PHIL 2135 Midterm: CU1: Background Assumptions for Ethics
Document Summary
Some background considerations for the study of business and professional ethics: necessary background assumptions and beliefs for the study of business and professional ethics. Belief that business (and the professions) are inherently worthwhile and have an ethical right to exist. Belief that business (and the professions) can be conducted either ethically or unethically, and that this matters. Acceptance of the view or maxim, held by most ethicists, that ought implies can. Acceptance of the centrality of economic (and other) facts and considerations for any account of business or professional ethics. Belief that the study of business and professional ethics can be beneficial to the ethical status and operation of business and the professions. Willingness to consider different ethical issues, theories, beliefs, and points of view, and to draw conclusions. The following (plus others) have been proposed by various philosophers and ethicists (see s&b for others: universality. Ethical judgments and principles/theories should apply to everyone everywhere.
