Final answer:
Ethicists Thomas Donaldson and Thomas Dunfee define hypernorms as universal ethical principles, with human rights, truthfulness, and environmental sustainability being considered examples of such hypernorms due to their wide acceptance and application as fundamental ethical standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to ethicists Thomas Donaldson and Thomas Dunfee, hypernorms are fundamental principles that are so universally accepted that they serve as a global standard of ethical behavior in business and other arenas. Examples of hypernorms include human rights, truthfulness, and environmental sustainability. These elements represent basic standards of ethical practice that are considered to be valid across cultures and societies, acting as a guide for multinational corporations and global business transactions.
Loyalty, while important, is not typically considered a hypernorm because it can be more culturally specific and can sometimes conflict with other ethical principles. In contrast, hypernorms like human rights and truthfulness are seen as non-negotiable moral thresholds that provide a foundation for other moral norms and business practices, ensuring respect and fairness across the global community.