03 Handout 1: Ethical Relativism, Free Will, and Business Ethics

Ethical relativism and moral absolutism

These are two contrasting views of ethics.

Ethical relativism

It asserts that morality depends on cultural, historical, and personal circumstances.

Moral absolutism

It asserts that universal moral principles are applicable to all individuals, regardless of circumstances.

Ethical relativism

It argues that moral values are shaped by social, cultural, and individual perspectives.

Ethical relativism

In this view of ethics, what is considered right or wrong is subjective and can vary across different societies.

1. Rejection of Universal Moral Standards

2. Cultural Determination of Ethics

3. Influence of Societal Norms and Context

Main Features of Ethical Relativism

Rejection of Universal Moral Standards

It is an ethical relativism’s main feature wherein the ethics denies the existence of objective, universally applicable moral principles.

Cultural Determination of Ethics

Each group or society establishes its ethical framework.

Cultural Determination of Ethics

Cultural traditions dictate what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable within that group.

Influence of Societal Norms and Context

The norms, values, and historical contexts of a particular society shape moral judgments.

Influence of Societal Norms and Context

What is deemed ethical is influenced by the collective beliefs and practices of the community at a given time.

1. Arranged Marriages

2. Dietary Practices

Examples of Ethical Relativism

Arranged Marriages

In some culture, these are the norm, while in others, they are seen as a violation of individual autonomy.

Dietary Practices

Some culture prohibit eating certain animals (e.g., cows in India and pork in Islamic countries), whereas others consume them regularly.

1. Justification of Unethical Practices

2. Prevention of Moral Progress

3. Moral Inconsistency

Criticisms of Ethical Relativism

Justification of Unethical Practices

It is a criticism of ethical relativism where it talks about how the ethic can defend harmful or unethical practices (such as discrimination or human rights abuses) if they are culturally accepted.

Prevention of Moral Progress

By asserting that all moral codes are equally valid, relativism discourages critical examination of harmful practices and hinders moral growth and societal progress.

Moral Inconsistency

In multicultural societies, ethical relativism can lead to conflicting moral standards, making it difficult to resolve ethical disagreements.

Moral absolutism

It asserts that certain ethical principles are universal and unchanging, regardless of cultural or individual differences.

1. Universal Moral Principles

2. Independence from Cultural Influence

3. Inherent Right and Wrong

Main Features of Moral Absolutism

Universal Moral Principles

Moral laws apply to all individuals equally, regardless of culture, period, or personal beliefs.

Universal Moral Principles

It is a main feature of a view of an ethics where it says right and wrong are objective and unchanging.

Independence from Cultural Influence

Ethical truths exist independently of societal norms or traditions.

Independence from Cultural Influence

Morality is not determined by cultural perspectives but is based on fixed principles that go beyond cultural beliefs and customs.

Inherent Right and Wrong

Certain actions are absolutely immoral, regardless of circumstances.

1. Universal Human Rights

2. Murder is Wrong

Examples of Moral Absolutism

Universal Human Rights

Regardless of nationality or culture, all individuals have fundamental rights that should be upheld.

Murder is Wrong

Regardless of context, taking another person’s life without justification is universally condemned.

1. Lack of Flexibility

2. Difficulty of Resolving Moral Dilemmas

3. Interpretation Variation

Criticisms of Moral Absolutism

Lack of Flexibility

Moral absolutism can be rigid, ignoring cultural diversity and the complexity of human societies.

Difficulty of Resolving Moral Dilemmas

It may not provide clear answers in situations where ethical principles conflict, such as balancing honesty with compassion.

Interpretation Variation

Even if universal moral values exist, different cultures and individuals may interpret and apply them differently based on context.

Free will and determinism

The debate between these two explores whether humans have control over their actions or whether external forces predetermine their choices.

Free will

It is the ability to make choices independently, without being entirely controlled by external forces or deterministic factors.

1. Autonomy

2. Ethical Responsibility

3. Independence

Main Features of Free Will

Autonomy

Individuals have control over their decisions.

Ethical Responsibility

People can distinguish right from wrong and are accountable for their choices.

Independence

Biological or environmental factors do not entirely determine human actions.

1. Choosing a Career

2. Moral Choices

3. Personal Growth

4. Voting in Elections

Examples of Free Will

Choosing a Career

A person chooses a career based on interests and aspirations rather than being forced into a specific path.

Moral Choices

Returning a lost wallet even though they could have kept the money.

Personal Growth

An individual works hard to overcome negative habits, which demonstrates self-improvement through conscious effort.

Voting in Elections

Citizens make independent political decisions without external coercion.

1. External Influences

2. Neuroscience

3. Extreme Situations

Criticisms of Free Will

External Influences

Decisions may still be influenced by genetics, upbringing, and societal norms.

Neuroscience

Studies of this suggest that brain activity may determine choices before conscious awareness.

Extreme Situations

Free will may be limited in these situations, such as coercion or mental illness.

Moral responsibility

It is the obligation to act in accordance with ethical principles and be accountable for one’s actions.

Moral responsibility

It means recognizing how decisions affect others and accepting the consequences of the actions; whether good or bad.

Moral responsibility

It plays a key role in ethics, guiding behavior, and societal norms.

1. Agency

2. Accountability

3. Intentionality

4. Awareness

5. Capacity

Main Features of Moral Responsibility

Agency

Moral responsibility requires the ability to make choices. Individuals must have control over their actions and the freedom to choose between different options.

Accountability

People must be held accountable for the consequences of their actions, whether they were intentional or unintentional.

Intentionality

The individual’s intention behind an action is important in determining moral responsibility.

Intentionality

Actions done with deliberate intent carry more moral weight than those done accidentally.

Awareness

A person must understand the potential consequences of their actions and be aware of the ethical implications before deciding.

Capacity

Moral responsibility assumes that the person is capable of understanding right from wrong.

Capacity

It is often considered in the context of age, mental health, or other factors that might impair decision-making.

1. Helping a stranger in need

2. Apologizing for a mistake

3. Parenting

4. Environmental Stewardship

Examples of Moral Responsibility

Helping a stranger in need

Choosing to help someone in distress, like assisting an injured person, is an example of moral responsibility because it involves a conscious decision to act with kindness and empathy.

Apologizing for a mistake

If someone accidentally breaks another person’s property, they are morally responsible for apologizing and taking steps to make amends.

Parenting

Parents have the moral responsibility to raise their children, provide for their needs, and teach them right from wrong.

Environmental stewardship

A corporation that pollutes the environment has a moral responsibility to minimize harm to the planet and take actions to protect natural resources.

1. Determinism

2. Moral Luck

3. Mental Health and Capacity

Criticisms of Moral Responsibility

Determinism

If actions are determined by prior causes (genetics, upbringing, external influences), individuals may not have true moral responsibility, as their choices aren’t fully free.

Moral Luck

The idea that outcomes often depend on factors beyond a person’s control challenges the fairness of assigning moral responsibility, as two people may make the same decision but face different consequences.

Mental Health and Capacity

Individuals with mental health conditions or diminished cognitive abilities may not be fully responsible for their actions, which raises ethical concerns about accountability.

1. Causality of Actions

2. Shaping of Behavior

3. Questioning Free Will

Main Features of Determinism

Causality of Actions

Every action is the result of preceding causes, which influence outcomes.

Shaping of Behavior

A combination of biological, environmental, social factors influences human behavior.

Questioning Free Will

Free will may be an illusion, as our choices are often shaped by past experiences and external influences, leaving little room for true autonomy.

1. Genetic Influence

2. Psychological Trauma

Examples of Determinism

Genetic Influence

A person born into a family with a history of high intelligence may excel academically due to inherited traits and cognitive predispositions.

Psychological Trauma

A child raised in an abusive household may develop trust issues and struggle with relationships or exhibit aggressive tendencies in adulthood.

1. Moral Accountability

2. Complex Decision-Making

3. Capacity for Change

Criticisms of Determinism

Moral Accountability

If actions are determined by external forces or internal conditioning, it may undermine moral responsibility and accountability for one’s actions.

Complex Decision-Making

Human decisions may not be purely determined, rather, they may involve a blend of pre-existing influences and some degree of free will.

Capacity for Change

Research shows that individuals can adapt and alter their behaviors over time, which suggests the possibility of overcoming deterministic influences through personal growth and intervention.

Business ethics

It governs decision-making processes and ensures that companies operate with integrity and fairness.

1. Honesty and Transparency

2. Fair Treatment of Employees

3. Consumer Protection

4. Corporate Governance

Main Principles of Business Ethics

Honesty and Transparency

Companies should provide truthful information to costumers and stakeholders.

Fair Treatment of Employees

Fair wages, safe working conditions, and non-discriminatory policies are essential.

Consumer Protection

Businesses must ensure product safety and avoid deceptive marketing.

Corporate Governance

Ethical leadership and accountability prevent corruption and fraud.

1. Honest Advertising vs. False Advertising

2. Fair Wages vs. Exploitation

3. Environmental Sustainability vs. Pollution

Examples of Ethical and Unethical Business Practices

Honest Advertising vs. False Advertising

A company that accurately represents its products in ads demonstrates ethical behavior, whereas misleading claims deceive customers.

Fair Wages vs. Exploitation

Paying employees a living wage versus underpaying workers in sweatshops.

Environmental Sustainability vs. Pollution

Implementing eco-friendly production methods versus disposing of waste irresponsibly.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

It focuses on the ethical obligations of businesses toward social and environmental well-being.

1. Environmental Sustainability

2. Community Engagement

3. Ethical Labor Practices

4. Philanthropy

Key Areas of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Environmental Sustainability

Reducing carbon footprints, adopting renewable energy, and minimizing waste.

Community Engagement

Supporting education, healthcare, and job creation initiatives in local communities.

Ethical Labor Practices

Providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and respecting workers’ rights.

Philanthropy

Donating a portion of profits to charities and social causes.

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging

2. Fair Trade Practices

Examples of CSR Initiatives

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Companies using biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact.

Fair Trade Practices

Supporting suppliers in developing countries by ensuring fair compensation.

1. Consumer Trust

2. Employee Morale

3. Investor Confidence

4. Long-Term Profitability

Benefits of Business Ethics and CSR

Consumer Trust

Ethical businesses attract loyal customers and improve brand reputation.

Employee Morale

Fair treatment of employees increases job satisfaction and productivity.