Question

Your friend calls you and says he wants to talk to you about ethics in the workplace. You assume your friend is facing an ethical dilemma at his job. You know that means:

A. he has a moral choice to make involving the distinction of right and wrong
B. none of the above
C. what he knows should be done and his self-interests may be in conflict
D. he is unsure what rules, beliefs, & values specify what is right or wrong behavior
E. all of the above

Answer 1

An ethical dilemma in the workplace often involves conflicts between personal interest and moral duty, necessitating applied ethics to resolve. Various ethical theories offer different perspectives, such as Rawls' justice principle and the compassionate approach of care ethics.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering an ethical dilemma in the workplace, such as the scenario where a friend is unsure whether to act on their knowledge of a theft, we delve into applied ethics. This involves reflecting on the rightness of specific actions through moral deliberation and applying ethical principles.

Such dilemmas often involve a conflict between moral duty and self-interest, requiring careful consideration of various ethical theories. For example, John Rawls' theory of justice would suggest considering actions based on principles that support the moral good, like his maximum-minimum principle, in contrast to egoistic views that prioritize personal happiness.

In cases like the hypothetical medical issue, care ethics advocates for understanding all parties' viewpoints, suggesting that informed, collective decision-making, underscored by compassion and responsibility, should guide ethical resolutions in fields like medicine and nursing.