Question 1

What is Kant's categorical imperative? Explain its two formulations.

Accepted Answer

Kant's categorical imperative is a moral principle that states that an action is only morally right if one can rationally will that everyone should act in the same way. In other words, it is a universal moral law that applies to all rational beings.

Kant formulated the categorical imperative in two different ways. The first formulation is known as the Formula of Universal Law, which states that one should act only according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. This means that one should consider whether the principle behind their action could be applied universally without leading to contradictions or inconsistencies.

The second formulation is known as the Formula of Humanity, which states that one should always treat others as ends in themselves, and never merely as a means to an end. This means that individuals should always respect the autonomy and dignity of others, and not use them as a tool to achieve their own goals.

Overall, Kant's categorical imperative provides a framework for determining the moral permissibility of actions, emphasizing the importance of universalizability and respect for others.

Question 2

Virtue ethics defines a moral action as that which____________.

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics defines a moral action as that which a wise person would do, based on cultivating virtuous character traits over time. It is not necessarily based on following rules or achieving a specific outcome, but rather on acting in accordance with one's moral character.

Question 3

Describe how rights and justice can be explained in terms of one another.

Accepted Answer

Rights and justice are closely intertwined concepts that are often explained in terms of one another. Rights can be seen as the entitlements that individuals have in a society, which are protected and upheld by the justice system. In other words, justice ensures that individuals' rights are respected and enforced.

On the other hand, justice can be understood as the fair and impartial treatment of individuals within a society, which includes the protection and enforcement of their rights. Without justice, individuals' rights may be violated or ignored, leading to inequality and injustice.

Furthermore, the concept of justice often involves the idea of balancing the rights of individuals with the needs and interests of the wider society. This means that the justice system must consider the rights of all individuals involved in a situation and strive to reach a fair and equitable outcome.

In summary, rights and justice are interconnected in that justice is necessary to protect and enforce individuals' rights, while rights are the entitlements that justice seeks to uphold and protect. Both concepts are essential for creating a just and equitable society.

Question 4

A drawback to theorizing about business ethics in terms of rights is that____________.

Accepted Answer

One drawback to theorizing about business ethics in terms of rights is that people's rights may conflict. This can make it difficult to determine whose rights take precedence and how to balance competing claims.

Question 5

What is the most fundamental drawback of having cost-benefit analyses serve as the basis for ethical decisions in business?

Accepted Answer

The most fundamental drawback of using cost-benefit analyses as the basis for ethical decisions in business is that a determinate value must be placed on things that have incalculable value. Some things, like human life or the environment, cannot be accurately or ethically quantified in terms of monetary value. Therefore, using cost-benefit analyses alone may lead to decisions that prioritize financial gain over moral considerations.

Question 6

A "maxim," according to Kant's terminology, is____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A "maxim," according to Kant's terminology, is____________.
...

Question 7

In what ways is the need to calculate utility a problem for utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what ways is the need to...

Question 8

Kant's rule requiring respect for persons asks that we____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kant's rule requiring respect for persons asks...

Question 9

Rule utilitarianism favors rules that____________.

Accepted Answer

Rule utilitarianism aims to maximize overall goodness and therefore favors rules that would maximize goodness if everyone followed them.

Question 10

What does the P&G case show about the applicability of ethics to business?

Accepted Answer

The P&G case shows that a company's behavior may be unethical even if no harm is done, as P&G engaged in unethical practices such as dumpster diving and wiretapping to gain competitive advantage. This highlights the importance of ethics in business beyond just legal compliance or financial performance.

Question 11

Teleological theories of ethics locate goodness in____________.

Accepted Answer

Teleological (or consequentialist) theories of ethics focus on the outcome or consequences of actions. They hold that actions are good or bad depending on their ability to produce good outcomes or consequences. Popular examples of teleological theories include utilitarianism and ethical egoism.

Question 12

The notion of justice is most basically concerned with____________.

Accepted Answer

The notion of justice is primarily concerned with fairness, which involves treating people in a way that is unbiased, reasonable, and impartial. Equality and rights are related concepts that are often involved in discussions of justice, but they are not the primary focus. Economics may sometimes be a factor in considerations of justice, but it is not the fundamental concern.

Quiz 3: Ethical Theories