In the event that the means justify the ends then an individual is constrained to follow the underlying regulations. The case is different when it comes to the end justifying the means as the ethics shift their path considering that an individual lays emphasis on the consequences of certain actions (Brusseau). On the other hand, ethics is concerned with right and wrong and this guides one when determining whether their duty is ethical or not. For this reason, moral decisions require one to understand and follow the rules required when performing certain duties. Whereas ethical duty gives a person the freedom to choose what is right, specific duty entails doing the exact actions as set out in the rules. Hence, duties have a close link to how well an individual will relate to the members of the society.
The primary advantage of right ethics stems from the fact that it allows people to make their independent choices and there is simplicity. However, allowing everyone to take their own approach when it comes to ethics makes it difficult for people to coexist together. Concerning perennial duties, there are two main sub-categories. They include duties to others and duties to ourselves. In particular, the duty to ourselves lays emphasis on everyone’s role to ensure they better their abilities with time and further avoid harm to themselves. For this matter, people need to promote healthy lifestyles. On the other hand, duty to others requires individuals to refrain from wronging others, keeping promises, promoting their well-being, and having gratitude.
According to Immanuel Kant, an imperative is an action we need to undertake and categorical imperatives take two forms. One of them is whereby an individual assumes that other people have in the past engaged in the same act. Therefore, if everyone involves themselves in perpetrating lies then there will be no trust amongst people and thereby leading to a high probability of lies. Hence, there is universalization. On the other hand, the second form of categorical imperatives stems from the duty of one to handle others with dignity without the need to do some in return for a favor. For example, in business employing a person does not only help grow one's company but equally helps the workers earn income to sustain their needs (Brusseau). The advantage of Kant's categorical imperatives is that it brings the picture of enabling others but at the same time is unrealistic as every aspect of human life has some element of lies.
Ethical rights are closely related to ethical duties as both rely on the principle of obeying regulations. However, the primary focus when it comes to ethical rights is on removing limitations on what one can do. On the other hand, specific rights do not set boundaries on the acts of a person but rather if they are infringing on other people or not. When it comes to the business environment, rights fall into two categories that include positive rights and negative rights. Negative rights require that one should do whatever they choose without any interruption like expressing oneself. Positive rights stem from the fact that other people have the role to protect the negative rights of a person. Hence, they should not only engage in actions that harm but be ready to offer a helping hand whenever the need arises.
Work Cited
Brusseau, James. "The Business Ethics Workshop, v. 1.0." Flat World Knowledge, Washington, DC Google Scholar (2011).
