Approaches to Ethical Decision Making

Approaches to Ethical Decision Making

Introduction

There are number of different methods for determining an appropriate ethical course of action in a scenario; however, every method is not effective in all circumstances. Since all ethical frameworks are not suitable in the same way, therefore, beyond understanding how to apply a certain ethical framework, it is quite essential that an appropriate course of action must be chosen. This paper will evaluate the suitability of the ethical course of action I chose for the ethical decision making in three particular scenarios; and whether or not the logic for that course of action seems sensible. The philosophical approaches for each of the scenarios will be critically analyzed.

Discussion

The consequentialist theory helps one to focus on the results of the decision rather than the action itself to determine what is right and what is wrong (Brink, 2005). Whereas the deontological theory advocates that each individual make the ethically right decision in conformity with the universal standards which can be thought of as “duty” (Waller, 2005). Therefore, it is clear that both these theories are concerned with results rather than actions, however, the consequentialist theory leaves room for bad or negative and positive results but the deontological theory is absolute as it recognizes only the right decision.

Scenario 1

In the perspective of three philosophical approaches in EDM, I believe that course of action outlined in consequentialism seems most appropriate one in this scenario. The decision of acceptance of proposal and, rebuilding and relocation of the nursing home was to make it certain that no one gets left behind. The future development site is where a recreation center and nursing home is located; however, the mayor could demolish the nursing home and recreational center and built them somewhere else in the town. The new development will pull in revenue from tourism along with a great deal of job openings; a portion of the revenue gained from the resort and mall can pay off the cost for relocation of senior citizens and the employees. In this way, the community would get an economic boost with the relocation of recreation and nursing home; thus, favorable consequences of decision outweigh its negative ones. However, in case of no relocation and re- building of nursing home and recreation center, I strongly believe that Mayor should not approve the proposal.

Scenario 2

In the case of Catalina, I believed earlier the theory of deontology as the most appropriate ethical decision because she has a compulsion to her co- workers. She should report the three extra sales in this situation and then cancel them. Unlike her co-workers, she did not meet her sale quota, and if she did not report the sales, other team members would receive no bonuses, vacations, and new equipment. Why should her co-workers suffer due to her failure in meeting sales target? However, when I re- evaluate my course of action, then, it seems morally wrong for Catalina to report sales that she did not make, even if she ...