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Ethics & Knowledge Theory Application in the Workplace

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Workplace Ethics:

Kant said that the whole of ethics is contained in the simple obligation to treat all persons as inherently valuable in themselves (not merely for what we can get from them)--in other words, with respect for them as equal to ourselves in value, and more valuable than any objects such as money or power. Ethics is in this sense respect for persons as the only absolute value in the things of this world.

Using this principal as a working definition of morality, how far should management go in a company, which directs action, to teach or demand morality from employees? And should employees also demand morality from management?

Is morality (thus defined) in total contradiction to the popular Egoism of today's business environment--which says that everyone should seek only his or her own advantage, regardless of the concerns of others? How could these opposite principles be reconciled?
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The Philosophy of Knowledge

Discuss philosophy of knowledge. At a minimum, discuss knowledge's nature, purpose, means of acquisition, as well as its application from a management standpoint. Include an action plan for acquiring and applying knowledge.

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Solution Summary

The solution is an APA-format essay based on current and general materials referring to and discussing the concepts of philosophy and elements of epistemology (see original problem below). The 2-part essay solution, entitled "Kantianism & Egoism: Applied Ethics in the Workplace" is a 1,484-word narrative that looks closely at the work of Kant and the principles of Egoism as it applies to today's workplace and management techniques. The Second part discusses the philosophy of knowledge specifically how knowledge is acquired and how it can be applied in the workplace from a management standpoint. An action plan for knowledge acquisition and office application is also provided. References, both web and print are listed. A word version of the solution is attached for easy printing.

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Dear Student,
Hello. The solution below is based on current and general materials referring to and discussing the concepts of philosophy and elements of epistemology in your posting. To make your final paper course-specific, please check with your course materials. I hope this solution provides you with the guidance you need to help you with these questions. Good luck!

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OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
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Kantianism & Egoism: Applied Ethics in the Workplace

Kantianism and Egoism are ethical theories that fall under the normative branch of ethics - Kantianism, based on the deontological ethics of German Enlightenment thinker Immanuel Kant, contends that the actions people perform are informed by some underlying maxim or principle and it is from here where the worth of the action ought to be judged (whereby the underlying maxim of valuing individuals with respect and importance is a given); Egoism on the other hand is a consequentialist theory that declares that as moral agents - individuals ought to do what is best for their own self-interest - a survivalist approach. It seems on the outset that these two ethical theories are irreconcilable and yet we see it playing out in the corporate world. Kantianism expressed in corporate social responsibility wherein all actions of organizations and companies are consciously thought out to adhere to the law, ethical standards and their effect in the natural and social world. Within organizations, EEOC regulations also ensure that diversity and equal opportunity is practiced, a form of government sanctioned practice that has become a mechanism that enhances the practice of employee empowerment displaying elements of Kantian valuation. At the same time however, this has not stopped the competitiveness of employees and organizations - we live in a capitalist society and competition is important. The presence of competing providers and producers allows consumers a myriad of choices - companies as individual entities practices egoism in the promotion and production of goods and services, individuals working within these structures practice egoism to fulfil their roles in a sense that they must perform accordingly and doing so means competing, performing and reaching targets. At the same time however, they are reined by the Code of Ethics of their industries and the Kantian values of fair trade and individual empowerment as well as Corporate Social Responsibility. So yes, I believe that elements of Kantianism and Egoism can co-exist in a capitalist ...

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  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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