Ethics

Rose Ann V. Galope Chapter 5

BSA 4-1 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Philosopher | Ethical Theories and Principles |

1. Immanuel Kant (April 22, 1724- February 12, 1804) * Born in Konigsberg Germany * Went to Collegium Fredericarium and University of Konigsberg | KANTIAN ETHICS * His works include: The Critique of Pure Reason, The Prologomena, The Foundations of The metaphysics of Morals, The Critique of Practical Reason, The Critique of Judgement, and Religion Within the Limits of Pure Reasons * Moral Rationalism: Reason is “the be all and end all”. All truths and all knowledge are derived from human reason. “We must do good, because we must, it is our duty to obey immediately without questioning.” * Categorical Imperative: an unconditional obligation, or an obligation that we have regardless of our will or desires.Formula of Universal Law/Principle of Universalizability: “Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it becomes a universal law.Formula of Humanity/Principle of Humanity: “Act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.”Formula of Autonomy: Synthesis of the previous two. We should so act that we may think of ourselves as legitating universal laws though our maxims. * Deontological Ethics: We have universal duties, despite one’s subjective imperative that seek to fulfil one’s own inclinations or happiness instead of these duties. |

2. Niccolo Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 –June 21, 1527) * Born in Florence, Italy * Italian essayist, dramatist, historian, sketch writer, biographer, dialogist, writer of novels and poet | MACHIAVELLIAN PRINCIPLE * Two books: The Discourses: He wrote approvingly of the Roman Republic, expressing enthusiasm for self-government and liberty. The Prince: Emphasis on the need for an absolute monarch. “The end justifies the means.” Sometimes people...