Assignment task:
There are almost as many ethical theories as there are philosophers. For example, a Deontologist would make decisions based on how closely the decision meets an obligation or complies with rules. However, a Utilitarian would evaluate whether a decision maximized a benefit for the largest number of people. Each might reach a different plan of action, believing they are in the right, while someone else would believe they were in the wrong. Yet, much of the determination of right or wrong depends on the context of the situation and the desired outcome.
Prepare:
1. Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review each of the resources below:
- Ethics (Chapters 1-6)
- Ethics in Security Management: Development of a Theoretical Model
- Deontology vs Utilitarianism infographic about the differences between Deontology and Utilitarianism.
Understanding the differences in ethical perspectives is a key foundational principle for ethical decision making. This paper is your opportunity to determine which theoretical philosophy provides the best foundation for decision making from either a homeland security or an emergency management perspective.
Write:
In your So Many Choices to Get to Right or Wrong paper:
1. Identify the perspective you have chosen to write from: homeland security OR emergency management.
2. Explain how the context of a situation influences the ethical philosophy at the foundation of decision making.
3. Differentiate how at least two different ethical philosophies might influence the way an action, mission, or objective is perceived.
4. Examine how the same outcome might be viewed as right and/or wrong by at least two different ethical philosophies.
5. Explain why it is important to recognize the ethical philosophy guiding an action, mission, or objective before evaluating whether it is ethical behavior.
The So Many Choices to Get to Right or Wrong assignment,
Must be of at least 600 words (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Writing Center's APA Formatting for Microsoft Word resource.