Business Ethics Flash Card Test 1

Utilitarianism

The ethical theory that the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness.

Core principles of Utilitarianism

Consequentialism, Hedonism, Egalitarianism.

Hedonic Act Utilitarianism

Evaluates each action based on how much pleasure it produces.

Rule Utilitarianism

Follows rules that generally lead to the greatest happiness.

Kantian Ethics

Morality is based on rational duty and treating people as ends in themselves.

Formula of Humanity

Always treat humanity, in yourself and others, as an end and never merely as a means.

Universalizability Test

Act only on maxims you could will to be universal laws.

Virtue Ethics

Morality is about cultivating good character traits (virtues).

Selfless perception of the Good

Iris Murdoch’s idea that ethics involves seeing beyond the ego to perceive moral truth.

Pragmatism in ethics

Ethics must evolve with society and be grounded in lived experience.

Social Organism

Society functions like a body—each part must work for the whole.

Abstract individual vs. social being

Abstract individuals are isolated; social beings are shaped by context and relationships.

Moral syllogism

A logical structure: moral principle + fact = moral conclusion.

Intrinsic value

Something valuable in itself (e.g., happiness, personhood).

Instrumental value

Something valuable as a means to an end (e.g., money).

Ethical theory

A framework for determining what is morally right or wrong.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarians believe their theory is true because happiness is the only thing intrinsically valuable.

Kantian argument for ethics

Personhood has intrinsic value; reason is universal.

Virtue ethics argument

Ethics is indefinable and rooted in character and perception.

Pragmatist argument

Ethics must reflect our social nature and lived experience.

Objection to utilitarianism

It can justify unjust actions if they increase happiness.

Objection to Kantian ethics

It’s too rigid—lying is always wrong, even to save a life.

Objection to virtue ethics

Luck of upbringing and vagueness of 'the Good'.

Objection to pragmatism

It’s open-ended and lacks clear moral rules.

Argument that utilitarianism is true

Happiness is the only thing intrinsically valuable, so maximizing it is the moral goal.

Argument for Kantian ethics based on personhood

People have intrinsic value as rational beings, so we must treat them as ends, not mere means.

Argument for Kantian ethics based on reason

Rationality is universal, so moral laws must be based on principles all rational beings can will.

Argument for virtue ethics based on the indefinability of the Good

Ethics can’t be reduced to rules—it’s rooted in perception and experience of moral reality.

Argument that ethics requires trained perception

Moral insight comes from cultivated virtues, which shape how we perceive and respond ethically.

Argument for virtue ethics based on character

Most moral decisions stem from character, not abstract reasoning—so ethics must develop virtues.

Argument for pragmatism based on social nature

People aren’t isolated individuals—we’re shaped by society, so ethics must reflect social context.

Social organism argument for pragmatism

Society functions like a body—each part must work together, so ethics must promote collective well-being.

Pragmatist critique of rights-based ethics

Rights alone are inadequate—ethics must be grounded in lived experience and empathy.