Taking Ethics Seriously: Why Ethics Is an Essential Tool for the Modern Workplace

This book provides an intellectual framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas that is grounded in theory and versatile enough to deal rigorously with real-world issues. It draws from several traditions to construct a unified and principled approach to ethical reasoning, relying on proof by applying consistency tests such as generalizability and respect for autonomy. It is written for a general audience and strives to be as readable and engaging as possible, while maintaining rigor.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 20 March 2018
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This book offers a comprehensive and rigorous intellectual framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas, drawing from various theoretical traditions and adaptable to real-world situations. It views ethics as a vital component of the social infrastructure that enables modern life, akin to engineering as the foundation for physical infrastructure. Rather than adhering to a specific ethical philosophy, it synthesizes principles from multiple traditions to establish a unified and principled approach to ethical reasoning.

The book departs from the conventional academic practice of seeking a reflective equilibrium between moral intuitions and principles, instead grounding its analysis on fundamental principles of rational thought. These principles serve as criteria for valid argumentation and form the basis for developing ethical concepts from scratch. The book does not presuppose any prior knowledge of ethics or philosophy, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Epistemologically, the book aligns ethics with mathematics, emphasizing the use of widely accepted proof techniques to establish ethical conclusions. While mathematics relies on paradigms such as mathematical induction and proof by contradiction, ethics employs consistency tests, including generalizability and respect for autonomy, to evaluate ethical arguments.

Utilitarianism also plays a significant role in this framework, but it is reconceived as a deontological criterion. The book argues that an action is distinguishable from mere behavior by virtue of its having a coherent rationale. Coherence requires that an action's rationale pass certain consistency tests, such as generalizability. Therefore, an action is inseparable from its rationale, and generalizability is defined in terms of consistency with the rationale.

To ensure the rigorous formulation of these criteria, the book begins with the classical idea that an action is distinguishable from mere behavior by virtue of its having a coherent rationale. Coherence necessitates the passage of certain consistency tests, such as generalizability. Thus, an action is inseparable from its rationale, and generalizability is defined in terms of consistency with the rationale.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals seeking to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. By grounding ethics in rational thought and drawing from diverse theoretical traditions, it offers a comprehensive and rigorous framework for analyzing ethical problems and making informed decisions. Its epistemological approach aligns ethics with mathematics, emphasizing the use of proof techniques to establish ethical conclusions. The book's reconception of utilitarianism as a deontological criterion provides a fresh perspective on ethical decision-making and emphasizes the importance of coherence and consistency in ethical reasoning.

\n Weight: 496g\n
Dimension: 160 x 240 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138299580\n \n