Relativism, Multiculturalism, And Universal Norms - 866 Words

Ani Martirosyan Philosophy 305 Business Ethics Assignment #4 Chapter 8: Relativism, Multiculturalism, And Universal Norms: Their Role in Business Ethics The central thesis of Beauchamp’s argument is as follows: I argue that although a relativism of all moral standards is an untenable position, a lower-level relativism of moral judgment and multiculturalism are morally warranted. I conclude that there is a universal common morality, but that it allows for moral disagreement and legitimate differences of opinion about how to render universal norms specific for business contexts. Moral relativism is defined as the view that ethical standards and morality are culturally based and therefore based on a person s individual choice. Beauchamp†¦show more content†¦According to normative relativism, since the culture at Enron was to shred documents when litigation loomed, it was right to have shredded the documents. The set of norms shared by all people committed to morally constitute is called â€Å"the common morality.† The common morality is made of rules, virtues, and ideals. The following are rules of followed in the common morality: do not kill, do not steal, do not cause pain or suffering to others, be honest, prevent bad things from happening, obey the law, help people in need or danger, do not punish the innocent and nurture the young and the elderly. The common morality also holds standards of virtue that should be identified from norms of obligation. For instance: nonmalevolence, honesty, integrity, conscientiousness, trustworthiness, fidelity, gratitude, truthfulness, lovingness and kindness. All morally committed people share views about moral ideals, but they are not required of people. For instance, an individual who wants to outshine at their job, that individual wants to be the best at what they do. Particular moralities can be ignored by other important moral norms. For example, an employer will exclude a pregnant woman from certain jobs in the chemical industry in order to protect the unborn child from the hazard. Additionally, when people break promises they feel regret and try to make up for it by doing other actions. For instance, people notify others in advance