Ethics and the Psychology Behind the Concept – Part 1

Any student of ethics should understand that concepts surrounding ethics are based in philosophy. For individuals, the ethical theory they employ for decision making emphasizes aspects of an ethical dilemma which is important to them. Understanding the variations in the ethical theories can help professionals understand their control environment and the culture in which they are operating.  In addition, understanding ethical philosophies will assist in directing personnel to the most ethically correct resolution per the guidelines within the ethical theory.  This understanding will assist in evaluating and acknowledging ethical behavior in the workplace.

The field of ethics involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. Philosophers divide ethical theories into four general subject areas: meta-ethics; normative ethics; applied ethics; descriptive ethics. This course focuses on meta-ethics and the three categories of normative ethics which include:

• Consequentialism
• Deontology
• Virtue