Ch 3: Foundational Ethical Theories for Business
About This Chapter
Foundational Ethical Theories for Business - Chapter Summary
Study engaging lessons at your convenience with this chapter on foundational ethical theories for business. Instructors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics; the differences between deontological, utilitarianism and virtue ethics; and how moral philosophies relate to business. They also compare human rights and moral duties. After completing the chapter, you should be able to:
- Recall where ethical business standards are developed
- Give examples of virtue ethics in the workplace
- Provide the definition for utilitarianism
- Discuss the natural rights theory
- Explain theories of justice and ethics of care
- Outline the application of ethical theories in business
You can complete this chapter on foundational ethical theories for business at your own pace. You can also choose to take a quiz after each lesson to make sure you understand the concepts discussed in the video lessons. For your convenience, the quizzes link back to specific topics in the video so that you can revisit topics with a single click.

1. Sources of Ethical Standards in Business
In this lesson, we'll examine how philosophers and ethicists have helped us develop ethical standards, and we'll also discuss some of the critical questions on which ethics are based.

2. Virtue Ethics: Strengths & Weaknesses
Virtue ethics are guiding principles based on the type of people humans should be. This form of ethics has been practiced by famous people throughout history and is seen as a positive outlook by many. However, there are many questions left unanswered when examined more closely.

3. Virtue Ethics vs. Deontological Ethics
In this lesson, you'll learn about Aristotle's philosophy of virtue ethics and Kant's deontological philosophy of ethics. You'll also learn how to distinguish between these two competing ethical conceptualizations.

4. Virtue Ethics in the Workplace: Approach & Examples
Virtue ethics in the workplace is based on each individual employee's virtues and how those virtues affect their behavior within the work environment. This lesson will provide an overview of virtue ethics and offer some examples.

5. What is Utilitarianism? - Definition & Theory
Explore the ethical theory of utilitarianism, founded by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Then test your understanding of how the principles of this theory work through a short quiz.

6. Virtue Ethics vs. Utilitarianism
The primary difference between utilitarianism and virtue ethics is the mode and means of human fulfillment. This lesson describes these two philosophical views and explores their positions on the individual versus the community and contemplation versus action.

7. Natural Rights: Definition, Theory & Examples
In this lesson we will look at natural rights. We will learn the definition and the theory that surround these rights. As the lesson progresses, examples will be given, followed by a summary and a quiz.

8. Human Rights & Moral Duties: Definition & Relationship
The world of ethics can be difficult to navigate. What are rights? What are duties? Do each affect you the same? Explore these ideas and test your understanding with a brief quiz.

9. Theory of Justice & Ethics of Care in Organizations
A traditional theory of justice and an ethic of care are contrasting paradigms. This lesson explores the similarities and differences between the two theories and their application in the real world.

10. How Moral Philosophies Relate to Business Ethics
Much of business ethics finds its foundation in various moral philosophies. In this lesson, you'll learn about some of the important moral philosophies that have influenced ethics in business.

11. Ethical Theories in Business: Applications & Differences
Defining ethical models is easier than actually putting them into action. This lesson explores the practical ways businesses have demonstrated their commitment to ethical behavior in the real world.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the DSST Business Ethics and Society: Study Guide & Test Prep course
- Ethics in Business
- Understanding Ethical Business Leadership
- Social Responsibilities of a Business
- Government Regulation of Business
- The Relationship Between Employer & Employees
- Ethical Issues in the Workplace
- The Ethics of Labor Relations
- The Ethics of Advertising & Marketing
- The Ethics of Privacy in Business
- Ethics in International Business
- Corporations & Stakeholders
- Global Business & Environmental Ethics
- Business, Government & Society
- DSST Informational Resources
- DSST Business Ethics and Society Flashcards