Welcome to Applied Ethics!
In this chapter, we take the ethical theories you’ve already studied—like Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, and Utilitarianism—and put them to work. We’ll be looking at two major areas: Euthanasia and Business Ethics. Don’t worry if these topics feel heavy or complex at first; we’re going to break them down into simple pieces together!
Section 1: Euthanasia
The word Euthanasia comes from the Greek words meaning "good death." In modern terms, it refers to ending a person’s life to relieve them from suffering, usually due to a terminal or incurable illness.
Key Concepts to Know
- Sanctity of Life: This is a religious idea. It’s the belief that human life is created in God’s image (imago dei) and is therefore sacred. Because God gave life, only God should take it away.
- Quality of Life: This is a more secular (non-religious) idea. It suggests that for a life to have value, it must possess certain attributes, like being free from extreme pain or having the ability to think and communicate.
- Voluntary Euthanasia: When a person’s life is ended at their own request or with their clear consent. Example: A patient with terminal cancer asking a doctor for help to die.
- Non-voluntary Euthanasia: When a person’s life is ended without their consent because they are unable to give it, but someone representing their interests (like a family member) makes the decision. This often applies to patients in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS).
Applying the Theories
1. Natural Law (The "Strict" Approach)
Natural Law generally says "No" to euthanasia. Why? Because one of its Primary Precepts is the Preservation of Life. Ending a life, even to stop pain, breaks this rule. It also goes against our natural telos (purpose) to live and thrive.
Quick Review: Think of Natural Law as a rigid set of tracks—you can't just hop off them because the journey gets bumpy.
2. Situation Ethics (The "Compassionate" Approach)
Situation Ethics focuses on agape (selfless love). Joseph Fletcher argued that if the most loving thing to do is to end someone’s suffering, then euthanasia might be the right choice. It follows the principle of Personalism—putting the needs of the person above the strictness of the law.
Don't Fall into This Trap!
Common Mistake: Students often confuse non-voluntary with involuntary euthanasia. Involuntary means the person wanted to live but was killed anyway (which is murder). Non-voluntary means we don't know what they wanted because they can't tell us.
Key Takeaway:
The debate usually boils down to whether life is sacred (Sanctity) or whether it must be enjoyable/meaningful to be worth living (Quality).
Section 2: Business Ethics
Can a big corporation be "good"? Business ethics looks at how companies should behave toward their employees, customers, and the environment.
Key Concepts to Know
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The idea that a business has a responsibility to the stakeholders (anyone affected by the business), not just the shareholders (the owners). Example: A clothing brand ensuring their factories pay fair wages.
- Whistle-blowing: When an employee reports wrongdoing or illegal activity within their company to the public or higher authorities.
- Good Ethics is Good Business: The theory that being ethical actually helps a company make more profit in the long run because customers trust them more.
- Globalisation: The way the world's economies and cultures are becoming more integrated. This raises ethical issues, like whether it's okay to move a factory to a country with fewer safety laws to save money.
Applying the Theories
1. Kantian Ethics (The "Duty" Approach)
Kant believed we should act out of duty. In business, this means:
1. Never treat people merely as a means to an end: You can't exploit workers just to get rich. They are human beings with their own value.
2. The Categorical Imperative: If you wouldn't want every business to lie to their customers, then your business shouldn't lie either.
2. Utilitarianism (The "Balance" Approach)
Utilitarianism looks at the consequences. It asks: "Does this action create the greatest good for the greatest number?"
Example: A company might decide to close a small local shop to open a giant warehouse. A Utilitarian would weigh the sadness of the shop workers against the thousands of jobs and cheaper prices the warehouse provides.
Memory Aid: The "Stakeholder" Sandwich
Think of a business as a sandwich. The Owners are the top bread, the Employees are the filling, and the Customers/Community are the bottom bread. To have a "good" sandwich (business), you need to take care of every layer!
Quick Review Box:
Whistle-blowing: Reporting the boss for breaking rules.CSR: Doing more than just making money—helping society.
Kant: "Do your duty and respect people."
Utilitarianism: "Do what makes the most people happy."
A Point to Ponder
Is Corporate Social Responsibility just "window-dressing"? Some people argue that companies only pretend to be ethical to hide their greed and make more profit. This is a great point to include in your essays!
Key Takeaway:
Business ethics asks if a company's main goal should be profit or people. Kant says people; Utilitarians say whichever creates the most happiness.
Final Tips for Success
When answering exam questions on Applied Ethics, always try to use real-world examples. If you are talking about business ethics, mention Fairtrade or a famous whistle-blowing case. If you are talking about euthanasia, mention the Sanctity of Life. It shows the examiner you understand how these theories work in the real world!
You've got this! Keep practicing applying these theories, and they will start to feel like second nature.