Deontology, Distributive Justice, Utilitarianism & CSR: Ethical Frameworks and Principles

What is the main focus of Deontology?

A: Acting according to right or wrong principles regardless of consequences; based on intent.

What matters more in Deontology—intent or consequences?

A: Intent.

What principle underlies Deontology's idea of consistency?

A: Reversibility of decision (Golden Rule) — act only as you would have others act.

What must actors do under Deontology?

A: Abide by the same rules they impose on others.

Q: What does Deontology believe about rights?

A: Some rights are inherent and cannot be denied.

Q: List the core duties/values in Deontology.

A: Fidelity, Reparation, Gratitude, Justice, Beneficence, Self-Improvement, Nonmaleficence.

Q: What are examples of absolute moral rules under Deontology?

A: No lying, respect freedom of conscience, consent, and privacy.

Q: What are the pros of Deontology?

A: Reversibility promotes accountability and encourages awareness of potential harm caused.

Q: What are the cons of Deontology?

A: Ignores consequences, focused only on humans (not animals/things), sometimes conflicts with itself (rules are at odd)

What are the cons of Deontology?

Ignores consequences, Focused only on humans (not animals/things), Allows no exceptions. Rules can conflict with one another.

Q: What is the focus of Distributive Justice?

A: Fairness of actions and equality — not motives or outcomes.

Q: According to Distributive Justice who should receive the most assistance?,

A: The least advantaged in society, to help them realize their potential.

Q: What is the veil of ignorance?

A: Imagining decisions made from the perspective of an average, disadvantaged person.

Q: What are the pros of Distributive Justice?

A: Considers global disadvantages. Promotes equity for all. Focuses on individual needs.

Q: What are the cons of Distributive Justice?

A: Difficult to achieve in practice and helping one group may hurt another.

Q: What is the main principle of Utilitarianism?

A: The most ethical choice is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

Q: What is Act Utilitarianism?

A: Evaluating each individual act based on its overall utility.

Q: What is Rule Utilitarianism?

A: Following rules that generally lead to the greatest good before acting for the majority.

Q: What is Consequentialism in Utilitarianism?

A: Judging actions based on outcomes, not intent.

Q: What is Hedonism in Utilitarianism?

A: The belief that pleasure is the highest good (without regard for fairness).

Q: What is Maximalism in Utilitarianism?

A: Seeking the greatest possible amount of pleasure or benefit.

Q: What is Universalism in Utilitarianism?

A: Considering everyone equally when making ethical decisions.

Q: What are the pros of Utilitarianism?

A: Prioritizes public well-being. Simple and logical to follow.

Q: What are the cons of Utilitarianism?

A: Hard to measure or predict outcomes. May justify harmful actions (e.g., slavery). Highly subjective—depends on time frame and values.

Q: What does CSR stand for?

A: Corporate Social Responsibility — the idea that companies should contribute positively to society beyond profit-making.

Q: Why is CSR difficult to implement effectively?

A: It's hard to define clearly — there's no universal standard for what counts as "enough" CSR.

Q: What issue does CSR face regarding accountability?

A: There are no checks and balances like government taxes or regulations to ensure donations and actions are fair or transparent.

Q: Why do some argue businesses shouldn't be responsible for social issues?

A: Businesses are already powerful entities — managing social problems should remain the government's role.

Q: What did economist Milton Friedman argue about CSR?

A: A company's main responsibility is to maximize profits and serve shareholders, not engage in social causes.

Q: Why might businesses lack motivation for CSR?

A: They have no skill, training, or incentive to handle social problems effectively.

Q: How might CSR put companies at a competitive disadvantage?

A: Extra spending on CSR can make them fall behind competitors offering cheaper or better products.

Q: How do anti-CSR advocates believe profit relates to society?

A: Increasing profits leads to economic growth, which benefits society overall ("profits = better society").

Q: How can CSR align with a company's self-interest?

A: Caring for the environment, employees, and customers builds long-term sustainability and loyalty.

Q: How does CSR impact a company's public image?

A: It builds a positive reputation rather than just a neutral one.

Q: How can CSR prevent government interference?

A: By acting responsibly, companies can reduce the need for government regulation or intervention.

Q: How does CSR balance corporate power?

A: Since corporations benefit from limited liability, lower tax rates, and write-offs, CSR helps offset their privileges with responsibility.

Q: What resources make companies capable of CSR?

A: They have trained employees, large budgets, and organizational reach to make meaningful change.

Q: How is CSR tied to reparations?

A: Businesses should help fix issues like pollution, racism, and sexism that they've historically contributed to.

Q: What is the social contract argument for CSR?

A: Society grants corporations rights (e.g., to exist, profit, use resources), so they owe something back in return.