Chapter 2

The Foundation of Ethical Thought

The role of morals

Morals refer to an individual's personal beliefs about right and wrong, guiding their behavior and
decision-making. Morals refer to the principles and values that guide human behavior and
distinguish right from wrong. They provide a framework for individuals and societies to make
ethical judgments and decisions. Morals guide human behavior and decisions, helping us
distinguish right from wrong. They are principles shaped by culture, religion, and philosophy,
varying among individuals and societies. Morals provide a framework for evaluating actions,
shaping personal conduct, and contributing to ethical principles. They help us make choices based
on what we believe is good and just. The role of morals are as follows:
1. Guides Behavior: Morality serves as a guiding framework for our actions and decisions. It
provides a set of principles and values that help us determine what is right or wrong in a given
situation. For example, if you come across a wallet on the street, your moral sense might guide
you to return it to its owner rather than keeping it for yourself.
2. Builds Trust: Morality plays a crucial role in building trust among individuals and in society
as a whole. When people adhere to moral principles, others can trust that they will act in a
trustworthy and ethical manner. For instance, if someone consistently displays honesty and
integrity, others are more likely to trust them and form strong relationships based on that trust.
3. Encourages Social Responsibility: Morality promotes a sense of social responsibility, which
means considering the impact of our actions on others and the broader community. It
encourages us to act in ways that contribute positively to society. For example, donating to a
charitable organization or volunteering for a community service project demonstrates a sense
of social responsibility.
4. Facilitates Decision Making: Morality provides a framework for making decisions by
considering ethical implications. It helps us evaluate different options and choose the course
of action that aligns with our moral values. For instance, if you have to decide between taking
credit for someone else's work or giving them the credit they deserve, your moral compass
can guide you to make the right choice.
5. Promotes Positive Social Change: Morality serves as a catalyst for positive social change.
By advocating for moral values, individuals and groups can work towards improving societal
conditions and addressing social injustices. For example, the civil rights movement fought
against racial discrimination, guided by the moral belief that all individuals should be treated
equally.
6. Enhances Relationships: Morality plays a vital role in shaping and enhancing relationships
with others. It provides a common ground for shared values, fostering mutual respect and
understanding. When people share similar moral principles, they are more likely to connect
on a deeper level and build stronger relationships. For instance, friendships are often built on
trust, loyalty, and honesty, which are moral virtues.
7. Shapes Personal Identity: Morality contributes to shaping our personal identity by
influencing our beliefs, values, and character traits. It helps define who we are and what we
stand for as individuals. Our moral choices and actions reflect our core values, and they
contribute to our sense of self. For example, if someone consistently demonstrates kindness
and compassion towards others, they may identify themselves as someone who values
empathy and caring.

Teleological frameworks
Teleological frameworks are ethical theories that focus on the consequences or results of an action.
The three teleological frameworks are egoism and utilitarianism,
1. Egoism: According to this theory act is moral if it promotes individual long term self-interest.
Egoism is a teleological ethical theory that suggests individuals should act in their own self-
interest and prioritize their own well-being and happiness. According to this theory, an action
is morally right if it promotes the greatest benefit or utility for the individual themselves.
2. Utilitarianism: It is based on greatest happiness principles. It is another consequentialist
theory that judges the moral worth of an action based on the overall happiness or well-being
it produces. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it maximizes happiness
or minimizes suffering for the greatest number of people affected by the action. According to
utilitarianism, an action is considered morally right if it leads to the greatest amount of
happiness or well-being for the largest number of people. The criticisms of Utilitarianism are
as follows:
 • It's hard to measure happiness or well-being in a consistent and objective way, which
makes it difficult to determine if an action is good or bad.
• Utilitarianism may be criticized for neglecting the rights or interests of minorities or
individuals in favor of the greater good of the majority
• Sometimes, utilitarianism might suggest that it's okay to harm a few people if it benefits
the greater number of people, which may be seen as unfair or unjust.
• Sometimes, utilitarianism might suggest doing things that seem wrong, like lying or
stealing, if it means that the overall benefit is greater.
• Utilitarianism doesn't have clear rules about what is right or wrong, which can make it
hard to decide what to do in a given situation.

3. Sidgwick dualism: Sidgwick recognized that both egoism and utilitarianism have persuasive
arguments and can lead to conflicting moral conclusions. He believed that egoism appeals to
individual self-interest, while utilitarianism takes into account the interests and welfare of
others. Sidgwick argued that these two ethical perspectives are fundamentally interconnected
and can be seen as complementary rather than mutually exclusive. In his dualistic approach,
Sidgwick attempted to reconcile the conflict between egoism and utilitarianism by suggesting
that they represent different aspects of a comprehensive moral system. He proposed that
rational individuals should strive to balance their own self-interest with the promotion of
overall happiness, considering both personal happiness and the well-being of others.
Sidgwick's dualism presents a philosophical exploration of the tension between self-interest
and the greater good, acknowledging that ethical decision-making can involve complex
considerations of personal and collective welfare.

Deontological Framework
Deontological ethics is a moral framework that focuses on the inherent nature of actions rather
than their consequences. The term "deontological" comes from the Greek word "deon," which
means duty or obligation. According to deontological ethics, certain actions are inherently right or
wrong, regardless of their outcomes.
In a deontological framework, moral decisions are guided by a set of moral rules, principles, or
duties that are considered binding and universally applicable. These moral rules are often derived
from religious, philosophical, or cultural traditions. Deontological ethics places emphasis on the
intention behind an action and the adherence to moral rules or principles.
One of the most influential proponents of deontological ethics is Immanuel Kant. He argued that
moral actions should be guided by the categorical imperative, which is a principle that requires
individuals to act in a way that they would want to become a universal law applicable to all people.
Kant believed that moral actions should be based on duty and driven by a sense of moral obligation,
regardless of the consequences

Kantian Deontology: This framework is based on the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. It
emphasizes the concept of duty and is guided by the categorical imperative. Kant defined
categorical imperative as command or moral laws all person must follow regardless of their desires
or extenuating circumstances. Kant argued that individuals should act according to principles that
could be universally applied to all people without contradiction. Moral actions are driven by a
sense of moral obligation and are not dependent on outcomes or consequences.

Contractualism: This framework, associated with philosopher Thomas Scanlon, views morality
as a set of rules that rational individuals would voluntarily agree upon when seeking mutual
cooperation and avoiding conflict. It emphasizes principles of fairness, reciprocity, and consent.
Actions are evaluated based on whether they adhere to these hypothetical principles of mutual
agreement

Seven Guiding Principles to Support Ethical Actions

1. Fidelity: This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping commitments and being
faithful to one's obligations and responsibilities. It involves being trustworthy, reliable, and
maintaining loyalty to individuals or organizations.
2. Reparation: This principle recognizes the need to make amends for any harm caused to
others. It involves taking responsibility for one's actions, acknowledging the harm done, and
making efforts to repair the damage or compensate those affected.
3. Gratitude: This principle promotes the attitude of appreciation and thankfulness. It involves
recognizing and acknowledging the contributions, kindness, and support received from others
and expressing gratitude accordingly.
4. Justice: This principle focuses on fairness and equality. It involves treating all individuals
impartially, without discrimination or bias, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to
opportunities and resources.
5. Beneficence: As mentioned earlier, this principle involves promoting the well-being of others
and acting in ways that result in positive outcomes. It includes acts of kindness, compassion,
and actions that contribute to the welfare of individuals and society.
6. Self-improvement: This principle emphasizes personal growth and development. It involves
continuously striving to enhance one's knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness to become a
better individual and make more informed decisions.
7. Non-injury: This principle highlights the importance of avoiding harm or causing
unnecessary suffering to others. It involves refraining from actions that could inflict physical,
emotional, or psychological harm on individuals and respecting their rights and dignity

The Seven Deadly Sins

1. Lust: Extreme sexual desire. The thoughts of sexual drive overtake all other functions of
the individual in the attempt to satisfy the individual’s sexual appetite.
2. Gluttony: Overeating or wasting food without thinking about the consequences.
3. Greed: Greed is an excessive desire by the individual to obtain wealth, status, and power.
4. Sloth: Being lazy and not doing important tasks or work.
5. Wrath: Getting very angry and wanting to hurt others.
6. Envy: Feeling jealous or resentful towards others for what they have.
7. Pride: Thinking you're better than others and not admitting when you're wrong.
The Trolley Problem
The Trolley Problem is a thought
experiment in ethics that presents a moral
dilemma involving a hypothetical scenario
with a runaway trolley (or train). The
scenario typically goes as follows:
You see a runaway trolley hurtling down a
track. Up ahead, there are five workers
who are unaware of the approaching
danger and will be hit and killed if the
trolley continues on its current path. However, you notice a lever that can divert the trolley to
another track. On that track, there is only one worker. You have two options:
• Do nothing: Allow the trolley to continue on its current path, which will result in the deaths
of five workers.
• Pull the lever: Redirect the trolley to the other track, sacrificing the life of the one worker but
saving the lives of the five workers.
The Trolley Problem raises a moral dilemma because either choice results in harm or death. It
forces individuals to consider the ethical implications of their actions, such as the value of one life
versus multiple lives, the intentionality of causing harm, and the moral responsibility in making
life-and-death decisions.
The scenario has different variations and extensions that explore additional factors, such as the
proximity to the workers, personal involvement, and the role of intention in moral decision-
making. The Trolley Problem is often used as a discussion point in philosophy, ethics, and
psychology to examine moral reasoning and different ethical frameworks.

Global business standards codex

The Global Business Standards Codex (GBSC) is a framework developed by the Center for
International Business Ethics (CIBE) to guide organizations in implementing ethical business
practices. It provides a comprehensive set of principles and guidelines to promote responsible and
sustainable business conduct on a global scale. The GBSC consists of the following nine core
principles:
1. Fiduciary Principle: Organizations should act in the best interests of their stakeholders and
prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains.
2. Property Principle: Organizations should respect and protect the rights of property owners,
including intellectual property rights.
3. Reliability Principle: Organizations should deliver on their commitments and maintain high
standards of reliability in their products, services, and operations.
4. Transparency Principle: Organizations should promote openness, transparency, and
disclosure of relevant information to stakeholders.
5. Dignity Principle: Organizations should respect and uphold human dignity, ensuring fair
treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals.
6. Fairness Principle: Organizations should conduct business in a fair and just manner,
avoiding unfair competition, discrimination, or exploitation.
7. Citizenship Principle: Organizations should be responsible corporate citizens, contributing
positively to the communities and societies in which they operate.
8. Responsiveness Principle: Organizations should be responsive to the legitimate concerns
and expectations of their stakeholders.
9. Ethical Conduct Principle: Organizations should uphold high ethical standards, promoting
integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior throughout their operations