Ethics Essay Examples

The subject of ethics is definitely wide, with various interests and resulting to impetuses that are inclined to spread their occurrences. Situations that often lead to arising of immoral actions are numerous, and it is in the light of this that considerations have to be made depending on the exact situation. Nonetheless, the principles of ethics in practice often seem related to each other in one way or the other as portrayed by theorists such as Aristotle, Kant and Bentham. Thus; this essay presents an occurrence I underwent that present an ethical dilemma, with the succeeding viewpoints.
After being out of employment for over six months, an opportunity arose at the beginning of this week. So, I decided to grasp it as soon as I could. In essence, it was facilitated by my friend who informed me of the vacancy announcement and encouraged me to apply for the position. On submission of my testimonials, the head of recruitment gave me a rather interesting scenario. He said that we were seven persons with similar impressive qualifications for the position yet his organization needed just two of us. Accordingly; he requested for a bribe in exchange of clinching one of the two positions as deemed. I revealed to him that I considered the proposal he had offered and would communicate soon.
Ideally, I was in an ethical dilemma. On one side, I was uncertain whether the individual was testing me to gauge if I was the type of a person who likes offering something in exchange of the other. It would be a ground for even worse case scenario as the organization would view me as an easily corrupt fellow, which was unsuitable for the post I had just applied previously. On the other hand, if I never acceded to his request, I would be compromising my chances of settling on the coveted position, which I had just applied.
Arguably; the dilemma posed would require more of the position taken by Bentham as compared to Aristotle and Kant. Bentham’s utilitarianism principle in ethics is imperative in the sense that it assumes the form of the concept consequentialism. It goes without saying that the theory, more so with a focus on the classical utilitarianism that upholds more of the normative ethics. The feat of normative ethics tends to uphold a clear-cut, proper course of action to warrant maximum utility, with total benefit and reduction in the negativities.
Hence; the moral worth of my consequent ethical or unethical action in relation to bribing the fellow will be in a balance. It is so in a view to gauging the resultant consequences, which Bentham's approach describes to be in three-fold: actual, foreseen and intended consequences. All the three in relation to the ethical dilemma are possible outcomes though in different measure and times suppose I abide by the presented offer. Besides the above, Bentham’s approach presents an epitome that is more of a quantitative and reductionist impetus to ethics. Hence; the prevailing situation would be suitable.
Aristotle’s principles of ethics in view of the above ethical dilemma do not fit aptly, despite a significant correlation to it. The principles focus more on hypothetical and philosophical foundations rather than being a practical impulse to the current situation. The principle behind related to more of how a man possesses some characters and due regulation of his bodily appetites in the sense that they will precisely determine the ethical direction to take in most instances. It is the only point of focus that may be relevant to the prevailing state of affairs that have been propelled by the ethical dilemma. Nevertheless, its undoing is its precise actualization which irrefutably is under extreme test that is deemed to water down the underlying principle. Further, it takes into account the aspect of moderation of the appetite that is symbolized by my need to clinch the applied position is difficult. It is bound to suffer most as it is an inert process that is bound to change simultaneously and inflict regrets within an individual, like me in this event.
Likewise to above, Kant’s approach to ethics in respect to the prevalent situation of bribe is imprecise as it is extremely universal in its application. As such, it is divergent to the situation as it requires more of a definite approach that Bentham’s utilitarianism principle offers. What is more is that the principle focuses more on the good will aspect of the ethical determination. Though it is also imperative in this sense, but priority must be deliberated upon first. Therefore; it is evident that consequences of the course of action as a result to bribing the fellow or not will be the immediate guiding factor then others succeed it.
Possibly; the categorical nature of the Kantian ethics also does not serve to auger well with the situation in point. It is because it gives a wider scope of action in the sense that the situation may be counterproductive to my decision whether to give a bribe or not. It presents further deliberation to this feat that may be extraneous, though vital such as the thinking of other potential recruits offering bribe for the position. Thus; the scope of the dilemma seems to widen so much as a result of this line of approach and principle of ethics.
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas habitually occur and the exact manner of approach that an individual or group give them determine their acute handling and for posterity. In my ethics case, I believe that the Bentham’s utilitarianism principle would be the surest way to go although the other two principles are also workable in divergent capacities.