1. Explore and comprehend diverse ethical frameworks and
philosophies.
Ethical frameworks and philosophies provide different lenses
through which to understand and evaluate moral dilemmas and decisions. Here, I'll explore some of the most prominent ethical frameworks:
1. **Utilitarianism**: This consequentialist theory, advocated
by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, suggests that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It focuses on the consequences of actions rather than their inherent nature. Utilitarianism often involves weighing the benefits and harms of different courses of action and choosing the one that produces the greatest net happiness.
2. **Deontology**: Deontological ethics, championed by
Immanuel Kant, emphasizes moral rules or duties that are inherently binding, regardless of their consequences. According to Kant, actions are morally right if they conform to a set of universalizable principles, such as the categorical imperative. Deontology prioritizes the intentions behind actions and the inherent moral worth of certain principles, rather than solely focusing on outcomes.
3. **Virtue Ethics**: This ethical framework, rooted in the
works of Aristotle, focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than specific actions or consequences. Virtue ethicists argue that cultivating virtuous traits, such as courage, honesty, and compassion, leads to ethical behavior. The emphasis is on developing moral character and living a virtuous life rather than adhering to strict rules or maximizing utility.
4. **Ethical Egoism**: Ethical egoism holds that individuals
should act in their self-interest. This perspective suggests that individuals prioritize their well-being and happiness above the interests of others. While it may seem selfish at first glance, ethical egoists argue that promoting one's self-interest can ultimately lead to the greatest overall benefit, as each individual knows their desires and needs best. 5. **Religious Ethics**: Many ethical systems are grounded in religious beliefs and teachings. These may include principles derived from sacred texts, religious leaders, or divine commandments. Different religions have their moral codes and guidelines for behavior, which followers are expected to uphold. Examples include Christian ethics, Islamic ethics, Buddhist ethics, and Hindu ethics.
6. **Feminist Ethics**: Feminist ethics critiques traditional
ethical theories for their often male-centered perspectives and advocates for ethics that incorporate the experiences and perspectives of women and marginalized groups. It emphasizes relational and contextual aspects of morality, focusing on issues such as care, empathy, justice, and power dynamics in relationships.
the moral relationship between humans and the natural world. It explores questions about the intrinsic value of nature, humans' responsibilities toward the environment, and sustainable ways of living. Environmental ethicists may draw from various philosophical traditions, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, to address environmental issues.
These frameworks provide different ways of thinking about
ethics and offer diverse perspectives on what constitutes morally right or wrong behavior. Depending on the situation, individuals may find one framework more compelling or applicable than others or draw on multiple frameworks to inform their ethical reasoning. Types of Ethics:
2. Investigate and analyze different classifications and
theories of ethics. Ethics can be classified and understood through various theories and classifications. Here are some key classifications and theories of ethics:
1. **Metaethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics**: This
is a common classification used to categorize different areas of ethical inquiry: - **Metaethics**: Examines the nature of ethics itself, including questions about the meaning of moral language, the existence of moral facts, and the foundations of moral judgments. - **Normative Ethics**: Concerned with identifying the moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. It includes theories like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which provide frameworks for determining what actions are morally permissible or obligatory. - **Applied Ethics**: Focuses on the application of ethical principles to specific issues or areas of life, such as bioethics, environmental ethics, business ethics, and medical ethics.
2. **Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics**: These
are major normative ethical theories that offer different approaches to determining the morality of actions: - **Consequentialism**: Judges the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. The most well-known form of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which holds that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. - **Deontology**: Emphasizes moral rules, duties, or principles that are inherently binding, regardless of their consequences. Actions are judged based on their conformity to moral rules or principles, such as Kant's categorical imperative. - **Virtue Ethics**: Focuses on the character of the moral agent and emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous traits or qualities. Virtue ethicists argue that moral behavior arises from the development of virtues like honesty, courage, and compassion. 3. **Ethical Relativism and Ethical Objectivism**: These are metaethical theories that address the nature of moral truth: - **Ethical Relativism**: Asserts that moral principles are relative to cultural, societal, or individual perspectives. According to relativism, there are no universal or objective moral truths; instead, moral judgments are culturally or individually determined. - **Ethical Objectivism**: Posits that there are objective moral truths that hold universally, independently of cultural or individual perspectives. Objectivist theories may ground moral truths in reason, human nature, divine commandments, or other sources.
4. **Teleological Ethics and Deontological Ethics**: This
classification distinguishes between theories based on their focus on ends or means: - **Teleological Ethics**: Focuses on the ends or outcomes of actions. Consequentialist theories like utilitarianism fall under this category, as they prioritize achieving certain goals or maximizing value. - **Deontological Ethics**: Emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences. Deontological theories like Kantian ethics focus on moral duties and principles that guide actions, rather than the outcomes they produce.
5. **Ethical Absolutism, Relativism, and Pluralism**: These
classifications categorize ethical theories based on their stance toward moral universality and diversity: - **Ethical Absolutism**: Asserts that certain moral principles or rules hold universally and apply in all circumstances. Absolutists maintain that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of cultural or situational factors. - **Ethical Relativism**: Holds that moral truths are relative to context, culture, or individual perspectives. Relativists deny the existence of universal moral principles and emphasize the diversity of moral codes across societies. - **Ethical Pluralism**: Recognizes the existence of multiple valid ethical perspectives or principles. Pluralists argue that different moral frameworks may be applicable in different contexts or for different individuals, and there is no single correct approach to ethics.
These classifications and theories provide frameworks for
understanding and analyzing ethical issues from various perspectives, offering insights into the nature of morality and guiding ethical decision-making in diverse contexts.
Human Rights and Their Implications:
3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948,
with special emphasis on Article 2, and examine its significance and implications.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a
milestone document in the history of human rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the UDHR sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Article 2 of the UDHR is particularly significant as it articulates the principle of non-discrimination, a cornerstone of human rights law. Here is the text of Article 2:
"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in
this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."
The significance and implications of Article 2 of the UDHR are
profound:
1. **Principle of Equality**: Article 2 underscores the principle
of equality by affirming that all individuals are entitled to human rights without discrimination of any kind. It rejects discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. This principle reflects the belief that all human beings possess inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their characteristics or circumstances. 2. **Universal Application**: Article 2 establishes that human rights are universal and apply to all individuals, irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other characteristic. It emphasizes that human rights belong to everyone by virtue of their humanity alone, and governments have a duty to respect, protect, and fulfill these rights for all people within their jurisdiction.
3. **Legal Obligations**: Article 2 imposes legal obligations on
states to ensure the non-discriminatory enjoyment of human rights. Governments are obligated to adopt laws, policies, and measures that prevent and address discrimination in all its forms, both in law and in practice. This includes combating systemic discrimination and addressing inequalities that undermine the realization of human rights for certain groups or individuals.
4. **Protection of Vulnerable Groups**: Article 2 protects
vulnerable and marginalized groups from discrimination and ensures their equal access to rights and opportunities. By prohibiting discrimination based on various grounds such as race, gender, religion, and social origin, it aims to address historical injustices, promote social inclusion, and empower disadvantaged communities.
5. **Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion**: Article 2 promotes
diversity, pluralism, and inclusion by recognizing the equal worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their differences. It fosters a culture of respect, tolerance, and acceptance of diversity within societies, contributing to social cohesion, peace, and stability.
6. **Global Normative Framework**: Article 2 of the UDHR
has served as a foundation for the development of international human rights law and has influenced national constitutions, laws, and policies around the world. It has inspired subsequent human rights treaties, declarations, and conventions that further elaborate on the principle of non-discrimination and expand the scope of protected rights.
In summary, Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights is a crucial provision that enshrines the principle of non-discrimination and underscores the universal and indivisible nature of human rights. It emphasizes the equal worth and dignity of all individuals and calls upon states to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights without discrimination. By upholding this principle, societies can strive towards greater equality, justice, and respect for human dignity. Ethics in Real-life and Business Applications:
4. Examine the practical applications of ethics in real-life
scenarios and business contexts. Ethics play a vital role in guiding decision-making and behavior in both real-life scenarios and business contexts. Here are some practical applications of ethics in these settings:
1. **Decision-Making**: Ethical considerations often come into
play when individuals or organizations are faced with decisions that have moral implications. For example, in a business context, leaders may need to decide whether to prioritize short-term profits or long-term sustainability, whether to disclose information to stakeholders transparently, or how to treat employees fairly during times of organizational change. Ethical decision-making frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, or virtue ethics, can help individuals and organizations weigh different factors and arrive at morally defensible choices.
2. **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)**: Many businesses
recognize the importance of acting ethically and responsibly toward society and the environment. Corporate social responsibility initiatives involve activities such as philanthropy, environmental sustainability efforts, ethical sourcing practices, and community engagement. Ethical considerations guide companies in aligning their business practices with broader social and environmental goals, thereby contributing positively to society while also enhancing their reputation and brand value.
3. **Employee Relations**: Ethical principles inform how
organizations interact with their employees, ensuring fair treatment, respect for human dignity, and adherence to labor laws and standards. Ethical practices in employee relations include providing a safe and healthy work environment, offering fair compensation and benefits, fostering diversity and inclusion, promoting work-life balance, and providing opportunities for professional development and advancement. By prioritizing ethical behavior toward employees, organizations can enhance employee morale, loyalty, and productivity.
4. **Customer Relations**: Ethical considerations are central to
building trust and maintaining positive relationships with customers. Businesses must provide accurate information about their products or services, deliver on promises made to customers, respect consumer privacy and data protection rights, and ensure fair pricing and marketing practices. Ethical behavior toward customers fosters loyalty, enhances reputation, and contributes to long-term success and sustainability.
5. **Supplier and Partner Relationships**: Ethical sourcing
practices involve selecting suppliers and business partners who adhere to ethical standards and values, such as respect for human rights, labor rights, and environmental sustainability. By conducting due diligence on suppliers and engaging in fair and transparent business dealings, organizations can mitigate risks related to unethical behavior in the supply chain and uphold their ethical commitments. 6. **Regulatory Compliance**: Ethics intersect with legal and regulatory compliance requirements, guiding businesses to operate within the bounds of the law and uphold ethical standards even when regulations are lacking or ambiguous. Organizations are expected to comply with laws and regulations related to areas such as consumer protection, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and corporate governance, while also considering broader ethical principles and societal expectations.
7. **Crisis Management**: Ethical principles guide how
organizations respond to crises or controversies, such as product recalls, ethical breaches, or public scandals. Transparent communication, accountability, taking responsibility for mistakes, and making amends are key aspects of ethical crisis management. By handling crises ethically, organizations can mitigate reputational damage, rebuild trust with stakeholders, and demonstrate a commitment to ethical values.
In summary, ethics have practical applications in various aspects
of real-life scenarios and business contexts, guiding decision-making, shaping behavior, and contributing to organizational success, sustainability, and social responsibility. Integrating ethical considerations into business practices fosters trust, strengthens relationships with stakeholders, and enhances long-term value creation.
Relation Between Ethics, Science, and Relativism:
5. Investigate the interconnectedness between ethics,
scientific inquiry, and relativistic perspectives.
The interconnectedness between ethics, scientific inquiry, and
relativistic perspectives is complex and multifaceted, involving both philosophical and practical considerations. Here's an exploration of how these elements are interconnected:
1. **Ethics in Scientific Inquiry**:
- Ethical considerations are integral to scientific research, guiding researchers in conducting studies responsibly, transparently, and with integrity. - Ethical principles such as honesty, objectivity, respect for research participants, and consideration of potential societal impacts inform decisions about research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results. - Ethical guidelines and codes of conduct, such as those established by institutional review boards (IRBs) and professional organizations, provide frameworks for addressing ethical dilemmas and ensuring that research adheres to moral standards.
2. **Relativistic Perspectives in Scientific Inquiry**:
- Relativistic perspectives acknowledge the contextual and subjective nature of scientific knowledge, recognizing that scientific theories and interpretations are influenced by cultural, historical, and individual factors. - The theory of relativity in physics, for example, challenges absolute notions of space and time, suggesting that measurements and observations depend on the observer's frame of reference. - In social sciences and humanities, relativistic perspectives highlight the importance of cultural relativism, recognizing that beliefs, values, and norms vary across cultures and contexts, shaping how individuals perceive and interpret the world. 3. **Ethical Implications of Relativistic Perspectives**: - Relativistic perspectives raise ethical questions about cultural diversity, moral pluralism, and the universality of ethical principles. - Ethical relativism, the view that moral truths are relative to cultural or individual perspectives, challenges the idea of universal moral norms and raises questions about cultural imperialism and ethnocentrism. - Ethical relativism prompts reflection on issues such as cultural sensitivity, tolerance, and the need to engage in cross-cultural dialogue to understand and respect diverse ethical perspectives.
4. **Ethical Challenges in Addressing Relativistic
Perspectives**: - Ethical dilemmas arise when cultural relativism conflicts with universal human rights principles, such as those articulated in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. - Balancing respect for cultural diversity with the promotion of fundamental human rights requires careful consideration of cultural contexts, power dynamics, and the potential for harm to vulnerable individuals or groups. - Ethical approaches such as cosmopolitanism advocate for a middle ground between absolutism and relativism, emphasizing the importance of universal values and human dignity while also recognizing the legitimacy of diverse cultural perspectives.
5. **Ethics and Reflexivity in Scientific Inquiry**:
- Reflexivity, the process of critically examining one's own assumptions, biases, and values, is essential in both ethical decision-making and scientific inquiry. - Ethical reflexivity encourages researchers to reflect on their ethical responsibilities, power dynamics, and potential biases that may influence their research process and outcomes. - Scientific reflexivity involves questioning and critically evaluating scientific theories, methods, and paradigms, recognizing that scientific knowledge is provisional and subject to revision in light of new evidence or perspectives.
In summary, ethics, scientific inquiry, and relativistic
perspectives are interconnected in complex ways, with each influencing and shaping the others. Ethical considerations guide responsible scientific conduct, while relativistic perspectives challenge absolutist notions of knowledge and morality, prompting reflection on cultural diversity and universal ethical principles. Reflexivity plays a critical role in navigating ethical dilemmas and promoting integrity and rigor in both ethical decision-making and scientific inquiry.
Environmental Ethics and Social Justice:
6. Explore the ethical considerations surrounding
environmental issues and their intersection with principles of social justice.
Environmental issues and social justice are deeply intertwined.
Here's a breakdown of the ethical considerations at this intersection: **Environmental Issues and Unequal Burdens:**
* **Pollution and Resource Depletion:** Pollution from
factories and waste often disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. Resource depletion, like deforestation, can displace indigenous communities and limit access to clean water and food. These burdens are often borne by those who contribute least to the environmental problems. * **Climate Change Impact:** The effects of climate change, like extreme weather events and rising sea levels, often hit marginalized communities harder. Those with fewer resources struggle to adapt and recover from disasters.
**Social Justice and Environmental Protection:**
* **Right to a Healthy Environment:** Everyone has a right to
live in a healthy environment. This principle emphasizes the need for policies that protect the environment for all, not just the privileged few. * **Access to Resources and Sustainability:** Social justice principles advocate for equitable access to clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable food production. This ensures everyone can live a healthy life without further degrading the environment. * **Intergenerational Justice:** Our actions today should not come at the expense of future generations. We have an ethical responsibility to protect the environment so future generations can inherit a healthy planet.
**Examples of Ethical Dilemmas:**
* **Building a dam:** A dam might provide electricity for a
growing population, but it could also displace communities and disrupt ecosystems. Finding a balance between development and environmental protection is key. * **Extracting resources:** Mining resources might create jobs and boost the economy, but it can also pollute water sources and harm local communities. Balancing economic needs with environmental and social justice concerns is crucial.
**Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making:**
The ethical frameworks you mentioned can be applied to environmental issues with a social justice lens:
* **Utilitarianism:** Can a project create lasting benefits for
most people, or will it benefit a few at the expense of the environment and marginalized communities? * **Rights-Based Ethics:** Does a project respect the rights of all people to a healthy environment and a sustainable future? * **Care-Based Ethics:** Does a project prioritize the well-being of all communities and the environment, fostering long-term sustainability and care for the planet?
**Moving Forward:**
* **Environmental justice movements** around the world are
working to ensure that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with social justice. * **Sustainable development** focuses on meeting economic needs without compromising environmental health or social equity. By considering the ethical connections between environmental issues and social justice, we can work towards solutions that benefit everyone and create a more sustainable future for all.
Ethical Decision Making:
7. Study the process of ethical decision-making and its
importance in personal, professional, and societal contexts.
Ethical decision-making is a systematic process of considering
moral principles, values, and consequences to determine the right course of action in a given situation. It is crucial in personal, professional, and societal contexts for several reasons:
1. **Clarifying Values and Principles**: Ethical
decision-making involves reflecting on one's values, beliefs, and ethical principles. By clarifying what is important to us, we can better navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with our core values. 2. **Promoting Integrity and Trust**: Ethical decision-making fosters integrity and trust in personal, professional, and societal relationships. When individuals and organizations consistently make ethical choices, they demonstrate honesty, reliability, and accountability, which are essential for building trust and credibility.
3. **Protecting Rights and Dignity**: Ethical decision-making
ensures the protection of individual rights, dignity, and well-being. By considering the potential impact of decisions on others, we can avoid harming or violating the rights of others and promote respect for human dignity.
4. **Preventing Harm and Minimizing Risks**: Ethical
decision-making involves assessing the potential consequences of actions and minimizing harm to others. By considering the ethical implications of our choices, we can identify and mitigate potential risks and prevent harm to individuals, communities, and the environment. 5. **Fostering Fairness and Justice**: Ethical decision-making promotes fairness, justice, and equity in personal, professional, and societal contexts. By treating people with fairness and impartiality, we contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources.
6. **Building Responsible Citizenship**: Ethical
decision-making cultivates responsible citizenship and civic engagement. By actively considering the ethical dimensions of our actions and advocating for ethical principles in our communities, we contribute to the common good and promote positive social change.
7. **Enhancing Reputation and Leadership**: Ethical
decision-making enhances individual and organizational reputation and leadership effectiveness. When leaders demonstrate ethical behavior and decision-making, they inspire trust and respect among their peers, employees, and stakeholders, leading to greater influence and positive outcomes. 8. **Navigating Ethical Dilemmas**: Ethical decision-making provides a framework for navigating complex ethical dilemmas and resolving conflicts of values or interests. By systematically analyzing ethical considerations and weighing competing principles, individuals and organizations can arrive at morally defensible decisions.
9. **Contributing to Sustainable Development**: Ethical
decision-making contributes to sustainable development by balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities. By considering the long-term consequences of actions and striving for ethical outcomes, we can promote sustainability and address pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
10. **Upholding Ethical Standards and Legal Compliance**:
Ethical decision-making ensures compliance with ethical standards, codes of conduct, and legal requirements in personal, professional, and societal contexts. By adhering to ethical principles and fulfilling ethical obligations, individuals and organizations uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
In summary, ethical decision-making is essential for promoting
integrity, trust, fairness, justice, and responsibility in personal, professional, and societal contexts. By considering ethical principles, values, and consequences, individuals and organizations can navigate complex moral challenges, protect human rights, and contribute to the common good.
Social Responsibility:
8. Analyze both individual and corporate social responsibility,
exploring their significance and impact on communities and society as a whole. Individual and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are both important concepts that contribute to the well-being of communities and society as a whole, albeit through different avenues and scales. Let's explore each concept and its significance:
**Individual Social Responsibility (ISR)**:
1. **Volunteerism and Philanthropy**: Individuals engage in
volunteer work and philanthropic activities to address social issues and contribute to community development. This could involve volunteering at a local shelter, donating to charitable organizations, or participating in community service projects.
2. **Ethical Consumerism**: ISR encompasses making ethical
choices as consumers, such as supporting environmentally friendly products, fair trade practices, and socially responsible companies. By voting with their wallets, individuals can influence corporate behavior and promote sustainable and ethical business practices. 3. **Advocacy and Activism**: Individuals advocate for social causes and participate in activism to raise awareness, mobilize support, and drive positive change on issues such as human rights, environmental conservation, and social justice. This could involve participating in protests, signing petitions, or engaging in grassroots organizing efforts.
participating in community initiatives, neighborhood associations, and civic organizations to address local concerns, build social capital, and foster community resilience. This could include volunteering for neighborhood clean-up efforts, participating in local governance, or organizing community events.
5. **Personal Conduct and Ethics**: At its core, ISR involves
behaving ethically and responsibly in one's personal and professional life. This includes treating others with respect and dignity, acting with integrity, and upholding moral principles in decision-making. **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)**:
1. **Environmental Stewardship**: Corporations engage in
CSR initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental footprint, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices. This could involve implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste and emissions, and investing in renewable energy sources.
2. **Social Impact and Community Development**:
Corporations invest in CSR programs and partnerships to address social issues, improve quality of life, and promote economic development in communities where they operate. This could include funding education and healthcare initiatives, supporting local businesses, and providing job training and employment opportunities.
3. **Ethical Business Practices**: CSR entails conducting
business ethically and responsibly, adhering to legal and ethical standards, and promoting transparency and accountability in corporate governance. This includes respecting human rights, labor standards, and fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.
4. **Corporate Philanthropy and Giving**: Many corporations
engage in philanthropic activities and charitable giving to support nonprofit organizations, humanitarian causes, and community projects. This could involve donating a portion of profits to charitable foundations, sponsoring events and programs, or providing in-kind donations.
5. **Employee Well-being and Diversity**: CSR extends to
promoting the well-being, safety, and diversity of employees within the organization. This includes offering fair wages and benefits, ensuring safe working conditions, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and providing opportunities for professional development and advancement.
**Significance and Impact**:
1. **Community Development**: Both ISR and CSR contribute
to community development by addressing social needs, promoting economic growth, and enhancing quality of life for individuals and families. They play a vital role in building resilient, thriving communities.
2. **Social Change and Progress**: ISR and CSR drive positive
social change by addressing systemic issues, advocating for marginalized groups, and challenging unjust practices. They have the potential to advance social justice, equality, and human rights.
3. **Environmental Sustainability**: Both individuals and
corporations have a role to play in promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change. By adopting sustainable practices and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, ISR and CSR contribute to the preservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
4. **Ethical Leadership and Accountability**: ISR and CSR
promote ethical leadership and corporate accountability, fostering trust, transparency, and integrity in personal and organizational conduct. They encourage individuals and corporations to act in ways that are consistent with ethical principles and values.
5. **Collective Impact and Collaboration**: ISR and CSR
leverage the collective power of individuals and organizations to address complex social and environmental challenges. They facilitate collaboration, partnership, and collective action to achieve shared goals and create positive impact at scale.
In summary, both individual and corporate social responsibility
are significant in promoting positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes. By engaging in responsible behavior, giving back to communities, and advocating for change, individuals and corporations can contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and just society.
Module I Introduction to Business Ethic... Concept and nature of ethics; ethics, values and behaviour; development of ethics, relevance of ethics and values in business, Arguments against business ethics