Use Ethical Analysis for this paper

Ethical Analysis: Procedure and Norms

Procedure for analyzing an ethics case:

1. Gather and state the pertinent facts of the case.

2. Articulate the principal ethical problem (“Is it ethical to....”).

3. Identify the most useful ethical norm(s).

4. Provide an ethical solution to the case.

Norms for Ethical Decision Making:

1. Rights and duties: Personal and property entitlements of individuals, and the obligations they impose on others. [Based on the dignity of each individual person]

Rights are limited by their impact on other people

-- For example, one cannot shout "fire" without cause

Rights belong to person -- only by extension or by law to an organization.

Sense of personal rights are very strong in the U.S.

Examples: Safety in workplace [breathing carcinogens assembling products];

Violation: Sexual harassment;

Eavesdrop on phone

2. Fairness or Justice: Fair distribution of benefits and burdens of actions or policies

Fairness = Justice = equity; -- but is not the same as equality.

Examples: Violation: Bribery; Loafer on job;

Exploit illegal aliens: very low wages, yet making good profits

3. Utilitarianism: Actions judged by their consequences: "The greatest good for the greatest number."

Examples: Build a freeway [property rights are sacrificed];

GM plant on site of old Dodge Main Plan + neighborhoods

Pollution control regulation (e.g. Clean Air Act) [vs. property rights]

Introduce labor saving equipment and processes [vs. lost jobs]

Violation: Benefit self; hurt larger group

4. Common Good: The good that is good for all in common, which can be pursued together & in common

- Each person is connected to and is dependent on other persons. Examples: Goal of good government – e.g. U.S. Congress and legislation

Support issues that result in good of community

Violation: Lobbying for special interests

Seeking only what is good for me

+ Virtue: Actions arise from good ethical or moral habits of person

A developed virtue is part of the make-up of the person [almost instinctive].

Cluster of virtues and vices make up one’s character

Examples:

Trust: of colleagues, subordinates, customers and others [also trustworthy]

Honesty: transparent with all

Humility: not seeking own benefit [e.g. as Pope Francis; & CEOs according to James Collins]

Courage: speak truth to superiors; willing to take reasonable risks;

+ prudence, self-control, perseverance, and many other virtues

Social Justice Principles

The dignity of every person and human rights

The unique worth and value of every person. Human dignity forms the basis for all human rights. It is based on one’s existence in the image and likeness of God, not on wealth, success, work or productivity.

Solidarity, common good and participation

The good that is good for all in common, which is pursued together and in common. Each person is connected with and dependent on other persons. This stems from the essential social nature of the human person, who -- while possessing value as an individual -- is social to the core.

Family life

The family, including spouse and children, must be supported. This requires a living wage.

Subsidiarity and the proper role of government

All parts of society and government have a proper role and each should support the proper role of each other. Practically, this often means that a central government should support local government and should only do things that a local government is ineffective in doing or unable to do.

Property ownership: rights and responsibilities

People have a right to private property to support themselves and their families,

and also have corresponding responsibilities to others.

The dignity of work, rights of workers and support for labor unions

People have a right to decent, safe and productive work, fair wages and have the right to organize for better

wages and working conditions.

Economic development and justice

Economic development is a priority for people and for society to bring people out of poverty and

to provide a living wage.

Wealth is an instrument to benefit all. The economy exists to serve people, not the other way around.

Peace and Disarmament

Work for peace between peoples and nations; eliminate or reduce nuclear and other weapons.

Option for the poor and vulnerable

A special, preferred concern for the poor and marginalized, practiced as Jesus did. The poor include widows, orphans, economically poor, immigrants, persons with disabilities, victims of injustice and oppression.

Stewardship and sustainability

Care for God’s Creation -- Our Common Home and an intelligent and responsible concern for the persons and physical resources in one’s charge. This includes handing on to future generations a world that is sustainable. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Transparency

Honesty and clarity in all transactions, contracts, communications and reports.

Ethical Analysis + Soc Just Def Fac ‘16 Ethics in Bus 5/18/16