Ethics and Affirmative Action Affirmative action has been a long and widely debated topic here in the United States, since the 1960 's. Even though it is a strategy to help create a more diverse atmosphere in the education and work arena, by providing more opportunities to minorities and women, it is widely questioned in its quest to provide equal rights, because many believe it can inhibit productivity and increase poor attitudes in these areas (Jackson, 2014). Companies and Educational Institutions can apply ethical theories to the question of Affirmative action to help determine the proper course of action that can be taken within their domain.
Brief History of Affirmative Action
March 1961 takes a significant place in history when then President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order that prevented government contractors from discrimination of employees based on their race, color , religion and national origin strengthening efforts for equal opportunity employment. In September of 1965, then President Lyndon b. Johnson further amended the order to include not discriminating on the basis of sex to fully realize equal employment for minorities and women (OEOD, 2010).
Classical Theories and Alternative Perspectives in Ethics What is Ethics? Ethics is the study of right and wrong when dealing with what Humans should do in various situations. Many variables are in play when determining what is right and wrong. There are individual, familial, society and cultural beliefs that drive each persons thought process in determining this issue. Though there are no clear answers as to what is right or wrong, there are ethical theories and perspectives that can help guide us in the right direction. The three classical theories are Utilitarianism, Deontology and Virtue Ethics. Utilitarianism does not look at the act as right or wrong, rather it looks at the consequence of the action. It asks the individual or entity to choose a solution that is fair and provides the best results beneficial to the greatest amount of people involved in any given situation. Deontology looks not at the person or the action, but at the reason why the action was chosen. It admits that there are consequences involved but remains steadfast in the claim of what an individual is morally obligated to do as a rational agent of the action is the clear focus. Finally Virtue Ethics does not look at the action or consequence, but rather looks at the character of the individual or entity performing the act to determine what makes them virtuous (Mosser, 2013) The three alternative perspectives that will be discussed are Relativism, Emotivism, and Ethical egoist. …show more content…
Relativism is an individual 's own beliefs determined by background or culture, meaning a belief or right or wrong based on how they were raised in their family or culture. Emotivism is an individual 's perspective on right or wrong based on their response to the action. If the individual feels it is right , they will feel good. If the individual feels it is wrong, they will feel bad. This perspective does not deal in facts, but rather feelings on a given situation. Ethical Egoist indicates that if an action is right the individual 's goals are met the action is right or if the individuals goals are denied then the action is wrong. Applying the theories to Affirmative Action Deciding the best course of action to take to achieve the best result for the greatest amount of people, still contends
Brief History of Affirmative Action
March 1961 takes a significant place in history when then President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order that prevented government contractors from discrimination of employees based on their race, color , religion and national origin strengthening efforts for equal opportunity employment. In September of 1965, then President Lyndon b. Johnson further amended the order to include not discriminating on the basis of sex to fully realize equal employment for minorities and women (OEOD, 2010).
Classical Theories and Alternative Perspectives in Ethics What is Ethics? Ethics is the study of right and wrong when dealing with what Humans should do in various situations. Many variables are in play when determining what is right and wrong. There are individual, familial, society and cultural beliefs that drive each persons thought process in determining this issue. Though there are no clear answers as to what is right or wrong, there are ethical theories and perspectives that can help guide us in the right direction. The three classical theories are Utilitarianism, Deontology and Virtue Ethics. Utilitarianism does not look at the act as right or wrong, rather it looks at the consequence of the action. It asks the individual or entity to choose a solution that is fair and provides the best results beneficial to the greatest amount of people involved in any given situation. Deontology looks not at the person or the action, but at the reason why the action was chosen. It admits that there are consequences involved but remains steadfast in the claim of what an individual is morally obligated to do as a rational agent of the action is the clear focus. Finally Virtue Ethics does not look at the action or consequence, but rather looks at the character of the individual or entity performing the act to determine what makes them virtuous (Mosser, 2013) The three alternative perspectives that will be discussed are Relativism, Emotivism, and Ethical egoist. …show more content…
Relativism is an individual 's own beliefs determined by background or culture, meaning a belief or right or wrong based on how they were raised in their family or culture. Emotivism is an individual 's perspective on right or wrong based on their response to the action. If the individual feels it is right , they will feel good. If the individual feels it is wrong, they will feel bad. This perspective does not deal in facts, but rather feelings on a given situation. Ethical Egoist indicates that if an action is right the individual 's goals are met the action is right or if the individuals goals are denied then the action is wrong. Applying the theories to Affirmative Action Deciding the best course of action to take to achieve the best result for the greatest amount of people, still contends