Critical Commentary Response – The Impact of Ethics on Individual Behavior

Critical Commentary Response – The Impact of Ethics on Individual Behavior

The essay raises key issues on the impact of ethics on individual behavior. From the outset, the essay suggests that people’s behavior is a culmination of the knowledge they have acquired over time and society’s ethical standards. However, I’m afraid I have to disagree with this position and assert that self-interests guide people’s behavioral patterns. Even when people pull heroic moves and put their lives on the line to save others, they do so to gain recognition, not because ethics guides them (Rosenstand, 2018). If people are not doing what benefits them directly, they engage in what helps them gain public admiration.

On the other hand, I agree with the point on the influence of utilitarianism on people’s relationships. Utilitarianism leads to a situation where one seeks the maximum benefits for the greatest number of people (Rosenstand, 2018). Through utilitarianism, one can achieve their self-interests and other people’s interests in a relationship. To that end, utilitarianism balances individual needs and those of others in a relationship, leading to successful coexistence.

Another key point in the essay is about the influence of ethics on professional and career practice. To that end, the point raised in the essay suggests that the workplace code of ethics is meant to guide people as they undertake day-to-day tasks at the workplace. It seems to suggest that people follow the code of ethics willingly to ensure they deliver optimal performance. However, I can’t entirely agree that workplace ethics are a guideline for what is morally right and wrong. Instead, I suggest that workplace ethics are a set of rules that advance the interests of a company. Therefore, one should distinguish between workplace ethics and moral ethics.

References

Rosenstand, N. (2018). The moral of the story: An introduction to ethics (8th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.

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DIRECTIONS: you are asked to post a single longer critical commentary, which we’ll call a “critique,” in response to a peer author’s in-depth critical essay. In essence, a critique is an evaluation; its special features are analysis and evidence to support the evaluation. Specifically, the critique you are being asked to write for this final weekly peer comment is a critique of another author’s argument—this will be the argument driving the peer author’s critical essay. What you will be focusing on in your peer critique is the reasoning behind the peer author’s position, not necessarily their skill in communicating it; that is to say, you will not be “grading” your peers’ work—you will be driving down below the surface of language (to the extent possible in this case) to analyze (take apart) the assumptions, claims, and conclusions of the peer critical essay, then evaluate (synthesize) the overall position taken in that essay.

It is extremely important to remember that you are evaluating the position and the reasoning supporting it, not the person. It is also important to note that a critique or critical commentary may be positive, negative, or a mixture of the two. We tend to use the word, “criticize,” or the expression, “being critical” with a mostly negative connotation, as in finding fault with something or “putting something (or someone) down.” That is not the intention here, although part of what you’re doing in writing a critique may indeed be finding fault. But the faults you are pointing out will have nothing to do with the author himself or herself. You will be looking for errors in reasoning and argumentation, in reporting of relevant facts or information, in overlooking or misconstruing important points relevant to the question posed, and so on.

While precision and clarity in thought and written expression and overall comprehensibility of the written response is crucial for communicating the author’s position and supporting argumentation, your focus should be primarily directed to the position on the issue in question and the reasons advanced for why that is the correct or best position. You need not cite any sources in your critiques, but you are free to do so.

RESPOND TO THIS STUDENT: Ethics, a deeply essential part of our lives, hold vast significance in guiding our moral compass and shaping the choices we make. With the understanding I have reached up to this point in my life and the knowledge I have acquired through this course, I have come to appreciate the pivotal role ethics plays in my daily life. It serves as a profound influence on my actions, decisions, and interactions with others, acting as a moral foundation upon which I strive to build a virtuous and principled life. As I dive deeper into the philosophical study of ethics, I anticipate that its profound insights and critical examinations will not only increase my understanding but also impact the way I perceive the world and navigate its complex terrain.

One way the philosophical study of ethics might help in my understanding of the world is the way ethics plays influences relationships. For example, utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines the choice you make should produce the greatest outcome for the greatest number of people. Let us look at that in terms of a relationship. If I were in a relationship and I followed Utilitarianism, and I face a decision that could benefit myself, but harm my partner, I may not choose to go through with that decision. I would rather strive to choose a course of action that maximizes happiness or well-being for myself and my partner.

The philosophical study of ethics not only has implications for personal relationships but also plays a significant role in shaping someone’s approach to their professional life. A personal example of this would be in the context of my job as a sailor in the Navy. The Navy upholds a strong ethical framework that guides my decision-making process. For instance, the core values of honor, courage, and commitment serve as the foundation of our ethical code. They demand that we act with integrity, moral courage, and remain dedicated to our mission and the well-being of our shipmates. Ethical dilemmas arise on countless occasions in the Navy such as making a decision that has potential consequences for others like reporting misconduct or safety violations. The philosophical study of ethics provides me with a framework to critically think about these situations and make choices that align with the Navy’s values and ethical standards.

Beyond its impact on decision-making in professional settings, the philosophical study of ethics can also extend its influence to prompting contemplation on how it may change one’s beliefs about reality and the meaning of life. An example of this would be virtue ethics, as advocated by philosophers like Aristotle, which focuses on virtuous character trains and living a life of moral excellence. This emphasizes the importance of personal development, self-reflection, and living a fulfilled life.

Ethics has a fundamental place in our lives, guiding our moral compass and shaping our choices. In my philosophical studies thus far, I have come to recognize its influence on my actions, decisions, and interactions with others. As I dive deeper into this field, I anticipate that my perception of the world will be impacted incredibly.