Discussion Prompt 1
The debate concerning environmental ethics is centered on anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and theocentrism. Anthropocentrism is the moral belief that humans have dominion over nature and as such nature should serve human needs (Palmer et al., 2014). Thus, anthropocentrism takes no accountability for how nature is treated or how resources are utilized (Hill, 2008). As a result, someone with an anthropocentric attitude would recommend Calcutta Industries (CI) to continue its operations as the benefits of the firm outweigh its disruptive costs. On the other hand, ethical biocentrism is nature-focused and argues that all living things have moral status (Palmer et al., 2014). Therefore, ethical biocentrism considers the impact that CI has on nature, plants, and other humans. Consequently, an individual with a biocentric view would recommend the firm to shut down because it pollutes nature. Theocentric ethics is God-centred as opposed to being human-focused. Thus, all of God's creations have intrinsic value and should not be exploited to serve human needs (Hill, 2008). Consequently, theocentrism favors the closure of CI to preserve nature, plants, and animal life.
CI should close down to reduce environmental pollution. As Hill (2008) recommended, “businesses should reject the anthropocentric ethic that focuses solely on return on investment” (p.228). Conversely, the scholar argued that businesses should perceive themselves as entities managing God’s resources for the benefit of all stakeholders. Notably, the cost-benefit analysis of the Environmental Council indicated that CI’s benefits outweigh costs. However, the adverse effects of the firm such as air and water pollution have a long-term impact on the region. Thus, the long-term effects coupled with the loss of human life outweigh CI’s monetary benefit of $126,098.
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From my experience, it is evident that most businesses struggle to sacrifice profits in a bid to ensure environmental protection. Based on the study material, it is evident that such businesses observe anthropocentrism. As a result, it is advisable to promote alternative ethical views such as biocentrism to promote environmental conservation.
The lesson concerning the environment is valuable when choosing the type of packaging material to use at a firm. In most cases, businesses opt for plastics because they are cheap. However, from the study, it is evident that businesses have to prioritize environmental conservation even if it cuts down on their profits.
Discussion Prompt 2
One major issue concerning public policy and justice is determining the role of government in ensuring human rights. The main question that arises is whether governments exist to grant human rights or they are there to enforce human rights acquired by virtue of being a human being (Do the right thing part 6, n.d.). As observed, in various countries across the globe people have been discriminatorily denied basic human rights based on features such as race or religion. The other issue pertains to whether businesses should promote ethics or seek profits (Do the right thing part 5, n.d.).
In regard to human rights, the world should promote a culture where all human beings irrespective of their differences have equal human rights. As Pheifer (2020) observed applied ethics are generated through people’s opinions and viewpoints. As such, society should view all individuals as equals as opposed to focusing on their differences. Concerning business ethics, society should promote a culture of ethics built on incentives, values, and cultural norms. Values guide the actions of employees while cultural norms are set by top management to guide the whole organization (Epley & Kumar, 2019). Incentives reward ethical behavior and encourage businesses and employees to observe ethical standards.
To promote ethics, one can vote for politicians and legislators whose political ideologies are centered on promoting ethical standards and policies.
One can also join political advocacy groups such as Environmental Defense which works to ensure environmental rights of all people inclusive of future generations or the Human Rights Campaign which aims to end discrimination of the LGBT community (political advocacy, n.d.).
Individuals can also sensitize their peers and family members concerning the issue of human rights and also enlighten business people around the community on their corporate social responsibility.
Personally, I will take measures to ensure I purchase products and services from businesses that portray corporate social responsibility and also participate in human right activists groups.
From the study, it is evident that the world is far from achieving recommendable ethical standards. Nevertheless, ethics are shaped by people's believes and opinions which means that every individual has a role to play in promoting ethical standards.
Based on the study my view of ethical behavior has changed. The main reason for the change is realizing that something is not considered ethical just because it is legally right.
References
Do the right thing part 5 (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://nv.instructuremedia.com/fetch/QkFoYkIxc0hhUVRmN0dFQ01Hd3JCd09EcEY4PS0tZT
Do the right thing part 6 (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://nv.instructuremedia.com/fetch/QkFoYkIxc0hhUVIwL21FQ01Hd3JCeHVGcEY4P
Epley, N., & Kumar, A. (2019, April 16). How to design an ethical organization. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/05/how-to-design-an-ethical-organization .
Hill, A. (2018). Just business Christian ethics for the marketplace (3rd ed.). InterVarsity Press.
Palmer, C., Mcshane, K., & Sandler, R. (2014). Environmental ethics. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 39 (1), 419-442. doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-121112-094434
Pheifer, T. (2020). Business ethics the search for an elusive idea . Cognella Inc.
Political advocacy. (n.d.). Welcome to political advocacy groups. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from http://politicaladvocacy.org/
