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Duties and Outcomes

In: Moral Reasoning at Work: Rethinking Ethics in Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Øyvind Kvalnes

    (BI Norwegian Business School)

Abstract

The two main traditions in moral philosophy differ in their perspectives on the lengths we can go to in order to maximize the best possible outcome for the people affected by our decisions and actions. Utilitarianism maintains that the morally right option in every situation is the one that will create the best overall outcome for all concerned while duty ethics claims that there are important limitations to what we can do to others, even if the option generates the best overall outcome. It places particular value on respect and human dignity, offering individuals moral protection against treatment as mere means to maximize outcomes. The chapter uses the trolley problem, introduced by Philippa Foot, as a starting point for exploring the differences between utilitarianism and duty ethics in organizational settings. It explains how the Doctrine of Double Effect and the distinction between intended and foreseen consequences allows duty ethics to accept harmful outcomes in some cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Øyvind Kvalnes, 2015. "Duties and Outcomes," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Moral Reasoning at Work: Rethinking Ethics in Organizations, chapter 0, pages 18-25, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-53261-9_3
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137532619_3
    as

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