Final answer:
The highest degree of social responsibility is found in approaches that balance individual rights with community welfare, implement social programs, and encourage responsible corporate behavior. at considers community impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach characterized with the highest degree of social responsibility would be one that seeks a harmonious balance between individual rights and the welfare of the community. This is often achieved through government action and the adoption of ethical practices by corporations. An approach that combines the upholding of civil liberties with the creation and implementation of social programs, like those initiated in the New Deal and the Great Society, demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility. Additionally, corporations that take substantial responsibility for social, economic, and environmental problems, while also establishing ethical practices for emerging technologies, exhibit a high degree of social responsibility. As mentioned by Etzioni, the concept of social responsibility extends beyond the rights of individuals to also include their responsibilities towards society as a whole. Applying this to avenues of civic engagement in the U.S. government, such as participating in the democratic process or advocacy for policy changes, we can assess the effectiveness of different pathways in achieving social responsibility goals. The social contract is a philosophical concept that underlines the idea that individuals have moral and political obligations as members of society, which aligns closely with the principle of social responsibility. Moreover, frameworks like Utilitarianism, which advocate for actions that lead to the greatest happiness, incorporate the assessment of social responsibility by considering the impact of decisions on the broader community.