Ethical Decision Making and normative ethics
ASSIGNMENT ONE (Already Done Needs revision and fluff to reach page count)
Making Biblically-Based Ethical Decisions
For each of the points below, conduct thorough research to answer each point below which can be easily researched by asimple internet search for articles and ebooks. No answer should be based on your opinion. Instead, all answers must be grounded in your research.Ten (10)points will be deducted for each point that is not discussed using research.
Minor Project 1introduced you to different normative ethical theories.Minor project 2focuses on understandinghow to make ethical decisionsusing the ethical decision frameworks for the 3 categories of ethical theories in normative ethics.This project should besubstantially differentfrom minor project 1.
Write an introduction explainingthe type and nature of ethical issues that occur in business include ethical issues faced by businesses operating in a global economy. The introduction should explain the purpose of your paper and not exceed 200 words.
Explain frameworksfor analyzing ethical issues in business (How to make an ethical decision based on each of the four below).How would a person that views ethics following (This should be a substantial portion of your project):
Virtue perspective
Duty perspective
Consequential perspective
Christian perspective
(Do not write about subcategories)
Guiding principles are used to make ethical decisions. Explain what guiding principles Christians should follow.
How are these principle(s) deemed relevant to ethical decision-making?
How are conflicts resolved accordingethics theory?
Does God ever require us to choose the lesser of two evils?[This is not about politics. Things to consider: what is meant by evil, is evil, sin, and bad synonymous?
Provide examples** of major themes of the Bible that apply to particular issues regarding ethics in business.
**For the final point, you are free to pick 2 or 3 examples from the bible and then explain based on your understanding of ethics.
Conclusion
Write paper in APA format.
Cover page should have a Running head: and page number
Page 2 should be an abstract (An abstract is not an introduction. It should be written in your own words and explain the purpose of the paper). [Running head beginning on this page should change]
References should be formatted correctly following APA guidelines.
Use headings for each point following APA guidelines.
*Note: Brown University has a good articleonlinethat explains ethical frameworks from a secular perspective. Non-secular frameworks can be found.
Here is a technology related article that discusses this topic as well: https://www.scu.edu/media/ethics-center/technology-ethics/Conceptual-FrameworksFinalOnline.pdf
*
Paper should be between 10 and 14 double spaced pages. Do not add extra spacing or lines between paragraphs or sections. APA has strict formatting guidelines that you must follow. Paper should have no less than 15 references. The Bible does not count as a reference.
Note: This paper is NOT a repeat of minor project 1. If you do not understand the difference, you need to continue your research. You should not be substantially repeating information from minor project 1.
**Plagiarism is serious and may result in a zero even if it is unintentional.All work will be checked for plagiarism during grading. Students are expected to properly paraphrase information using in-text citations. Directly quoted information must have both quotation marksandan in-text citation. As a graduate student, you must demonstrate your understanding of the material byproperlyparaphrasing information and rarely quoting information. Changing or deleting a few words in a sentence may still constitute plagiarism make sure you understand plagiarism
Sample Paper Below:
The sample paper is a partial example of minor project 2. Sections of the paper were intentionally deleted. The original paper was 28 pages total double spaced. The paper is a good example of the quality of content that is expected in this project. Please note: You do not need to write about the 15 theories – just write the ethical frameworks for: virtue, duty, and consequential theories. The student that wrote this sample paper had a slightly different assignment.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (Over half complete need finishing and review)
MINOR PROJECT 1 IS DUE: THE LAST DAY OF WEEK 1 OF PERIOD 2 (Week 3 of the course)
Normative Ethicsis a category of ethical theories that focuses on how we ought to live. Normative theories are commonly grouped as: virtue theories, duty (or deontological) theories, and consequential (or teleological) theories.
A. Write an introduction that 1.) explains normative ethics and 2.) explains the purpose of your paper.
B. For each subcategory above (virtue, duty, consequential),
1. Explain the category
2. Explain 3 theories for each subcategory (no less than 9 total theories explained in the project)
3. Explain how each of the 9 theories aligns or does not align with a Christian perspective. The proper way to write this is to explain the theory and then write how it aligns or does not align with a Christian perspective before you explain the next theory. Alignment should be based on research and biblical support. You will lose 10 points for each theory if this is only based on your interpretation of scripture or your opinion.
Example of one theory that is a consequential:
Consequential theories are defined…
Utilitarianism is ….
It aligns with a Christian perspective…
C. Write a conclusion
**
Make sure to transition between each paragraph.
Write paper in APA format.
1. Cover page should have a Running head: and page number
2. Page 2 should be an abstract (An abstract is not an introduction. It should be written in your own words and explain the purpose of the paper). [Running head beginning on this page should change]
3. References should be formatted correctly following APA guidelines.
Useheadingsfor each theory following APA guidelines.
*Note: An internet search of any theory and Christian perspective will provide the needed research for this paper.
Paper should be between 8 and 12 double spaced pages. The page count does not include title page, abstract, nor references. Do not add extra spacing or lines between paragraphs or sections. APA has strict formatting guidelines that you must follow such as all of the margins should be 1″. Do not make margins any larger than 1″. Paper should have no less than 15 references. The Bible does not count as a reference and should not be written in the reference section.
**Plagiarism is serious and may result in a zero even if it is unintentional.All work will be checked for plagiarism during grading. Students are expected to properly paraphrase information using in-text citations. Directly quoted information must have both quotation marksandan in-text citation. As a graduate student, you must demonstrate your understanding of the material byproperlyparaphrasing information and rarely quoting information. Changing or deleting a few words in a sentence may still constitute plagiarism make sure you understand plagiarism!
Running head: GUIDELINE FOR ETHICAL DECISIONS
How to Make Ethical Decisions Using Various Frameworks
Sariah Nottingham
Regent University
Abstract
The purpose of paper is to analyze the common ethical issues within business through the various frameworks of decision making to ultimately prove how complex decision making is in business. This paper will outline how morals and ethics shape the decisions of business leaders and major corporations today. This paper will also depict decision making from a Christian perspective in relation to Gods will and his guiding principles.
Review of Common Ethical Issues in Business
According to the Webster dictionary, ethics refers to the discipline of what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. In other words, ethics uses the context of moral discipline to help align society and the choices of its people in correspondence to right and wrong. Ethics is used broadly throughout every context of life. However, in business conduct all around the world, ethics is extremely important. In America, especially in the rem of major corporations, businesses often fall short to unethical illegal conduct (Rae & Wong, 1996). These unethical decisions can lead to great issues within business and have a large effect on stakeholders (Youtube, 2019). Surface layer ethical issues include the misuse of time, lying to employees (Youtube, 2019) and workplace diversity and equal opportunity (University of Tyler, 2018). However, businesses operating in a global economy face far more issues such as tax avoidance, price standardization, lobbying for law change and embezzling (Youtube 2018).
The debate between being morally right and wrong is not a newly discovered issue. According to Lurie and Albin (2006), there have been many attempts during the history of applied ethics that have tried to develop a theory of moral reasoning. This paper will use research to explore the framework for ethical issues in business and analyze how a person views ethics and makes decisions through various perspectives in relation to Christian Ethics.
Ethical Framework for Decision Making
The decision-making process is often difficult to observe and measure (McDonald and Pak, 1996). There are so many different frameworks for ethical decision making, and each framework adds to the importance of deciphering right from wrong in business and in life. Nevertheless, the question of the compatibility of ethical values across cultural borders has gained much in importance over the past decades (Srnka, 2004). Choosing an ethical decision can be difficult because values and morals can sway a decision. Knowledge, values, attitudes and intentions may not be systematically integrated into the decision-making process, but they are very important as well (Srnka, 2004). Decision making procedures, if effectively used, can guide a perplexed individual into making the right decision (Lurie & Albin, 2006). Srnka (2004) states that the problem of choosing an ethical option is even exacerbated, when the decision maker is confronted with differing cultural values and ethical expectations. However, when applying values and morals to a given situation, what was initially perceived as a moral dilemma is supposed to cease being problematic as such, because the right answer is reached (Lurie & Albin, 2006) Numerous attempts have been made by researchers to use the theory, constructs and measures moral psychology and apply them to social scientific research in business (McDonald and Pak, 1996).
Virtue Framework
Virtue Ethics can be traced back as far as the times of Aristotle and Plato (Hursthouse, 2018). The term virtue can be described as possessing an excellent trait of character (Hursthouse, 2018). In other words, the actions of an individual will in turn shape the character of that individual. Aristotle states that the right action is always a midpoint between two choices through the lens of a virtuous person (Crash Course, 2016). Virtue ethics also seeks to answer the question of What kind of person should I be? and What characteristics or virtues make a good person (Fedler, 2006 p. 7). The doctrine of the unity of the virtues precludes moral conflict (Lurie & Albin, 2006). Therefore, moral conflict can be easily avoided by being virtuous. Through this framework, an individual relies largely on morality and the concept of right and wrong. Its emphasis on virtues or moral character differs from other frameworks that emphasize rules and consequences (Hursthouse, 2018). A person who operates through a virtuous framework makes decisions based on moral principles.
In business, the decision-making process of a virtuous person is quite simple. Although success in business and success in terms of achieving moral virtue are distinct accomplishments, presumably they are connected (Wittmer & OBrien, 2014). When virtue ethics are applied to a business-minded framework, personal virtues such as honesty, trustworthiness, and discipline intersect with business skills such as critical thinking, communication skills, and financial competence (3 Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making, para. 3). How a company operates will in turn affect how the company is viewed.
Duty Perspective
The duty perspective is also referred to as Deontology. This framework focuses on rules and whether or not a person follows those rules (What is Deontology, 2017). The duty perspective Immanuel Kant is the creator of this framework, and his focus revolves around the motives and willingness of individuals to act for the good of others even if that action may result in a personal loss (Byars & Stanberry). Kant argued that doing what is right is not about the consequences of our actions but about having the proper intention in performing the action (Bonde & Firenze 2013). Therefore, this framework works best in situations where there is a sense of obligation or in those in which the thinker needs to consider why duty or obligation mandates or forbids certain courses of action (Lorenzetti, 2010). The Ethics Centre explains that a business operating through the duty perspective may continue to partner with a company despite the bad reputation of the partnering company (2020). This example emphasizes the importance of acting for the good of others within the framework of the duty perspective. In the context of business, an ethical decision requires companies to do what is right by all stakeholders (Byars & Stanberry).
Consequential Perspective
The consequential perspective focuses on the future effects of the possible courses of action and takes into consideration the people who are directly and indirectly affected (Lorenzetti, 2010). Consequentialists view morality through the lens of the ends justifying the means. The main course of action for this framework is based on end results (3 Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making, para. 4). It works well with issues involving large numbers of people (Lorenzetti, 2010) some of whom may benefit from the action and some whom may not (Bonde & Firenze 2013). The moral quality of action is determined by consequences. This framework maximizes positive consequences for some and minimizes unfavorable consequences for others (3 Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making, para. 5). A person or company operating using the Consequences framework desires to produce the most good (Bonde & Firenze 2013). In other words, consequentialists work for the betterment of all..Some actions that are expected to produce good consequences might actually end up harming people (Bonde & Firenze 2013). As a result, some people look down upon this framework. Yet, it still operates in the moral context of ethics (Lorenzetti, 2010).
In business ethics, a company may be faced with a difficult decision in which their ethical judgment may be tested. Through this framework a company will look at the consequences of their actions and go with the overall choice that will be better for most. For example, most people argue that lying is morally wrong; However, if lying would help save a persons life, consequentialists say it is the right thing to do (Consequentialism, 2020). Gentrification is a great example of the consequentialist decision making process in the eyes of major corporations. According to the Oxford Dictionary, gentrification is the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process. Major corporations take into account the pros of gentrification such as the creation of jobs, new housing, safety increases, growth opportunities and more (Gaille, 2019) because on the grand scheme of things, they outweigh the cons.
Christian Perspective
An introduction to Chrstian Ethics states that Christian ethics bases behavior on the will of God (2016). This framework emphasizes the idea that no man is moral or ethical rather we live in a constant struggle to become moral while attempting to live our lives in alignment with God (Mayne, 2007). The authority through the lens of the Christian perspective is God (An Introduction to Christian Ethics, 2016). Through this framework, one is able to use the Bible and its teachings about acts, attitudes and personal character traits that are approved by God and those that are not, to govern their ethical decision making (Grudem, 2018). They allow the Bible to shape decisions rather than justify decisions (Nichols, 2010).
Faith-at-work is highly applicable through decision making (Nichols, 2010). Christian ethics applied to economics and business has a long tradition that dates as far back as the thirteenth century (Mel1 & Fontrodona1, 2017). Those from a Christian perspective tend to survey the alternatives and offer biblical additions to sanctify certain forms of ethical reasoning (Spencer, 2015). Therefore, in business, a christian thinker may reference the text of the bible in order to guide their decisions. Christian see the world differently, so they act differently when making decisions (Fedler, 2006 p. 12).
Guided Principles of Ethical Decisions
Guided principles are an important aspect of ethical decision making. Families operate using house rules that govern actions, and businesses need guided principles to govern their decisions (Broundy, 2011). Moreover, defining these beliefs and principles are an important aspect of being a business leader (Sugars, 2010). One must define these principles and values to create a basis in which their company will run on (Broundy, 2011). Sugars explored the concepts of being organized, dedicated, dependable, educated and giving as a few basic principles of business and leadership (2010). Having these basic principles will in turn create a more well rounded leader and business. Nevertheless, businesses must also possess the fundamental principle of being profitable and sustainable as well as acting on integrity and accountability (Writer, 2018).
Christian Guidelines
Within the Bible, Christian morality has been formulated through various rules such as the Ten Commandments, Love, and the Golden Rule (Fedler, 2006 p. 22). Christians look to these rules to influence their guiding principles. Though a kingdom focused business must be profitable and sustainable just as any other business (Writer, 2018), it must stay in alignment with God’s will (Chrtistian Ethics, 2016). In Romans 12:2 Paul states Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.. The ten commandments outline the basic rules of the bible including but not limited to the ideas that thou shall not steal, murder, or bear false witness against thy neighbor (Bibleinfo.com, 2020). The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) states Therefore all things whatsoever ye that men would do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. This verse emphasizes the importance of Christian leaders treating others as they want to be treated. Lastly, love can be viewed through many aspects of the Bible. However, God so graciously asks of us to love thy neighbor as oneself (Fedler, 2006 p.22).
The guiding principles of Christians can easily be related to ethical decision making through the rules of morality set forth in the Bible. For example, Theology of Work Project (2014) states that the command to love thy neighbor is considered one of the primary blueprints for ethical concerns. When deciding based on love, the Ten Commandments and or the Golden Rule one may find themselves asking: What would Jesus do in this situation? (Writer, 2018). This Christian like thinking is a key factor in the decision-making process guided by Christian principles.
Lesser of Two Evils
Conflicts arise when values are the source of dilemma in ethics (Lurie & Albin, 2006). When taking a closer look into the decision making process of a consequentialist and how to resolve conflict by choosing the option with the smaller consequence, one may question Does God require us to choose the lesser of two evils?. Nevertheless, distinguishing moral evil from sin is no simple task (Orr, 1915). Evil focuses more on the idea that opposes divine truth either both in belief or behavior (Adema, 2008). The word evil can also be referenced as calamity; However, a specific calamity may or may not be a sin (Day, 2007). Sin is either violating a revealed divine truth from the word of God or not applying a revealed divine truth from the word of God (Adema, 2008). 1 John 3:12 (New Testament) reads, Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brothers were righteous.. This scripture describes evil as belonging to the evil one (Adema, 2008). According to Russell Moore, some sins are more sinful than others, yet we do not know how to fully decipher this. He goes further to explain the story of Rahab lying (2008). Scripture indicates it is proper to lie in select circumstances when justice and righteousness according to Gods will is the result (Tabletalk, 2020). Truth is owed to those of who the truth is due (Moore, 2008). James 4:7 (New International Version) says that we should submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Therefore, God is not asking us to choose between the lesser of two evils. Rather, he wants us to not choose and resist either choice (Moore, 2008).
Conflicts Resolved Through Ethics Theory
Conflicts may exist between individuals and/or groups and the conflict that arises can usually have a mixture of causes that may include independently or collectively structural, ideological, behavioral, and/or emotional influences (Nay et. al). As stated, Ethics refers to the discipline of what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. This theory emphasizes the importance of morality and values. According to the ICAEWs code of ethics (2020), one may attempt to solve conflicts from an ethical perspective by the following:
1. Gathering the relevant facts and identifying the problem
2. Identifying the affected parties
3. Consider the ethical issues involved
4. Identifying which fundamental principles are affected
5. Refer to the employing organisation’s internal procedures
6. Consider and evaluate alternative courses of action
7. Implement the course of action and monitor its progress
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ethics is a highly debatable topic in business. What is considered ethical and unethical lies within frameworks of various perspectives that shape the way we make decisions. Businesses must align with specific frameworks to guide their decisions so that the mission and values of that business correspond accordingly. Ethics focuses on morality and what is considered right and wrong. If a business does not operate ethically, they are bound to face ethical dilemmas at some point. The ethical decision-making process of businesses often pulls from values outlined in the Bible as well. However, even the most righteous leaders can find themselves in an ethical dilemma.
References
Adema, R. (2008, September 30). The Difference between SIN and EVIL. Retrieved July 26,
2020, from http://www.doctrinalstudies.com/pdf/D080930.pdf
Barnett, T., Bass, K., & Brown, G. (1994). Ethical ideology and ethical judgment regarding
ethical issues in business. J Bus Ethics 13, 469-480 Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00881456
Bible Info. (2020). What are the 10 plagues of Egypt? Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/what-are-10-plagues-egypt
Bonde, S., Firenze, P., & Et. al,. (2013, May). Brown University. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.brown.edu/academics/science-and-technology-studies/framework-making-ehical-decisions
Business Ethics OpenStax. (2018, September 20). Deontology: Ethics as Duty. Retrieved July
26, 2020, from https://opentextbc.ca/businessethicsopenstax/chapter/deontology-ethics-as-duty/
Broudy, J. (2011, November 02). Guiding Principles and Why Your Business Should Have
Them. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/management/workforce-management/guiding-principles-and-why-your-business-should-have-them
CrashCourse. (Director). (2016). Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38
[Video file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
Christian Education Department. (Director). (2016). An Introduction to Christian Ethics. [Video
file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkac-R-C8MA
Day, Lorraine M.D. (2007) The Difference between Evil and Sin Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/spiritual/the_organized_church/evil_sin.htm
Dungan, D. R. (n.d.). Evil Definition and Meaning – Bible Dictionary. Retrieved July 27, 2020,
from https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/evil/
Fedler, K. D. (2006). Exploring Christian Ethics: Biblical Foundations for Morality. Retrieved
July 26, 2020, from https://books.google.com/books?hl=en
Gaille, L. (2019, February 13). 21 Gentrification Pros and Cons. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
Global Ethics Solutions. (Director). (2019). Business Ethical Dilemmas and Stakeholders [Video
file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahH_P_5yVSo
Grudem W. (2018, July 24). 10 Things You Should Know about Christian Ethics. Retrieved July
26, 2020, from https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-christian-ethics/
Hursthouse, R., & Pettigrove, G. (2016, December 08). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved July 26, 2020,
from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/
Journal of Business Ethics Education 11. 2014 NeilsonJournals Publishing. Author 1st Version
Ligonier Ministries. (n.d.). The Sanctity of Truth. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/sanctity-truth/
Lorenzetti, J. P. (Ed.). (2010, March 12). Ethical Frameworks for Academic Decision-Making –
Faculty Focus: Higher Ed Teaching & Learning. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/ethical-frameworks-for-academic-decision-making/
Lurie, Y., Albin, R. (2006) Moral Dilemmas in Business Ethics: From Decision Procedures to
Edifying Perspectives. J Bus Ethics 71, 195207 (2007). Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-006-9134-1
Mayne, Nicoleas. Ethics Vs. Morals From the Christian Perspective. 2007, Retrieved July 26,
2020, from static1.squarespace.com/static/56dee43ee321400514f98522/t/5761499f7c65e4e3209c465b/1465
993631776/2+Ethics.pdf.
McCombs School of Business. (2018, December 12). Consequentialism. Retrieved July 26,
2020, from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/consequentialism
Mel, D., & Fontrodona, J. (2016, September 09). Christian Ethics and Spirituality in Leading
Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-016-3323-3
Business Organizations: Editorial Introduction. J Bus Ethics 145, 671679 (2017).
Moore, R. (Director). (2019). The Lesser of Two Evils. [Video file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbYax41SYnQ
Nichols, J. B., & Anderson University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. (n.d.). Salience of
faith: The Role of Religious Values and Practices on Strategic Decision-Making of Christian business owners. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://search.proquest.com/openview/071caa93ee818ed5cb53154bdbe355c7/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Ohio University. (2020, February 07). 3 Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making. Retrieved
July 26, 2020, from https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/3-frameworks-for-ethical-decision-making/
Shaw, W. H., & Barry, V. (2015). Moral Issues in Business. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en
Srnka, Katharina (2004) Cultures Role in Marketers Ethical Decision Making: An Integrated
Spencer, A. (2015, November 30). Thinking Biblically About Business Ethics. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/business-ethics-biblical-perspective/
Sugars, B. (2010, April 02). What Are Your Guiding Principles? Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/205846
The Ethics Centre. (Director). (2020). Deontology. [Video file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
The Infographics Show (Director). (2018, May 20). Unethical Practices Companies Use To
Scam Us That Should Be (Or Are) Illegal [Video file]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNTA7kyNU18&t=105s
Theology of Work. (2012). Ethics at Work Overview. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.theologyofwork.org/key-topics/ethics/systematic-presentation-of-ethics/different-approaches-to-ethics/the-command-approach-in-practice/looking-for-guiding-principles
Theoretical Framework. Academy of Marketing Science Review Volume no. Retrieved July 26,
2020 from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.112.5135&rep=rep1&type=pdf
University of Texas at Tyler. (2016, April 28). Ethical Considerations in International Business.
Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://online.uttyler.edu/articles/ethical-considerations-in-international-business.aspx
Writer, S. (2018, August 23). 10 Guiding Principles for Business as Mission. Retrieved July 26,
2020, from https://businessasmission.com/10-guiding-principles-for-business-as-mission/
2 Normative Ethics Theories
Ethics is a moral philosophy that examines right and wrong in the context of behavior and one’s thought process. Ethics and morality are nearly synonymous (Singer, P., 2020). Nevertheless, ethics has many different subcategories in which one can govern their decisions according to moral philosophy. The three main categories of ethics are metaethics, applied ethics and normative ethics (Fieser, 2002). Each category aims to understand ethics as a whole from a different point of view. Metaethics focuses on the origin of our moral principles and conduct. It simply studies the basic foundation of our morality and looks at the bigger picture. According to Crash Course (2016), this form of ethics focuses solely on questions like What is morality? and What is its nature in the world?. Applied ethics refers to how morality relates to real-world scenarios such as abortion, animal rights or captial murder (Fieser, 2002). This form of ethics considers questions revolving around disciplinary fields such as medicine, law, and business (Applied Ethics, n.d) . Essentially, applied ethics helps us to understand mortality as it relates to what is right and wrong within these fields. The center of this paper will be around the last category of ethics, normative ethics. This category of ethics focuses solely on right versus wrong.
As stated, normative ethics is a form of ethics that in term that also focuses on what is morally right or wrong just as any other category of ethics. However, this form of ethics takes a deeper look into the direct implications of how human actions and institutions should be (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020). In a sense, normative ethics provide a framework for how we are to live, act, and what kind of person we should strive to be (Kagan, S., 2018). It is an exploration of favorable behavior by a person according to morality. Normative ethics is broken down into three subcategories: virtue, duty and consequentialist. Through an analysis of the various subcategories of normative ethics, this paper will discuss how normative ethics relates to the Christian perspective by a breakdown of each category’s alignment with Chrristian ethics.
Virtue Ethics
The virtue theory of ethics can be defined as a form of ethics that emphasizes the moral character of a person and their actions (Hursthouse & Pettigrove, 2016). When operating through the lens of a virtuous person, one takes into consideration the question of What kind of person should I be? (University, 1988). Virtue ethics exercises the use of virtues such as honesty, courage, compassion, and integrity (University, 1988). This theory does not spend a lot of time tel
