or moral right is central to the consequence-based ethical
tradition.
True False

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14. Employees have a right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, and to bargain
collectively as part of a union. These rights are examples of contractual agreements with
employers.
True False

15. An ethics of virtue shifts the focus from questions about who a person is, to what that
person should do.
True False

16. Virtue ethics emphasizes the more affective side of our character.
True False

Multiple Choice Questions

17. Ethical reasoning falls into three major categories. Identify them.
A. Utility, virtue, and values
B. Universal rights, values, and moral principles
C. Universal rights, cultural norms, and mores
D. Personal character, consequences, and principles

18. An ethical tradition that directs us to decide based on overall consequences of our acts is:
A. deontological ethics.
B. spinozism.
C. utilitarianism.
D. virtue ethics.

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

19. Identify the ethical tradition that directs us to act on the basis of moral principles.
A. Deontological ethical tradition
B. Utilitarianism
C. Virtue ethics
D. Spinozism

20. The study of various character traits that can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and
meaningful human life is part of:
A. philosophical ethics.
B. virtue ethics.
C. deontological ethics.
D. utilitarianism.

21. Utilitarianism's fundamental insight is that we should decide what to do by:

A. considering the moral character of individuals.
B. thinking rationally and following rules and regulations.
C. following our instincts.
D. considering the consequences of our actions.

22. Utilitarianism has been called a(n):

A. commonsensical approach to ethics.
B. behavioral approach to ethics.
C. consequentialist approach to ethics.
D. intuitive approach to ethics.

23. Which of the following traditions is commonly identified with the principle of producing
"the greatest good for the greatest number"?
A. Deontological
B. Kantian
C. Virtue
D. Utilitarianism

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

24. Which of the following principles of utilitarianism indicates its support for democratic
institutions and policies?
A. The greatest good for the greatest number
B. Doing the right thing
C. Fairness is a matter of opinion
D. Obey the law, keep your promises

25. Which of the following traditions would support child labor because it produces better
overall consequences than the available alternatives?
A. Virtue ethics
B. Deontological ethics
C. Utilitarianism
D. Classicism

26. The utilitarian tradition has a long history of relying on _____ for deciding on the ethical
legitimacy of alternative decisions.
A. intuition
B. experience
C. variable analysis
D. social sciences

27. The "market" version of utilitarianism would promote all of the following policies except:
A. deregulation of private industry.
B. protection of property rights.
C. regulation of advertising.
D. allow for free exchanges.

28. Economists that view profit maximization as a central idea to corporate social
responsibility are following the:
A. kantian framework of ethics.
B. deontological framework of ethics.
C. utilitarian framework of ethics.
D. virtue-based framework of ethics.

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

29. Which of the following would be advocated by the "administrative" version of

utilitarianism?
A. Abolition of private enterprise
B. Reliance on free and competitive markets
C. Profit maximization of private enterprises
D. Government regulation of business

30. The essence of utilitarianism is its:

A. focus on personal character.
B. reliance on consequences.
C. focus on principles.
D. reliance on moral systems.

31. The statement, "the end justifies the means," reflects the principle of:
A. utilitarianism.
B. kantian ethics.
C. virtue ethics.
D. deontology.

32. Which ethical framework goes against the ethical principle of obeying certain duties or
responsibilities, no matter the end result?
A. Deontological framework of ethics
B. Kantian framework of ethics
C. Virtue ethics framework of ethics
D. Utilitarian framework of ethics

33. The idea behind deontological approach to ethics is:

A. intuitive.
B. consequentialist.
C. behavioral.
D. commonsensical.

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34. Which of the following approaches to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we
ought to follow even if doing so prevents good consequences from happening or even if it
results in some bad consequences?
A. Classicism
B. Utilitarianism
C. Deontological
D. Virtue ethics

35. Which of the following statements reflects the deontological ethical tradition?
A. Obey the law
B. Ends justify the means
C. Maximize the overall good
D. Survival of the fittest

36. "All of my friends trust me because I never back down on my word and I never break
promises, no matter what." Identify the ethical approach that reflects this line of thought.
A. Classicism
B. Utilitarianism
C. Deontological
D. Spinozism

37. "We ought to stop at a red light, even if no cars are coming and I could get to my
destination that much sooner." Identify the ethical approach that follows this line of thought.
A. Virtue ethics
B. Utilitarianism
C. Classicism
D. Deontological

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

38. Lawyers, accountants, auditors, financial analysts, bankers have important roles to play
within political and economic institutions. These roles insure the integrity and proper
functioning of the economic, legal, or financial system and are termed as:
A. initiating functions.
B. authentic roles.
C. critical path functions.
D. gatekeeper functions.

39. No group could function if members were free at all times to decide for themselves what
to do and how to act. Which of the following functions to organize and ease relations between
individuals?
A. Gatekeepers
B. Social contracts
C. Social mores
D. Personal norms

40. According to Immanuel Kant, there is essentially one fundamental moral duty:
A. always speak the truth.
B. remain loyal to your family.
C. respect the dignity of each individual.
D. you should never steal.

41. Immanuel Kant claimed that the duty to respect human dignity could be expressed in
several ways. One version directs us to act according to those rules that could be universally
agreed to by all people. This is the first form of the:
A. Kantian hypothetical imperative.
B. Kantian decisive correlations.
C. Kantian categorical imperative.
D. Kantian moral objectivism.

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42. Which of the following is also known as the Kantian tradition in ethics?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Virtue ethics
C. Classicism
D. Deontological ethics

43. The concept of moral rights is central to the:

A. tradition of virtue ethics.
B. consequence-based ethical tradition.
C. behavior-based ethical tradition.
D. principle-based ethical tradition.

44. The Kantian tradition claims that humans do not act only out of instinct and conditioning;
they make free choices about how they live their lives, about their own ends. In this sense,
humans are said to have a fundamental human right of:
A. dignity.
B. rationality.
C. autonomy.
D. equality.

45. Which among the following is a legal right?

A. Right to select a specific health care package.
B. Right to bargain collectively as part of a union.
C. Right to select a particular pension fund.
D. Right to select the number of paid holidays.

46. Which of the following approaches conceive of practical reason in terms of deciding how
to act and what to do?
A. Utilitarianism and deontology
B. Utilitarianism and virtue ethics
C. Kantian ethics and virtue ethics
D. Virtue ethics and deontology

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

47. Which of the following traditions seeks a full and detailed description of those character
traits that would constitute a good and full human life?
A. Kantian ethics
B. Deontological ethics
C. Utilitarianism
D. Virtue ethics

48. Identify the view which holds that people act only out of a self-interest.
A. Altruism
B. Egoism
C. Epistemic
D. Solipsism

49. Identify the approach to ethics that shifts the focus from questions about what a person
should do, to a focus on who that person is.
A. Classicism
B. Deontological
C. Utilitarianism
D. Virtue ethics

50. Virtue ethics emphasizes the more _____ side of our character.
A. affective
B. cognitive
C. conative
D. intuitive

51. Which of the following focuses on the concept of practices and what type of people these
practices are creating?
A. Virtue ethics framework of ethics.
B. Social justice through fairness framework of ethics.
C. Utilitarian framework of ethics.
D. Deontological framework of ethics.

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Fill in the Blank Questions

52. Virtue ethics directs us to consider the _____ of individuals and how various character
traits can contribute to, or obstruct a happy, meaningful life.
________________________________________

53. _____ is commonly identified with the principle of "maximize the overall good" or, in a
slightly different version, of producing "the greatest good for the greatest number."
________________________________________

54. The emphasis on producing the greatest good for the greatest number makes utilitarianism
a _____.
________________________________________

55. People endorsing child labor by justifying that it brings in foreign investment within poor
countries are mostly _____.
________________________________________

56. The " _____ " version of utilitarianism would be sympathetic with government regulation
of business on the grounds that such regulation will insure that business activities do
contribute to the overall good.
________________________________________

57. One problem associated with utilitarianism is that the essence of utilitarianism is its
reliance on _____.
________________________________________

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

58. Legal rules, organizational rules, role-based rules, and professional rules, all form a part of
a social agreement called the _____, which functions to organize and ease relations between
individuals.
________________________________________

59. The basis of the ethical principle emphasized by _____ is to respect the dignity of
individuals.
________________________________________

60. Right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively as part of a union,
and to be free from sexual harassment are examples of _____ rights.
________________________________________

61. _____ is a view that holds that people act only out of self-interest.
________________________________________

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Essay Questions

62. What is an ethical theory and how do they help?

63. Explain how child labor may be justified in the eyes of a utilitarian.

64. According to one version of attaining the utilitarian goal, and with reference to Adam
Smith's ‘an invisible hand', how is it possible to have the most efficient economy?

65. Explain how the branch of utilitarianism claims free and competitive markets can help
maximize the overall good?

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

66. Briefly highlight the problems associated with utilitarian thinking.

67. How does utilitarianism directly go against the fundamental ethical principle?

68. Briefly explain how the concept of role-based rules works in business.

69. What are the roles enacted by professionals within business termed as, and what do they
entail?

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70. What is the social contract?

71. What is a moral right?

72. Explain how Immanuel Kant means that humans are subjects, and not objects.

73. How is the concept of moral right central to the concept of deontological ethics?

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

74. Distinguish between legal and contractual employee rights.

75. Briefly explain the concept of virtue ethics.

76. What is the biggest challenge posed by ‘egoism'?

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Chapter 03 Philosophical Ethics and Business Answer Key

True / False Questions

1. (p. 98) Ethical theories attempt to answer the question of how we should live, but do not give
reasons to support their answers.
FALSE

Ethical theories attempt to answer the question of how we should live, but they also give
reasons to support their answers.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

2. (p. 98) Philosophical ethics provides justifications that must be applicable to all people
regardless of their religious starting points.
TRUE

Unlike religious ethics which explains human well-being in religious terms, philosophical
ethics provides justifications that must be applicable to all people regardless of their religious
starting points.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

3. (p. 100) Deontological ethical traditions direct us to consider the moral character of
individuals and how various character traits can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and
meaningful human life.
FALSE

Virtue ethics directs us to consider the moral character of individuals and how various
character traits can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and meaningful human life.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

4. (p. 100) Utilitarianism has been called a consequentialist approach to ethics and social policy.
TRUE

Utilitarianism's fundamental insight is that we should decide what to do by considering the

consequences of our actions. In this sense, utilitarianism has been called a consequentialist
approach to ethics and social policy.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

5. (p. 100) The ultimate ethical goal of deontology is to produce the best consequences for all
parties affected by the decisions.
FALSE

The ultimate ethical goal, according to utilitarians, is to produce the best consequences for all
parties affected by the decisions.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

6. (p. 101) Utilitarianism opposes policies that aim to benefit only a small social, economic, or
political minority.
TRUE

The emphasis on the overall good, and upon producing the greatest good for the greatest
number, make utilitarianism a social philosophy that opposes policies that aim to benefit only
a small social, economic, or political minority.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

7. (p. 101) It is possible to argue on utilitarian grounds that child labor is ethically permissible
because it produces better overall consequence than the alternatives.
TRUE

Child labor can have beneficial results for bringing foreign investment and money into a poor
country. Thus, one might argue on utilitarian grounds that such labor practices are ethically
permissible because they produce better overall consequences than the alternatives.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

8. (p. 103) The "administrative" version of utilitarianism considers competitive markets to be the
most efficient means of maximizing happiness.
FALSE

One movement within utilitarian thinking invokes the tradition of Adam Smith and claims
that free and competitive markets are the best means for attaining utilitarian goals. This
"market" version would promote policies that deregulate private industry, protect property
rights, allow for free exchanges, and encourage competition.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

9. (p. 104) The "market" version of utilitarianism argues that questions of safety and risk should
be determined by experts who establish standards that the business is required to meet.
FALSE

The "administrative" version of utilitarianism argues that questions of safety and risk should
be determined by experts who then establish standards that business is required to meet.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

10. (p. 106) Utilitarians would object to child labor as a matter of principle.
FALSE

Utilitarians would object to child labor, not as a matter of principle, but only if and to the
degree that it detracts from the overall good.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

11. (p. 107) The idea behind deontological ethics is commonsensical.

TRUE

The language of "deontology" and "deontological ethics" is very abstract and is likely to strike
many students as so much academic gobbledygook. But the idea behind this approach is
commonsensical.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

12. (p. 108-109) A social contract functions to organize and ease relations between individuals.
TRUE

Rules can be thought of as part of a social agreement, or social contract, which functions to
organize and ease relations between individuals.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

13. (p. 111) The concept of a human or moral right is central to the consequence-based ethical
tradition.
FALSE

The concept of a human or moral right is central to the principle-based ethical tradition.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

14. (p. 114) Employees have a right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, and to bargain
collectively as part of a union. These rights are examples of contractual agreements with
employers.
FALSE

Legal rights are granted to employees on the basis of legislation or judicial rulings. Thus,
employees have a right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively as part
of a union, to be free from sexual harassment, and so forth.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-07
Topic: Moral Rights and Legal Rights

15. (p. 117) An ethics of virtue shifts the focus from questions about who a person is, to what
that person should do.
FALSE

An ethics of virtue shifts the focus from questions about what a person should do, to a focus
on who that person is.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

16. (p. 119) Virtue ethics emphasizes the more affective side of our character.
TRUE

Virtue ethics emphasizes the more affective side of our character.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Multiple Choice Questions

17. (p. 97-98) Ethical reasoning falls into three major categories. Identify them.
A. Utility, virtue, and values
B. Universal rights, values, and moral principles
C. Universal rights, cultural norms, and mores
D. Personal character, consequences, and principles

The three categories are consequences, principles, and personal character.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

18. (p. 100) An ethical tradition that directs us to decide based on overall consequences of our
acts is:
A. deontological ethics.
B. spinozism.
C. utilitarianism.
D. virtue ethics.

Utilitarianism is an ethical tradition that directs us to decide based on overall consequences of

our act.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

19. (p. 100) Identify the ethical tradition that directs us to act on the basis of moral principles.
A. Deontological ethical tradition
B. Utilitarianism
C. Virtue ethics
D. Spinozism

Deontological ethical traditions direct us to act on the basis of moral principles such as
respecting human rights.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

20. (p. 100) The study of various character traits that can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and
meaningful human life is part of:
A. philosophical ethics.
B. virtue ethics.
C. deontological ethics.
D. utilitarianism.

Virtue ethics directs us to consider the moral character of individuals and how various
character traits can contribute to, or obstruct a happy and meaningful human life.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

21. (p. 100) Utilitarianism's fundamental insight is that we should decide what to do by:
A. considering the moral character of individuals.
B. thinking rationally and following rules and regulations.
C. following our instincts.
D. considering the consequences of our actions.

Utilitarianism's fundamental insight is that we should decide what to do by considering the

consequences of our actions.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

22. (p. 100) Utilitarianism has been called a(n):

A. commonsensical approach to ethics.
B. behavioral approach to ethics.
C. consequentialist approach to ethics.
D. intuitive approach to ethics.

Utilitarianism has been called a consequentialist approach to ethics and social policy.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

23. (p. 100) Which of the following traditions is commonly identified with the principle of
producing "the greatest good for the greatest number"?
A. Deontological
B. Kantian
C. Virtue
D. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is commonly identified with the principle of "maximize the overall good" or, in
a slightly different version, of producing "the greatest good for the greatest number."

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

24. (p. 101) Which of the following principles of utilitarianism indicates its support for
democratic institutions and policies?
A. The greatest good for the greatest number
B. Doing the right thing
C. Fairness is a matter of opinion
D. Obey the law, keep your promises

The emphasis on the overall good, and upon producing the greatest good for the greatest
number, make utilitarianism a social philosophy that opposes policies that aim to benefit only
a small social, economic, or political minority. In this way, utilitarianism provides strong
support for democratic institutions and policies.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

25. (p. 101) Which of the following traditions would support child labor because it produces
better overall consequences than the available alternatives?
A. Virtue ethics
B. Deontological ethics
C. Utilitarianism
D. Classicism

One might argue on utilitarian grounds that child labor is ethically permissible because it
produces better overall consequences than the alternatives.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand; Analytic
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

26. (p. 101) The utilitarian tradition has a long history of relying on _____ for deciding on the
ethical legitimacy of alternative decisions.
A. intuition
B. experience
C. variable analysis
D. social sciences

Deciding on the ethical legitimacy of alternative decisions requires that we make judgments
about the likely consequences of our actions. Within the utilitarian tradition, there is a strong
inclination to turn to social science for help in making such predictions.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

27. (p. 102) The "market" version of utilitarianism would promote all of the following policies
except:
A. deregulation of private industry.
B. protection of property rights.
C. regulation of advertising.
D. allow for free exchanges.

Utilitarian thinking invokes the tradition of Adam Smith, claiming that free and competitive
markets are the best means for attaining utilitarian goals. This "market" version would
promote policies that deregulate private industry, protect property rights, allow for free
exchanges, and encourage competition.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

28. (p. 103) Economists that view profit maximization as a central idea to corporate social
responsibility are following the:
A. kantian framework of ethics.
B. deontological framework of ethics.
C. utilitarian framework of ethics.
D. virtue-based framework of ethics.

One movement within utilitarian thinking invokes the tradition of Adam Smith, claiming that
free and competitive markets are the best means for attaining utilitarian goals. Given this
utilitarian goal, current free market economics advises us that the most efficient economy is
structured according to the principles of free market capitalism. This requires that business
managers, in turn, should seek to maximize profits. This idea is central to one common
perspective on corporate social responsibility.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

29. (p. 104) Which of the following would be advocated by the "administrative" version of
utilitarianism?
A. Abolition of private enterprise
B. Reliance on free and competitive markets
C. Profit maximization of private enterprises
D. Government regulation of business

The "administrative" approach to public policy underlies one theory of the entire
administrative and bureaucratic side of government and organizations. This utilitarian
approach would be sympathetic with government regulation of business on the grounds that
such regulation will insure that business activities do contribute to the overall good.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

30. (p. 106) The essence of utilitarianism is its:

A. focus on personal character.
B. reliance on consequences.
C. focus on principles.
D. reliance on moral systems.

The essence of utilitarianism is its reliance on consequences.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

31. (p. 106) The statement, "the end justifies the means," reflects the principle of:
A. utilitarianism.
B. kantian ethics.
C. virtue ethics.
D. deontology.

In utilitarianism, ethical and unethical acts are determined by their consequences. In short, the
end justifies the means.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

32. (p. 106) Which ethical framework goes against the ethical principle of obeying certain duties
or responsibilities, no matter the end result?
A. Deontological framework of ethics
B. Kantian framework of ethics
C. Virtue ethics framework of ethics
D. Utilitarian framework of ethics

The essence of utilitarianism is its reliance on consequences. Ethical and unethical acts are
determined by their consequences. In short, the end justifies the means.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

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Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

33. (p. 107) The idea behind deontological approach to ethics is:
A. intuitive.
B. consequentialist.
C. behavioral.
D. commonsensical.

The language of "deontology" and "deontological ethics" is very abstract and is likely to strike
many students as so much academic gobbledygook. But the idea behind this approach is
commonsensical.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

34. (p. 107) Which of the following approaches to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we
ought to follow even if doing so prevents good consequences from happening or even if it
results in some bad consequences?
A. Classicism
B. Utilitarianism
C. Deontological
D. Virtue ethics

The deontological approach to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we ought to follow
even if doing so prevents good consequences from happening or even if it results in some bad
consequences.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

3-31
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

35. (p. 107) Which of the following statements reflects the deontological ethical tradition?
A. Obey the law
B. Ends justify the means
C. Maximize the overall good
D. Survival of the fittest

Ethical principles can simply be thought of as a type of rule, and the deontological approach
to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we ought to follow even if doing so prevents
good consequences from happening or even if it results in some bad consequences.

AACSB: Ethics; Reflective Thinking

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

36. (p. 107) "All of my friends trust me because I never back down on my word and I never
break promises, no matter what." Identify the ethical approach that reflects this line of
thought.
A. Classicism
B. Utilitarianism
C. Deontological
D. Spinozism

Ethical principles can simply be thought of as a type of rule, and the deontological approach
to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we ought to follow even if doing so prevents
good consequences from happening or even if it results in some bad consequences. Rules or
principles (e.g., "obey the law," "keep your promises," "uphold your contracts") create duties
that bind us to act or decide in certain ways.

AACSB: Ethics; Reflective Thinking

BT: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

3-32
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

37. (p. 108) "We ought to stop at a red light, even if no cars are coming and I could get to my
destination that much sooner." Identify the ethical approach that follows this line of thought.
A. Virtue ethics
B. Utilitarianism
C. Classicism
D. Deontological

The deontological approach to ethics tells us that there are some rules that we ought to follow
even if doing so prevents good consequences from happening or even if it results in some bad
consequences.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

38. (p. 108) Lawyers, accountants, auditors, financial analysts, bankers have important roles to
play within political and economic institutions. These roles insure the integrity and proper
functioning of the economic, legal, or financial system and are termed as:
A. initiating functions.
B. authentic roles.
C. critical path functions.
D. gatekeeper functions.

Professionals within business have important roles to play within political and economic
institutions. Many of these roles, often described as "gatekeeper functions," insure the
integrity and proper functioning of the economic, legal, or financial system.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

3-33
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

39. (p. 108-109) No group could function if members were free at all times to decide for
themselves what to do and how to act. Which of the following functions to organize and ease
relations between individuals?
A. Gatekeepers
B. Social contracts
C. Social mores
D. Personal norms

Legal rules, organizational rules, role-based rules, and professional rules can be thought of
being a part of a social agreement, or social contract, which functions to organize and ease
relations between individuals. No group could function if members were free at all times to
decide for themselves what to do and how to act.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

40. (p. 110) According to Immanuel Kant, there is essentially one fundamental moral duty:
A. always speak the truth.
B. remain loyal to your family.
C. respect the dignity of each individual.
D. you should never steal.

The 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant, argued that there is essentially one
such fundamental moral duty, one categorical imperative: respect the dignity of each
individual human being.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

3-34
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

41. (p. 110) Immanuel Kant claimed that the duty to respect human dignity could be expressed in
several ways. One version directs us to act according to those rules that could be universally
agreed to by all people. This is the first form of the:
A. Kantian hypothetical imperative.
B. Kantian decisive correlations.
C. Kantian categorical imperative.
D. Kantian moral objectivism.

Kant claimed that the duty to respect human dignity could be expressed in several ways. One
version directs us to act according to those rules that could be universally agreed to by all
people. (This is the first form of the famous "Kantian categorical imperative.")

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

42. (p. 111) Which of the following is also known as the Kantian tradition in ethics?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Virtue ethics
C. Classicism
D. Deontological ethics

Deontology is also known as the Kantian tradition in ethics.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Ethics
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

3-35
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

43. (p. 111) The concept of moral rights is central to the:

A. tradition of virtue ethics.
B. consequence-based ethical tradition.
C. behavior-based ethical tradition.
D. principle-based ethical tradition.

The concept of a human or moral right is central to the principle-based ethical tradition.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

44. (p. 112) The Kantian tradition claims that humans do not act only out of instinct and
conditioning; they make free choices about how they live their lives, about their own ends. In
this sense, humans are said to have a fundamental human right of:
A. dignity.
B. rationality.
C. autonomy.
D. equality.

The Kantian tradition claims that our fundamental human rights, and the duties that follow
from them, are derived from our nature as free and rational beings. Humans do not act only
out of instinct and conditioning; they make free choices about how they live their lives, about
their own ends. In this sense, humans are said to have a fundamental human right of
autonomy, or "self-rule."

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

3-36
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

45. (p. 114) Which among the following is a legal right?

A. Right to select a specific health care package.
B. Right to bargain collectively as part of a union.
C. Right to select a particular pension fund.
D. Right to select the number of paid holidays.

Legal rights granted to employees on the basis of legislation or judicial rulings are a right to a
minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively as part of a union, to be free from
sexual harassment, and so forth.

AACSB: Analytic
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-07
Topic: Moral Rights and Legal Rights

46. (p. 116-117) Which of the following approaches conceive of practical reason in terms of
deciding how to act and what to do?
A. Utilitarianism and deontology
B. Utilitarianism and virtue ethics
C. Kantian ethics and virtue ethics
D. Virtue ethics and deontology

Utilitarian and deontological approaches to ethics focus on rules that we might follow in
deciding what we should do, both as individuals and as citizens. These approaches conceive
of practical reason in terms of deciding how to act and what to do.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

3-37
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

47. (p. 117) Which of the following traditions seeks a full and detailed description of those
character traits that would constitute a good and full human life?
A. Kantian ethics
B. Deontological ethics
C. Utilitarianism
D. Virtue ethics

Virtue Ethics is a tradition within philosophical ethics that seeks a full and detailed
description of those character traits, or virtues, that would constitute a good and full human
life.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

48. (p. 117) Identify the view which holds that people act only out of a self-interest.
A. Altruism
B. Egoism
C. Epistemic
D. Solipsism

Egoism is a view which holds that people act only out of a self-interest.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

3-38
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

49. (p. 117) Identify the approach to ethics that shifts the focus from questions about what a
person should do, to a focus on who that person is.
A. Classicism
B. Deontological
C. Utilitarianism
D. Virtue ethics

An ethics of virtue shifts the focus from questions about what a person should do, to a focus
on who that person is.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

50. (p. 119) Virtue ethics emphasizes the more _____ side of our character.
A. affective
B. cognitive
C. conative
D. intuitive

Virtue ethics emphasizes the more affective side of our character.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

3-39
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

51. (p. 120) Which of the following focuses on the concept of practices and what type of people
these practices are creating?
A. Virtue ethics framework of ethics.
B. Social justice through fairness framework of ethics.
C. Utilitarian framework of ethics.
D. Deontological framework of ethics.

Virtue ethics reminds us to look to the actual practices we find in the business world and ask
what type of people these practices are creating.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

Fill in the Blank Questions

52. (p. 100) Virtue ethics directs us to consider the _____ of individuals and how various
character traits can contribute to, or obstruct a happy, meaningful life.
moral character

Virtue ethics directs us to consider the moral character of individuals and how various
character traits can contribute to, or obstruct, a happy and meaningful human life.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

3-40
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

53. (p. 100) _____ is commonly identified with the principle of "maximize the overall good" or,
in a slightly different version, of producing "the greatest good for the greatest number."
Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is commonly identified with the principle of "maximize the overall good" or, in
a slightly different version, of producing "the greatest good for the greatest number."

AACSB: Analytic
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

54. (p. 101) The emphasis on producing the greatest good for the greatest number makes
utilitarianism a _____.
social philosophy

The emphasis on producing the greatest good for the greatest number makes utilitarianism a
social philosophy that provides strong support for democratic institutions and policies and
opposes those policies that aim to benefit only a small social, economic, or political minority.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

3-41
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

55. (p. 101) People endorsing child labor by justifying that it brings in foreign investment within
poor countries are mostly _____.
utilitarians

Child labor can have beneficial results for bringing foreign investment and money into a poor
country. In the opinion of some observers, allowing children to work for pennies a day under
sweatshop conditions produces better overall consequences than the available alternatives.
Thus, one might argue on utilitarian grounds that such labor practices are ethically
permissible because they produce better overall consequences than the alternatives.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

56. (p. 104) The " _____ " version of utilitarianism would be sympathetic with government
regulation of business on the grounds that such regulation will insure that business activities
do contribute to the overall good.
administrative

The administrative version of utilitarianism would be sympathetic with government regulation

of business on the grounds that such regulation will insure that business activities do
contribute to the overall good.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

3-42
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

57. (p. 106) One problem associated with utilitarianism is that the essence of utilitarianism is its
reliance on _____.
consequences

One challenge goes directly to the core of utilitarianism. The essence of utilitarianism is its
reliance on consequences.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Level 2 Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

58. (p. 108) Legal rules, organizational rules, role-based rules, and professional rules, all form a
part of a social agreement called the _____, which functions to organize and ease relations
between individuals.
social contract

Legal rules, organizational rules, role-based rules, and professional rules can be thought of as
part of a social agreement, or social contract, which functions to organize and ease relations
between individuals.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

59. (p. 110) The basis of the ethical principle emphasized by _____ is to respect the dignity of
individuals.
Immanuel Kant

The 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant, argued that there is essentially one
such fundamental ethical principle: respect the dignity of each individual human being.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

3-43
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

60. (p. 114) Right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively as part of a
union, and to be free from sexual harassment are examples of _____ rights.
legal

Legal rights are granted to employees on the basis of legislation or judicial rulings. Thus,
employees have a right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively as part
of a union, to be free from sexual harassment, and so forth.

AACSB: Analytic
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-07
Topic: Moral Rights and Legal Rights

61. (p. 117) _____ is a view that holds that people act only out of self-interest.
Egoism

To understand how virtue ethics differs from utilitarian and deontological approaches,
consider the problem of egoism. Egoism is a view that holds that people act only out of self-
interest.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Level 2 Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

3-44
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

Essay Questions

62. (p. 98) What is an ethical theory and how do they help?

An ethical theory is nothing more than an attempt to provide a systematic answer to the
fundamental ethical question: How should human beings live their lives? Not only do ethical
theories attempt to answer the question of how we should live, but they also provide reasons
to support their answer. Ethical theories seek to provide a rational justification for why we
should act and decide in a particular way.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Introduction: Ethical Theories and Traditions

63. (p. 100-101) Explain how child labor may be justified in the eyes of a utilitarian.

Utilitarianism's fundamental insight is that we should decide what to do by considering the

consequences of our actions. One might argue on utilitarian grounds that child labor practices
are ethically permissible because they produce better overall consequences than the
alternatives.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01
Topic: Utilitarianism: Making Decisions based on Ethical Consequences

3-45
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

64. (p. 102-103) According to one version of attaining the utilitarian goal, and with reference to
Adam Smith's ‘an invisible hand', how is it possible to have the most efficient economy?

One movement within utilitarian thinking invokes the tradition of Adam Smith and claims
that free and competitive markets are the best means for attaining utilitarian goals. Given this
utilitarian goal, current free market economics advises us that the most efficient economy is
structured according to the principles of free market capitalism.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-02; 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

65. (p. 102-103) Explain how the branch of utilitarianism claims free and competitive markets can
help maximize the overall good?

Utilitarianism answers the fundamental questions of ethics - what should we do? - by

reference to a rule: Maximize the overall happiness. One movement within utilitarian thinking
invokes the tradition of Adam Smith, claiming that free and competitive markets are the best
means for attaining utilitarian goals. This version would promote policies that deregulate
private industry, protect property rights, allow for free exchanges, and encourage competition.
In such situations, decisions of rationally self-interested individuals would result, as if led by
"an invisible hand" in Adam Smith's terms, in the maximum satisfaction of individual
happiness.
Current free market economics advises us that the most efficient economy is structured
according to the principles of free market capitalism. This requires that business managers, in
turn, should seek to maximize profits. This idea is central to one common perspective on
corporate social responsibility. By pursuing profits, business insures that scarce resources go
to those who most value them and thereby insures that resources will provide optimal overall
satisfaction. Thus, these economists see competitive markets as the most efficient means to
the utilitarian end of maximizing happiness.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Analyze
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-02; 03-03
Topic: Utilitarianism and Business

3-46
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

66. (p. 105-106) Briefly highlight the problems associated with utilitarian thinking.

If utilitarianism advises that decisions be made by comparing the consequences of alternative

actions, then we must have a method for making such comparisons. In practice, however,
some comparisons and measurements are very difficult.
A second challenge goes directly to the core of utilitarianism. The essence of utilitarianism is
its reliance on consequences. Ethical and unethical acts are determined by their consequences.
In short, the end justifies the means. But this seems to deny one of the earliest ethical
principles that many of us have learned: The ends do not justify the means.
Utilitarian reasoning demands rigorous work to calculate all the beneficial and harmful
consequences of our actions. Perhaps more important, utilitarian reasoning does not exhaust
the range of ethical concerns. Consequences are only a part of the ethical landscape.
Responsible ethical decision-making also involves matters of duties, principles, and personal
integrity.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Analyze
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

67. (p. 106) How does utilitarianism directly go against the fundamental ethical principle?

The essence of utilitarianism is its reliance on consequences. Ethical and unethical acts are
determined by their consequences. In short, the end justifies the means. But this seems to
deny one of the earliest ethical principles that many of us have learned: the ends do not justify
the means.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Understand
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04
Topic: Challenges to Utilitarian Ethics

3-47
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

68. (p. 108) Briefly explain how the concept of role-based rules works in business.

As an employee, one takes on a certain role that creates duties. Every business will have a set
of rules that employees are expected to follow. Sometimes these rules are explicitly stated in a
code of conduct, other times in employee handbooks, still others simply by managers.
Likewise, as a business manager, one ought to follow many rules in respect to stockholders,
employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Perhaps the most dramatic example of role-based duties concerns the work of professionals
within business. Lawyers, accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and bankers have
important roles to play within political and economic institutions. Many of these roles, often
described as "gatekeeper functions," insure the integrity and proper functioning of the
economic, legal, or financial system.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

69. (p. 108) What are the roles enacted by professionals within business termed as, and what do
they entail?

Lawyers, accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and bankers have important roles to play
within political and economic institutions. Many of these roles, often described as "gatekeeper
functions," insure the integrity and proper functioning of the economic, legal, or financial
system.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

3-48
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

70. (p. 108-109) What is the social contract?

Legal rules, organizational rules, role-based rules, and professional rules can be thought of as
part of a social agreement, or social contract, which functions to organize and ease relations
between individuals.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05
Topic: Deontology: An Ethics of Rights and Duties

71. (p. 110) What is a moral right?

Moral right is the right to be treated with respect, to expect that others will treat us as an end
and never as a means only, the right to be treated as an autonomous person.

AACSB: Analytic
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

72. (p. 110) Explain how Immanuel Kant means that humans are subjects, and not objects.

German philosopher Immanuel Kant, argued that there is essentially one fundamental ethical
principle: respect the dignity of each individual human being. One way to do so requires us to
treat all persons as ends in themselves and never only as means to our own ends. In other
words, our fundamental duty is to treat people as subjects capable of living their own lives
and not as mere objects that exist for our purposes. To use the familiar subject/object
categories from grammar, humans are subjects because they make decisions and perform
actions rather than being objects that are acted upon.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

3-49
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

73. (p. 111) How is the concept of moral right central to the concept of deontological ethics?

The concept of a moral right is central to the deontological tradition since the inherent dignity
of each individual means that we cannot do just anything we choose to another person. Moral
rights protect individuals from being treated in ways that would violate their dignity and that
would treat them as mere objects or means. Moral rights imply that some acts and some
decisions are "off-limits."
Accordingly, our fundamental moral duty (the "categorical imperative") is to respect the
fundamental moral rights of others. Our rights establish limits on the decisions and authority
of others.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06
Topic: Human Rights and Duties

74. (p. 114) Distinguish between legal and contractual employee rights.

Legal rights are those granted to employees on the basis of legislation or judicial rulings.
Thus, employees have a right to a minimum wage, equal opportunity, to bargain collectively
as part of a union, to be free from sexual harassment, and so forth.
Employee rights might refer to those goods that employees are entitled to on the basis of
contractual agreements with employers. In this sense, a particular employee might have a
right to a specific health care package, a certain number of paid holidays, pension funds, and
the like.

AACSB: Analytic
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-07
Topic: Moral Rights and Legal Rights

3-50
Chapter 03 - Philosophical Ethics and Business

75. (p. 117-118) Briefly explain the concept of virtue ethics.

Virtue ethics is a tradition within philosophical ethics that seeks a full and detailed description
of those character traits, or virtues, that would constitute a good and full human life.
An ethics of virtue shifts the focus from questions about what a person should do, to a focus
on who that person is. This shift requires not only a different view of ethics but, at least as
important, a different view of ourselves. Implicit in this distinction is the recognition that our
identity as a person is constituted in part by our wants, beliefs, values, and attitudes. A
person's character—those dispositions, relationships, attitudes, values, and beliefs that
popularly might be called a "personality"—is not a feature independent of that person's
identity. Character is not like a suit of clothes that you step into and out of at will. Rather, the
self is identical to a person's most fundamental and enduring dispositions, attitudes, values,
and beliefs. Note how this shift to an emphasis on the individual changes the nature of
justification in ethics.

AACSB: Ethics; Analytic

BT: Analyze
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

76. (p. 117) What is the biggest challenge posed by ‘egoism'?

The biggest challenge posed by egoism and, according to some, the biggest challenge to
ethics, is the apparent gap between self-interest and altruism, or between motivation that is
"self-regarding" and motivation that is "other-regarding." Ethics requires us, at least at times,
to act for the well-being of others.

AACSB: Ethics
BT: Remember
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-09
Topic: Virtue Ethics: Making Decisions based on Integrity and Character

3-51