Discussion and Reflection: Moral Compass

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Theories

The first theory to discuss is the common good lens. This approach assumes that everyone has to contribute to life in the community, improving it through such things as empathy for others, compassion, and providing help, especially to the vulnerable ones. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (2021) states that this approach also requires such things as clean air and water, a system of laws, effective police and fire departments, health care, and a public educational system (para 13). Thus, the common good theory focuses on humans well-being, mutual help, and profound understanding.

The second theory to talk about is the utilitarian one. According to this approach, before taking any action, every person has to ask themselves how it would affect others. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (2021) writes that this theory is a results-based approach, says that the ethical action is the one that produces the greatest balance of good over harm (para 12). To sum up, this approach concentrates on making benefits more than losses, considering the impact of the action on others, and striving to make every deed sustainable as much as possible.

Explanation

The common good theory is helpful in any kind of relationship. For instance, in a family, this approach will build a profound understanding of one another and increase intimacy, making a family a safe place where a person can truly relax and feel appreciated. In a relationship between coworkers, showing compassion to another person, respect, and understanding how hard it can be in their shoes will make work more efficient and productive.

The utilitarian theory can be applied to all actions a person takes. For example, doing something that brings pleasure to a person, everyone has to ask themselves whether it does not cross somebody elses boundaries. Making decisions at work, launching a new project, or changing something in the work environment, an individual has to consider how it would impact workers, clients, the environment, and the companys efficiency to get a better result.

Compass Applied

Issue identified

Systemic racism is a crucial ethical issue that deserves to be analyzed.

Identify the ethical issues

Systemic racism is a biased attitude against people with black skin color. It does not concern religion, it is not about following any law, and it does not relate to science. It is built into many peoples perceptions of the world, making them draw subjective conclusions that sometimes do not match reality. Racists tend to be arrogant, strict, and rude to black people without any objective reason.

Get the facts

The relevant facts of racism are perceiving black people as less intelligent and more violent; they are more likely to be accused of a crime they have never done and to be judged when they make any mistakes (Payne & Hannay, 2021). In addition, these people are discriminated against on a daily basis; white-biased people tend to restrict black peoples rights and insult them, sometimes even unintentionally.

Evaluate alternative actions

The common good and utilitarian theory will definitely help in fighting against systemic racism. The first one will make biased people step out of their comfort zone and be able to feel a profound empathy and understanding of a discriminated person. It will provide black people with safety and a convenient environment for existing. The second one will make biased individuals concerned about the consequences of their actions, considering their influence on the feelings and well-being of black people. However, the utilitarian theory will be more useful in this situation due to making people understand how it would affect them if they were discriminated against as black people are and think before acting or saying anything. After adopting this approach, the common good will be much easier to integrate into their lives.

References

Markkula center for applied ethics. (2021). A Framework for Making Ethical Decisions. Santa Clara University. Web.

Payne, B. K., Hannay, J. W. (2021). Implicit bias reflects systemic racism. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 25(11), 927-936. Web.

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