Recognizing other options for approach to ethical decision making, I would like to explore the Virtue Ethics principle and apply it to the different dilemma scenarios.
Virtue Ethics (Character Based Virtues)
Virtue Ethics focuses on the virtue or moral character of an individual instead of focusing on the ethical duties and rules or on the consequences of an action or decision. Virtue Ethics is an important principle to use in a dilemma situation as it centers on motives and how it plays a major role in moral issues. Moral decisions require a virtuous act that derives from the right motivation. “It is concerned with many other actions as well, with emotions and emotional reactions, choices, values, desires, perceptions, attitudes, interests, expectations and sensibilities” (Weiss, 2014).
Applying Virtue ethics approach on the Utilitarianism dilemma scenario
Police officers can use the virtue of compassion by giving the person a fair treatment instead of using force or punishment. In contrast to Utilitarianism approach where harming another person is morally right as long as it brings benefits for everyone, Virtue ethics implies that torturing a person to everyone’s advantage is a human right violation. Every human being has the right to due process, therefore, as police officers, it is their moral duty to resolve the issue through the proper legal system. “Moral authority is based on individual character virtues such as truthfulness, integrity and honesty. An act, policy strategy is moral if it reflects these types of virtues” (Weiss, 2014). As police officers, acting in accordance with the law promotes honor and integrity in their roles while upholding the other person’s human rights. However, one disadvantage of this principle is that in some cases, despite of their righteousness, police officers are vulnerable of acting inappropriately beyond their control. “Some acts are so intolerable, such as murder, that we must devise a special list of offenses which are prohibited” (Weiss, 2014).
Applying Virtue ethics approach on the Universalism dilemma scenario
Virtue ethics denotes that refraining from using toxic chemicals to avoid harming the environment is an ethical and noble act. In running their business, the company must ensure that policies or strategies implemented are aligned with their core values. While Universalism approach is focused on the company’s courses of action that would bring favorable impact to everyone involved, Virtue ethics highlights on the moral character of the company which is the basis of their actions. The company may refrain from using toxic chemicals because it violates their code of business ethics and core values. “With regard to corporate scandals, virtue ethics could explain some of the motives of several corporate officers’ actions that center on greed, extravagant habits, irrational thinking and egotistical character traits” (Weiss, 2014). Protecting the environment is a moral act which reflects the company’s integrity while providing benefits to the whole community or society. However, in some cases, specific rules for moral principles can be overlooked when companies violate business code of ethics due to greed and corruption. “For virtue theory is not designed to offer precise guidelines of obligation” (Weiss, 2014).
Applying Virtue ethics on the Rights approach dilemma scenario
Flexibility and sensitivity are essential factors in recognizing individual and cultural moral differences, thus, the university must adhere to these moral principles to avoid racial discrimination among Muslim students. While the Rights approach values the respect for the fundamental rights of an individual, Virtue ethics stresses on the character of the university and its capacity to provide the best education for everyone without prejudice. “Often, negotiation agreements and understanding can be reached without overt conflict when different ethical principles or cultural standards clash” (Weiss, 2014). Accepting Muslim students to the university promotes integrity and fairness while providing the students the freedom to pursue their interests. While not all Muslims are terrorists, but faced with the issues of terrorism, the decision may pose a threat to the safety and security of the country. “Depending on the actions taken and decisions made based on a person’s moral standards, a price may be paid for maintaining them” (Weiss, 2014).
Applying Virtue ethics on the Justice Approach dilemma scenario
Virtue ethics principle evaluates the school’s beliefs, standards and norms to ensure that Mary’s rights won’t be prejudiced. While the Justice Approach values the unbiased standards of fairness and equality, Virtue ethics encourages the school to treat foreign students impartially. Students in a foreign land are entitled to be recognized in a fair and just manner when they deserved it. “Although the values and moral customs of all cultures should be observed and respected, especially because business professionals are increasingly operating across national boundaries, we must not be blindly absolute or divorce ourselves from rigorous moral reasoning or laws aimed at protecting individual rights and justice” (Weiss, 2014). Giving Mary the same recognition as Sehun’s promotes a fair and just principle. However, issues of conflicting beliefs and moral norms will arise if the school implements policies for foreign students to follow their own standard norms and beliefs. “What is morally right for one society or culture may be wrong for another” (Weiss, 2014).
References:
Weiss, Joseph (2014). Ethical Principles, Quick Tests and Decision-Making Guidelines.
Business Ethics. Oakland, US: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2014.
