Ethical Perspective Paper

Ethical Perspective Paper

The Ethics Awareness Inventory refers to a series of broad characterizations representing four prominent categories of ethical philosophy. The key word for each category (Character, Obligation, Results, and Equity) represents a primary core value that forms a basis for ethical decision making within this ethical perspective (The Williams Institute for Ethics and Management, 2003). After completing the inventory my ethical perspective is most likely to be based on obligation, and my ethical perspective is least likely to be based on equity.

Character and virtue ethical perspective is based on the perspective on what it is good to be, rather than what it is good to do. A virtue is a state or disposition of a person. A virtue, unlike a mere habit, virtue is built up by making choices and exercised in the making of further choices. Character defines on who you are and what you will do when no one is looking. Those who are among the character side of the ethics inventory often see social inequalities exist in our society, not everyone has an equal opportunity to develop the virtues they value so highly. In ethical discussions, they may become frustrated as they begin to realize that not all people have similar values. Character and/or virtue approach to ethics calls for developing practical wisdom within individuals to serve as the basis for ethical decision making. This ethical style compels the individual to strive to be a person of wisdom and integrity (The Williams Institute for Ethics and Management, 2003).

Results and utilitarianism tend to base their ethical perspectives on the results or consequences of their actions. Utilitarianism is the meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome, the ends justify the means. Results ethics often result in the feeling that people who cling to the idealistic notion of protecting the interests of some minority of the population may stand in the way of achieving the good life for the majority. Those with this outlook may find that People they work with may not share the same ethical approach, thereby interfering with the ability to achieve the desired results (The Williams Institute for Ethics and Management, 2003).

Equity and relativism ethical perspective is the belief or concern for the instability of knowledge, the uncertainty of human judgment, and the lack of individuals who can truly qualify as experts in the discernment of what is right and what is wrong. Moral relativists hold that no universal standard exists by which to assess an ethical proposition's truth and they are accepting of other people's values and agree that there is no one "right" way of doing some things. Equity can face opposition because without the structure provided by established standards of right and wrong, it is difficult to justify the ethical decisions to others. Consensus becomes an arduous task (The Williams Institute for Ethics and Management, 2003).

Obligation and deontology, I saved this one for last because this explains my ethical perspective. I tend to base my ethical perspective on an individual's duty or obligation to do what is morally right - principles that represent what rational persons ought morally to do. I grew up in a very religious family and a lot of my personal beliefs follow me to this day. A lot of the decisions I am faced with are based out of my obligation to my personal beliefs. Even in times when I know I made the wrong decision, it eats me