This handbook states that employees must not let their personal bias interfere in any business transactions.Two years ago, Stoa Value debaters dedicated themselves to debating the letter of the law vs. For example, an accounting firm hires new employees, who are required to read and sign the employee handbook. In some instances, individual entities can punish or take corrective actions against a person who has breached the company’s ethical code. In such a case, the judge must follow the laws of the jurisdiction, even if it seems to create a moral dilemma for him personally. This may occur, for example, when a judge finds that the resolution of a case, as dictated by law, conflicts with his personal ethical reasoning.
On occasion, those who work in law enforcement and the legal system find that the ethical decisions they are required to make on a subject conflicts with the law. While Bob does not believe that the death penalty is ethical, the law was made on the belief that it is necessary for the greater good of society. In the jurisdiction in which he resides, however, the death penalty is a punishment occasionally handed down by the judicial system. Others find certain laws to be unethical according to their own reasoning, and feel they are a hindrance to their personal human rights.įor example, Bob believes that the death penalty is unethical and that is violates human rights. Some people strongly believe that certain acts are unethical, and should therefore be made illegal. Laws are often created out of widespread social convention, whether they are seen to be fair and ethical by all or not. Acts that have been deemed illegal may not coincide with an individual’s personal ethical beliefs, and vice versa. These laws carry punishments those who violate them in the form of fines, community service, probation, and imprisonment.Įach individual develops his own core values and ethical reasoning according to his view of integrity and honesty, and ability to look past the self-justification and self-deception common to all people. The government creates and enforces laws in order to protect the citizens and the unity of society. These opposing beliefs are a result of individual ethical reasoning.
While some people believe that a person’s individual rights should be preserved regardless of the benefit or harm to society, others deem it more important that the common good and justice be considered in a civilized society. A person being denied personal rights due to the greater good of society may feel the decision conflicts with his own ethical reasoning. In civilized societies, people have individual rights, but it is vital that these rights coincide with the collective rights of society as a whole.
For many people, the desire to receive these responses from others guides the development of their personal set of ethical standards. When an act enhances the well-being of others, it is worthy of praise from others, when an act harms or decreases the well-being of others, it is worthy of criticism.