Ethics and Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics and Law - Research Paper Example This debate has had various philosophical theories explaining this concept. In this paper, I will base my argument on three philosophical theories to determine whether it is more important for business to be ethical or lawful. Proper business ethics should be introduced in a business as external factors that are way above profit making motive of the business and the law governing its operations. Ethical business obligation supersedes fulfilling laws requirements in that by mere facts, law specifies the lowest values of identifying acceptable behavior (Fieser). Ethical absolutism stipulates that a right or wrongful action remains as it is despite the outcome. For instance, stealing remains a wrongful act despite the reason behind it. According to this theory, harm and veracity are some of the supra- legal moral principles that defend business ethics as a moral obligation. Veracity principle stipulates that business organizations should not deceive customers for whatever reason. The harm principle deters businesses from carrying on activities that cause harm to both employees and the surrounding society (Fieser). According to virtue ethics, businesses should inculcate virtues to employees. This helps portray a positive image of the business to the outside world this is also supported by the religious fundamentalism that advocates for the principle of human rights. Under this principle, business organizations should consider respect of human rights while carrying on with their business (Fieser). For instance, though permitted by the law to produce and sell products, businesses should focus in interest of stakeholders, consumers and the community at large. It should not produce and sell products that may pose health issues to consumers in the long- run. On the other hand, businesses may act good to fulfill legal requirements. This mostly happens where a