Understanding Ethics

Torbjoern Taennsjoe presents 7 radically different moral theories "e; utilitarianism, egoism, deontological ethics, the ethics of rights, virtue ethics, feminist ethics, environmental or ecological ethics "e; each of which attempts to provide the ultimate answ

More and more philosophers have advocated varieties of virtue-based ethics that challenge moral theory traditionally founded on moral obligation and the delineation of what is right or wrong in given situations. Virtue ethics, which focuses upon the character of moral agents more than on the moral status of their actions or the consequences of those actions, has become one of the most important and stimulating areas of contemporary ethical theory. "Understanding Virtue Ethics" is an accessible and lively introduction to the subject. It provides a broad overview of the history of virtue ethics from Aristotle to Nietzsche as well as examining the ideas of such contemporary writers as Ricoeur and Levinas. Major themes dealt with by moral theory are examined and how a virtue ethics approach to them differs from those of other traditions is explored. Practical problems of moral complexity such as abortion, euthanasia, and integrity in politics, and how they might be approached from a virtue perspective are considered. The charges of relativism and egoism that are often mounted against virtue ethics are rebutted and virtues that are especially relevant to contemporary life, namely, courage, taking responsibility, and reverence are examined in depth. Finally, the author argues that virtue ethics is highly relevant to our understanding of the moral dimensions of professional roles.

Filled with real-world case studies and examples of ethical dilemmas, Understanding Business Ethics, Third Edition prepares students and managers alike to make ethical decisions in today’s complex, global environment. Bestselling authors Peter A. Stanwick and Sarah D. Stanwick explain the fundamental importance of ethical leadership, decision making, and strategic planning while examining emerging trends in business ethics such as the developing world, human rights, environmental sustainability, and technology. In addition to presenting information related to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the text’s 26 real-world cases profile a variety of industries, countries, and ethical issues in a way that is relevant and meaningful to students’ lives. The Third Edition features new cases from well-known companies such as Disney and General Motors, new coverage of emerging topics such as big data and social media, expanded coverage of corporate social responsibility, and more. Using an applied approach, this text helps students understand why and how business ethics really do matter!

Ethics have a significant impact on the decisions you make in your day-to-day work, so it’s important for all nurses to develop their understanding of ethical frameworks as preparation for future practice. In this book, the author explains ethical ideas, theories and concepts in simple to understand terms, focussing on real-life nursing situations in order to make applying these principles to your practice easy. This book will make you consider your own values, and how ethics fit into who you are and how you behave, helping you to unlock this interesting and complex subject. Key features: · Fully mapped to the new NMC standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018) · A practical guide that explores how ethics applies to nursing and where theory fits in · Contains real work case studies with an emphasis on ethical decision making · Activities challenge you to reflect on your own values, experiences and prejudices and think about how ethics fits in with who you are and how you behave

We encounter ethical challenges on a day to day basis in matters that involve what we call ethical values. Some of these challenges affect us as individuals but seem beyond our power to influence, such as a political decision about whether our nation should go to war. Other momentous ethical questions confront us in particular situations, such as when a road accident leaves a loved one brain damaged and medical practitioners seek our permission to turn off life support. Understanding Ethics introduces the frameworks of moral philosophy to analyse contemporary moral issues and perennial human dilemmas.While the early chapters of ethical theory remain substantially the same, the rest of the book is expanded with updated references, new case studies and an improved index. The new edition examines particular issues which reflect many of the social, scientific and cultural changes of the last decade, especially in an Australian context.Understanding Ethics is constructed in three sections.Part A introduces the nature, language and frameworks of ethics concluding with a chapter on ethical decision-making.Part B explores topical applied ethics issues of interpersonal and social significance ranging through bioethics, sexual ethics, environmental ethics, business ethics, political ethics and questions of war and social justice.Part C considers how we learn ethics and cultivate a moral life by exploring ethics education in schools and the workplace and finally contains an examination of how we sustain our ethical commitments across a lifetime while experiencing constant change.Topics covered:The Planet and the Environment Global warming and energy policy Population and poverty Global citizenship and the Earth Charter Animal rightsBioethics Stem cell research and cloning Euthanasia Biotechnology and developing countriesProfessional Life and Workplaces The media and journalism Teachers, schools and values education Business ethicsPolitics and Policy-making Social justice in Australian society Public sector ethics Conflicts of interest and codes of conductLife, Love and Sexuality Honesty and truthtelling Same sex marriage SpiritualityWar, Terrorism and Violence Capital punishment War including 'just war' theory Terrorism and torture

Our new media landscape of social networking, blogging, and interactivity has forever changed how media content is produced and distributed. Choices about how to gather, evaluate and publish information are ever more complex. This blurring of boundaries between general public values and the values of media professionals has made media ethics an essential issue for media professionals, but also demonstrates how it must be intrinsically part of the wider public conversation. This book teaches students to navigate ethical questions in a digital society and apply ethical concepts and guidelines to their own practice. Using case studies, judgement call boxes and further reading, Understanding Media Ethics clarifies the moral concepts in media contexts, and enables students to apply them to practical decision making through real-life worked examples. Covering key topics such as media freedoms, censorship, privacy, standards, taste, regulation, codes of practice and the ethics of representation, this is an essential guide for students in journalism, media, communication and public relations.

This accessible introduction to religious ethics focuses on the major forms of moral reasoning encompassing the three ‘Abrahamic’ religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Draws on a range of moral issues, such as examples arising from friendship, marriage, homosexuality, lying, forgiveness and its limits, the death penalty, the environment, warfare, and the meaning of work, career, and vocation Looks at both ethical reasoning and importantly, how that reasoning reveals insights into a religious tradition Investigates the resources available to address common problems confronting Abrahamic faiths, and how each faith explains and defends its moral viewpoints Offering concrete topics for interfaith discussions, this is a timely and insightful introduction to a fast-growing field of interest