Virtue theory

 Provides rough guidelines of how to act

 Are there additional principles about moral
responsibilities that can help clarify what is required
by professional responsibility?
 There are three additional types of theories which
differ according to what they treat as the most
fundamental moral concept.

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

 Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

THEORIES OF RIGHT
ACTION
Case study of Spiro T. Agnew
Reasons for unethical actions of participants
based on virtue theory
Agnew Matz &  Right Actions are those
Childz
that express, build or
Unfairness Moral reinforce good
Weakness
character traits
Dishonesty Dishonesty

Greed Lack of
integrity

Cowardice

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

Bad consequences of their action

Other firms were harmed

System removed the benefits of healthy competition

Lack of trust

Perpetrators themselves suffered greatly

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

Nature of the action involved

Intended to keep outsiders deceived from what was going on

Unfair to other people

Violated the principles “Avoid deceiving others” and “Be fair”

Duty Ethics-Duties like these are to be performed even though doing so may not
produce the most good.

Due to respect for persons and their autonomy

Utility- overall balance of good over bad consequences

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

Why not participate in Kick back
scheme?
 Violated the rights of other people.
 Elected officials will grant contracts based on their
merit and not bribes.
 Right ethics views action as wrong when they violate
moral rights.

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai

Theory about Morality

Virtue Ethics • Virtues and Vices

Utilitarianism • Most good for most people

Duty Ethics • Duties to respect person

Right Ethics • Human rights

Professional Ethics by S.Arunachalam A.P. /E.E.E, St.Joseph's Chennai