Introduction to Ethics

Ethics and Morality

"Ethics" originates from the Greek word "ethos," which mean he term to describe the study of
human character and behavior. The study of ethics can be traced back to ancient Greek
philosophy, specifically the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These thinkers inquired on
the nature of morality, the good life, and virtuous behavior. Ethics has changed over time,
including ideas from diverse philosophical traditions, religious perspectives, and cultural
situations.

The term "morality" is derived from the Latin word "moralitas," which is linked to "mos" or
"mores," meaning custom or habit. The root is related to the term "moral," which originally
meant "pertaining to manners or customs." Morality is a concept with ancient roots that may be
found in many different cultures and religions. Throughout history, moral philosophers have
debated the concepts of right and wrong, good and evil, and the principles that govern human
behavior. Religious literature, intellectual treatises, and cultural standards have all influenced
moral frameworks.

What is the difference between the two?

According to Gaffney (1979), the distinction is primarily between the realms of theory and
practice. Ethics is a set of ideas, principles, or convictions that determine what one deems good
and wrong in moral action, whereas morality is practical behavior as judged by one's notions
about right and wrong. Ethics refers to how one thinks about what is right and wrong, but
morality refers to real behavior based on whether it is right or wrong. For the purpose of this
course, both ethics and morality will be utilized interchangeably, keeping the distinction in mind
to avoid a category error.

What is Moral and Non-Moral?

Moral:

Actions, attitudes, or principles that fall within the realm of morality are termed "moral." These
are often concerned with questions of right and wrong, good and bad, virtuous and wicked
behaviour.

Moral considerations frequently include questions of justice, fairness, honesty, compassion, and
the well-being of individuals and groups. Ethical theories and frameworks offer help for
assessing moral behavior and making moral decisions.
Examples:

Example 1: Charitable Donation: Giving money to a charity to support a cause (such as

providing education to disadvantaged children) is a moral act. It entails considering the well-
being of others and wanting to contribute to a greater good.

Example 2: Honesty in Business: Choosing to be truthful in business interactions, even when it is

tempting to cheat for personal gain, is a moral decision. It exemplifies qualities like integrity,
justice, and trustworthiness.

Non-moral

Non-moral aspects of life or decision-making address issues that are not primarily concerned
with ethical considerations. These can include factual, practical, or personal preferences that do
not raise moral concerns.Non-moral decisions may concern personal taste, artistic preferences,
practical efficiency, or factual accuracy.

Non-moral decisions may not explicitly entail ethical concerns, but they can nonetheless have an
impact on moral acts or outcomes in specific situations. For example, judgments about resource
allocation or policy implementation may have moral consequences even if the originating
concerns are essentially non-moral.

Examples:

Example 1: Clothing Selection: Choosing what to wear based on personal style preferences or
comfort is not a moral decision. Individual clothing choices may express personal identity,
although they are generally not regarded right or bad.

Example 2: Choosing a Paint Color: Deciding what color to paint a room is a non-moral
decision. This decision is based on personal taste, aesthetics, and preferences, not ethical
considerations.

Moral Dilemmas

Moral dilemmas occur when individuals meet contradictory moral ideals, making it difficult to
choose the best course of action. In these cases, there is frequently a choice between two or more
solutions, each with competing ethical implications. Moral dilemmas can develop in a variety of
situations, posing challenges for those who seek to act in accordance with their moral beliefs.

Key Characteristics of a Moral Dilemma

  Conflict of Principles: Moral issues arise when core moral principles or ideals clash.
Individuals may feel torn between opposing roles, obligations, or ideals.
 No Clear-Cut Solution: Unlike simpler ethical judgments when the correct choice is
obvious, moral dilemmas provide situations in which each viable alternative has both
positive and negative ethical ramifications. There is no clear or unequivocal solution.
 Significant Consequences: Decisions taken in moral dilemmas frequently have serious
effects, and people may be forced to consider the potential costs and benefits of each
option.
 Personal Distress: Because it is difficult to make a decision that is consistent with their
moral convictions, people who are in moral quandaries may experience emotional
anguish, guilt, or inner struggle.

Some Examples of a Moral Dilemma

 The Trolley Problem: a classic philosophical thought experiment in which a runaway

trolley heads for five persons tied to a track. The choice is whether to transfer the trolley
to another track, where it will kill one person rather than five.
 The Lifeboat Scenario: A circumstance in which a limited-capacity lifeboat is
overcrowded and people must pick who to save and who to leave behind.
 Whistle Blowing: occurs when an employee detects unethical actions within their firm.
Reporting wrongdoing may benefit the larger good, but it may risk their own career and
the well-being of coworkers.
 End-of-Life Decisions: A family must decide whether to continue life-sustaining
treatment for a terminally sick loved one, weighing the desire to save life against
concerns about quality of life and dignity.

3 Levels of Moral Dilemma

1. Individual Dilemma/ Micro Level Dilemma

 An individual dilemma, also known as a personal or micro-level moral dilemma, is a

circumstance in which a person is confronted with conflicting moral principles or options
that have a direct impact on their own life or the lives of a few persons in their immediate
vicinity. These challenges are often lower in magnitude than those at the organizational
or social level. Micro-level moral dilemmas are frequently focused on personal and
individual decisions. They are decisions made by individuals in their daily lives that
handle specific situations involving a small number of others. The implications of micro-
level moral quandaries are typically immediate and have a direct influence on the people
involved.
Examples:

Honesty vs. Self-Interest: A person discovers a mistake on a bill or receipt that benefits them.
They must decide whether to call out the error or benefit from it.

Confidentiality Dilemma: Someone learns sensitive information about a friend or coworker but is
sworn to secrecy. They must decide whether to keep the information private or to distribute it for
the common benefit.

Loyalty Conflict: A person is split between defending a close friend or family member in a
quarrel and being open about their actions or thoughts.

2. Organizational Dilemma/Meso Level Dilemma

 Meso-level moral difficulties have a greater reach than micro-level dilemmas. They
expand beyond individual interactions to include group dynamics and organizational
environments. These dilemmas may entail decisions shaped by institutional or
organizational rules, conventions, and practices. The implications of meso-level moral
quandaries touch groups of people within an organization or community, not just
individuals. Balancing the requirements and interests of various stakeholders is critical.

Examples:

Whistleblowing in the workplace: occurs when an employee detects unethical practices within
the firm. They must decide whether to blow the whistle on misconduct, risking reprisal, or to
remain silent to prevent unfavorable consequences.

Fair Employment behaviors: An organization must establish hiring, promotion, and remuneration
rules that promote justice and equality while addressing potential biases or discriminatory
behaviors.

Product Safety and Transparency: A corporation learns about potential safety risks with one of
its products. The company is torn between recalling the goods, which could result in financial
losses, and downplaying the problem, which could affect customers.

3. Macro Level Dilemma

 Moral dilemmas at the macro level have far-reaching consequences for societies,
communities, and even entire populations. They involve decisions that go beyond
individual or organizational borders. These quandaries frequently include decisions
regarding public policy, governance, human rights, and social justice. They necessitate
 consideration of the bigger ramifications for entire societies or perhaps the global
community. Macro-level moral dilemmas are distinguished by their intricate
interconnectivity, and decisions can have far-reaching and long-term implications.

Examples:

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Balancing economic development with

environmental protection and reducing the effects of climate change. The importance of
sustainable practices, international cooperation, and ethical responsibility in combating
environmental deterioration for the benefit of present and future generations.

Migration and Refugee Crisis: Responding to the ethical issues created by forced migration,
refugees, and asylum seekers while taking into account humanitarian concerns and national
security considerations. Balancing the obligation to provide sanctuary for people in need against
concerns about border control, national resources, and social cohesion.