Ethics in Real Life

1. What connections can be made between the real-life example that you found, and the
theory you chose to focus on? Demonstrate the connection by attaching one or two
specific rules that are illustrated by the example. (5 marks)

The real-life example I have found relates to companies choosing to automate many of their
manufacturing jobs to increase profits, despite the resulting significant job losses for their
workers. With the real-life example of companies' decisions to automate jobs in order to
boost profits, I will be connecting it with the utilitarian principle that states that the most
ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. From a
utilitarian perspective, if the increased profits and efficiency generated by automation lead to
greater societal benefits (e.g. lower consumer prices, more investment, increased
productivity, etc.) which outweigh the negative impacts on the livelihoods, financial security,
and psychological well-being of the displaced workers, then the action could be deemed
ethically justified.

2. Do you think the example you found are actions that were morally right or morally
wrong? Why? Explain using connections to the ethical theories we learned in class.
(2 marks)

From a deontological standpoint, I believe it's morally wrong to prioritize company profits over
the fundamental human dignity and rights of employees. Even though there are other benefits
to replacing workers with robots or machines, such as increased productivity and a decrease
in errors, I still believe that this is an issue. You can't compare a robot to a human, it is clear
that a machine would be more efficient and productive because machines don’t tire from their
jobs, but how is the average human supposed to make money if more and more jobs are being
automated, putting workers off? The issues that workers would face if put off from work are
way too great, and only one side is benefiting here. Additionally, the virtue ethics framework
emphasizes the importance of moral character traits like justice, fairness, and concern for the
common good. These qualities appear to be lacking in the company's single-minded focus on
maximizing its own profits while disregarding the significant hardship imposed on its
workforce. Therefore, I believe that what they are doing is morally wrong. The substantial
harm caused to workers, such as financial issues and the struggles of finding a job in a
competitive market, outweighs the benefits and fails to uphold human dignity, rights, and the
common good.
 3. If you have an example that illustrates ‘immoral behaviour’ or any other behaviour that
society would deem unacceptable, hypothesize why someone chose an action that was
detrimental to society and possibly to themselves. For example, is it because the
difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ was ambivalent? Were the punishments too
lenient or the possibility of reward too high? Was the rule that was broken, only a rule
specifically to one moral system or social context? (5 marks)

When companies automate manufacturing jobs primarily to increase profits, despite the
significant job losses for their workers, we can explore several potential factors that may have
contributed to the morally questionable behavior. One factor to consider is the ambiguity
surrounding the "right" course of action. From a purely economic standpoint, the automation
of jobs can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability for companies. This
could be seen as a rational business decision that maximizes the company's value. However,
the ethical dilemma arises when the severe negative impact on the displaced workers'
livelihoods, financial security, and overall well-being is taken into account. The conflict
between the company's financial interests and the employees' fundamental needs and rights
creates a moral gray area, where the distinction between "right" and "wrong" isn't immediately
clear. Another relevant factor is the potential reward and gain. For companies, the rewards of
increased profits and efficiency from automation have been perceived as significantly
outweighing the risks or consequences of job losses. If the punishments or penalties for such
actions were not severe enough, or if the companies believed they could avoid significant
backlash or regulatory consequences, they may have been more confident in prioritizing their
financial interests over the welfare of their workers. Additionally, the specific social and
cultural context in which these decisions were made could have played a role. For example, if
prevailing economic and political systems placed a higher value on corporate profits and
shareholder returns than on worker protections and social welfare, the companies may have
felt justified in their actions, as they were operating within a framework that did not strongly
condemn such behavior. And since we live in a world that isn’t fair, more companies are given
the right to automate jobs.
 4. In a brief paragraph, summarize your research by presenting your assessment of ethics -
does understanding the theories and roots of ethics make it easier to choose the ‘good’
and the ‘right’ when faced with ethical dilemmas? If rules are universal, or if rules are not
universal - does that make you feel more secure in making a decision? (8 marks)

It is important to maintain a commitment to moral reasoning as it can guide individuals and

organizations towards making more ethically sound choices, especially in challenging and
ambiguous situations. The ethical dilemma surrounding companies automating jobs primarily
for profit emphasizes the significance of having a deep understanding of ethical theories and
principles. When individuals or organizations have a well-developed ethical framework
grounded in philosophical and moral reasoning, they are better equipped to navigate the
conflicting priorities inherent in many real-world ethical dilemmas. Understanding ethical
concepts, such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and the balancing of individual and
collective interests, provides a better foundation for making informed, principled decisions. By
considering various moral perspectives and potential consequences, decision-makers are less
likely to be swayed solely by short-term financial gains or narrow self-interest. Furthermore,
when it comes to decision-making, a rule being more universal can help individuals feel more
secure in their decisions because if something is a universal rule, it may be perceived as
ethical. Personally, If I ever found myself in this situation, I would be very upset. Knowing that
the job market is very competitive, it might take months for me to get a job. How would I be
able to pay off my debt, bills, etc.? I would be protesting for my rights because it's just not fair
for me to be let go from work because a robot does it better or that it benefits the company
more. I deserve to work and have a livelihood and income, not be replaced by a machine.
Works cited:

Lozinski, A. (2023, February 1). As layoffs and resignations continue: five reasons to
automate employee offboarding. SC Media.
https://www.scmagazine.com/perspective/as-layoffs-and-resignation-continue-five-rea
sons-to-automate-employee-offboarding

Ellingrud, K. (n.d.). The Upside Of Automation: New Jobs, Increased Productivity

And Changing Roles For Workers. Forbes. Retrieved June 1, 2024, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kweilinellingrud/2018/10/23/the-upside-of-automation-n
ew-jobs-increased-productivity-and-changing-roles-for-workers/?sh=7027e3c47df0

Manole, L. (n.d.). How Automation Helps Manufacturing Companies Grow Revenue.

Blog.isa.org.
https://blog.isa.org/how-automation-helps-manufacturing-companies-grow-revenue

Semuels, A. (2020, August 6). Millions of Americans Have Lost Jobs in the
Pandemic—and Robots and AI Are Replacing Them Faster than Ever. Time.
https://time.com/5876604/machines-jobs-coronavirus/

Jacobo, J. (2019, June 26). Robots could replace 20 million manufacturing jobs
worldwide by 2030: Report. ABC News; ABC News.
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/robots-replace-20-million-manufacturing-jobs-w
orldwide-2030/story?id=63958457