PHI445 Week 3 – Discussion
repare: In your first post in this discussion, you will identify and apply one ethical theory of your choosing to a current problem in business, also of your choosing. Start by reviewing your notes on the Week 1 course material and your completed work for Week 1. Then, choose one of the three ethical theories—i.e., utilitarianism, deontology, or virtue ethics—on the basis of your thoughtfully considered preference in general and independent of the business problem that you will select here. Keep in mind that you will employ this ethical theory for supporting your position not only for this discussion, but also for this week’s assignment and the Final Project.
To prepare for your selection of the current problem in business, look at the list of required articles and multimedia which are divided in the six case-categories as follows:
- Banking (Lehman Brothers)
- Environment (BP)
- GMOs (Monsanto)
- Pharmaceuticals (Merck)
- Gender Discrimination (Goodyear)
- Factory Farms (Perdue)
Choose the case-category that you find the most interesting and note that each category also corresponds to one particular case. Please choose carefully because your choice for this discussion will establish the case that will be central to your argumentative essay this week as well as your Final Project in Week 5. It is recommended that you leaf through all the required resources indicated for the possible case-categories that you identify as possible contenders before making your final choice.
Reflect: Once you have selected your ethical theory and your case category, articulate the characteristics of the economic system or combination of both systems that serves as the setting for the case presented in the case category sources. Given this context, examine how the nation’s laws affect the operations of the business.
Next, identify the characteristics of your chosen ethical theory and its notion of the moral good. For the latter, you will need to review again the PowerPoint that was introduced in Week 1, which is also listed in this week’s Required Resources and it is titled The Moral Good in Three Traditional Ethical Theories. Then, think how you would apply the ethical theory to the specific problem presented in the case category sources.
Write: Start your post by (a) identifying the issue or problem that you want to address in the case that you have selected and providing an impartial presentation of the controversy, (b) articulating briefly the characteristics of the economic system that serves as the setting, and (c) examining the laws that affect the operations of the business.
The following illustration should help. Consider, for example, the case of Uber that we examined in Week 2. If the California decision establishes a precedent for similar claims, then Uber would have to do business as an employer and not merely as a service that pairs consumers with ride sharing services by means of a unique phone app. Accordingly, the law would require Uber to reimburse its drivers for certain costs and perhaps offer benefits. Take in consideration, then, the legal setting for the case that you have chosen. Does the case take place in the United States or another country? What are the laws that are relevant to the problem under examination? Keep in mind that all laws are constraints on our actions, whether those by individuals or corporations. The relevant laws, then, will be (a) any laws that present not only a constraint on the company’s operations, (b) any laws that are being violated by the corporation, or (c) any laws that unfairly limit the goods and services that can be offered to and are demanded by consumers.
In a second paragraph, formulate a sentence that presents the moral position that you want to defend in regard to the issue or problem introduced in the previous paragraph.
In the same paragraph, present the ethical theory that you choose to employ. Your choices are utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and the necessary material is included in the required readings and media. Make sure to identify the characteristics of the ethical theory, and include in-text citations and full references in APA form at the end of the post. Once you have done this, apply the ethical theory to your selected case by explaining how it lends itself to the moral position that you are defending.
PHI445 Week 3 – Discussion Answer
Issue: Factory Farms (Perdue)
The issue under consideration is the ethical challenges posed by factory farming practices, with a focus on Perdue Farms. In the context of factory farming, the economic system at play is a mixed economy, where market forces operate with some level of government regulation. In the case of factory farms, laws and regulations govern aspects such as animal welfare, environmental impact, and food safety.
The ethical problem revolves around the intensive and often controversial practices employed by factory farms, including cramped living conditions for animals, heavy use of antibiotics, and environmental degradation. The laws that affect these operations include regulations on animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety standards. The legal setting for this case is primarily within the United States, where various federal and state laws dictate the boundaries within which factory farms must operate.
Moral Position: The moral position to be defended is that factory farming should prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, considering the well-being of animals, environmental impact, and public health.
Ethical Theory: Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics, as an ethical theory, emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits and the pursuit of moral excellence (Mizzoni, 2009). The focus is on cultivating virtues such as compassion, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Virtue ethics evaluates actions based on the moral character of the actor rather than adhering to strict rules or calculating consequences.
Application of Virtue Ethics: In the case of Perdue Farms and factory farming, virtue ethics would argue for the development of virtues related to responsible and compassionate animal husbandry, sustainable environmental practices, and a commitment to public health. Rather than solely focusing on legal compliance or maximizing profits, Perdue should strive to embody virtues that contribute to the overall moral good. This involves going beyond legal obligations and adopting practices that prioritize the humane treatment of animals, environmental conservation, and the health and well-being of consumers.
References: Mizzoni, J. (2009). Ethics: The Basics. Wiley-Blackwell.
