SAN JUAN NATTIONAL HIGHSCHOOL LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET IN BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 12

LESSON TITLE: Classical philosophies specifically, virtue ethics (Socrates, Plato,Aristotle, Confucius,etc.)

Most Essential Competency: Illustrate how these philosophies are reflected into business practices
ABM_ESR12-IIIe-h-2.1

Introduction
Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of Philosophy that "involves systematizing, defending, and recommending
concepts of right and wrong behavior. Business ethics (also known as corporate ethics) is a form of applied ethics or
professional ethics, that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment.
It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. As an applied
branch of General Ethics, it must be studied from the perspective of Philosophy. This is because Ethics is a part of moral
principles. Ethics is more concerned with standards of conduct acceptable to a group, a profession, or members of an
organization.
The philosophies of these Classical Philosophers have great implications on business and are the foundations of the
principles of the business ethics.

WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER: Philosophical Ethics and foundations

Discussion 1:
Socrates
He is known for his classic philosophy, “HAVE THE COURAGE TO DISAGREE.” He is best known for the Socratic method
of question and answer. The Socratic method is a way of thinking that allows individuals to define their own purpose for
learning. In business, administrators ought not to sleepwalk or basically oblige the group.

Plato’s classic philosophy

THE POWER TO RULE. His prime belief was that a person must study themselves in order to find out their level of character.
He is acclaimed for his choices regarding the matter of the real world. In business, it is constantly vital to know the qualities
and shortcomings of everybody. Aristotle’s classic philosophy,”LET PEOPLE SEEK FULFILLMENT.” He was the most
practical and business oriented of all philosophers. In business, the association must give and condition that is conducive to
human development and satisfaction.

Confucius
The most famous for his golden rule: DO NOT DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT OTHERS DO UNTO
YOU, and his famous classic philosophy is LIVE A CONTENTED, MORAL AND HAPPY LIFE. Confucian values can aid
in the creation of business leaders who are true leaders of the society.

Plutarch
The ancient Greek historian and educator, understood that humans are incredibly social creatures, who constantly observe the
people around them and imitate them. He is famous in his philosophy, “BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL.” In organizational
terms, it means, what you say to your employees is less important than what you do. They will watch how you behave, how
you treat others, how you cope with pressure and whether you follow through on your promises, and they will imitate you,
they will follow your lead.

Epicurus
THE ART OF HAPPINESS. Epicurus was a fourth century Greek philosopher who taught, rather scandalously, that the aim
of life was simply to be as happy as possible here on Earth. He warned that humans are very bad at being happy, and very
good at inventing reasons to be miserable. Today, some companies are embracing Epicurus' philosophy, and trying to teach
their employees the art of happiness.

Immanuel Kant
One of the most influential philosophers in the history of Western philosophy. He advances the theory of deontology or
deontological ethics, the theory of duty and obligation.
 SAN JUAN NATTIONAL HIGHSCHOOL LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET IN BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 12

DISCUSSION 2

Plato said that the moral values are objective, absolute, or eternal. They never change. They are universal as they
apply to all rational creatures around the world and throughout the time. Aristotle on the other hand philosophized that virtues
aregood habits that acquire which regulate our emotions. Kantian ethics emphasize a single principle of duty, that we have
moral duties to one self and others.
Since ethics is universal and the same for all, companies should obey the same ethical rules wherever they operate.
It usually starts on those basic ethical norms on which all or the majority of people agree. Thus, the history of ethics in
business makes evident that ethical doctrines have influenced ones thinking on the morality of businesses.
Various moral philosophers’ views get applied in day-to-day business situations. Since the time of Socrates in the
West and Confucius in the East, philosophers have sought the basis for right conduct in human reason.
The theories of the three major Greek philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped western thoughts in areas
such as persuasion and negotiation, the structure of political society, and virtue ethics. Their philosophical principles can be
applied in management and leadership.
Socrates dialectic method of inquiry used to draw the truth out of the individual. Managers needed to involve and
guide their team while engaging them to action through the use of questions in a process of clarity. Using the principles of
the Socratic method, managers can draw out the best in individuals while helping their goals and share their vision for mutual
benefits.
Plato’s thought suggests that the right people be in the right position and inwhat ways his thought can inform
leadership.
Illustration I. Here are the names and lifespans of some of those figures:

The Ethics of Aristotle: Virtue Theory

Virtue Theory doesn't judge actions as right or wrong but rather the character of the person doing the actions. It puts emphasis
on the development of human values and moral character. His virtue theory turns out to be the most promising representative
of the pre-modern category of moral theory. Instead of trying to form specific rules for everyone to follow, it proposes to
build a virtuous character. In a sense, we all know what it means to have a virtuous character, we all know who can be counted
upon to do the right thing. In this classic virtue theory, four virtues stand out, courage, moderation, justice, and prudence.
Virtues matter in management and finance.

The Ethics of Bentham and Mill: Utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham, was a lawyer and a consultant to the British Parliament in the lateeighteenth century. Bentham had a ready
supporter and lieutenant in James Mill (1773–1836), a Scottish lawyer who came to assist them in championing utilitarianism
as a political philosophy. Utilitarian ethical theories are based on one’s ability to predict the consequences of an action. When
making moral decisions, we are advised to select that action which produces the greatest amount of good for the greatest
number of people. If the balance of good or happiness or usefulness outweighs evil, harm, or unhappiness, then the choice is
a moral one. Due to this emphasis on the outcome of ethical decisions, utilitarianism is classified as a consequentialist theory.

The Ethics of Kant: Deontology

The term deontology stems from the Greek deon—duty, obligation, or command. The deontological class of ethical theories
states that people should adhere to their obligations and duties when engaged in decision making when ethics are in play.
Kant argued that there is more foundational principle of duty. He calls it categorical imperative, it simply mandates an action,
 SAN JUAN NATTIONAL HIGHSCHOOL LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET IN BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 12

irrespective of one’s personal desires. For Kant, we should treat people as an end, and never as a means to an end. That is
why we should always treat people with dignity, and never use them as mere instruments.

The Ethics of John Rawls: Justice Theory

Rawls is a uniquely American political philosopher, and this can be seen from his emphasis on political liberty. He labeled
his ethics as “justice as fairness,” and he developed it over nearly a lifetime. In Western thought, Rights theories, a right refers
to a person’s just claim or entitlement. Justice theories define justice as the ideal, morally correct state of things and persons.

Reminder: DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ON THIS ACTIVITY SHEET. Write your answers on your
activity notebook.

ENRICHMENT Activity 1. Direction. Identify the following. Write your answers on your activity notebook.

1. He was the most practical and business oriented of all philosophers. His classic philosophy is “LET PEOPLE SEEK
FULFILLMENT.”
2. He is best known for the Socratic method of question and answer. He is known for his classic philosophy, “HAVE THE
COURAGE TO DISAGREE.”
3. He was a fourth century Greek philosopher who taught that the aim of life was simply to be as happy as possible here on
Earth. He is very famous for his “ART OF HAPPINESS.”
4. His prime belief was that a person must study themselves in order to find out their level of character. His classic philosophy
is “THE POWER TO RULE.”
5. He is famous for his golden rule and his famous classic philosophy is “LIVE A CONTENTED, MORAL AND HAPPY
LIFE.”

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 2: Among the five philosophies, what is the most valuable for you? Discuss your answer in
2-3 sentences. Rubrics: Correctness of answer – 3, mechanics – 2, Total = 5 points.

ENRICHMENT Activity 3. Visual Approach

Business Scenario Business Ethics Issue Philosophical Foundation Explanation 2-3 sentences
Involved only

A homeless who found

shelter and comfort within
the Mc Do Store perimeter or
premises. Some customers
complained on the smell.
Some give him food to eat.
Discuss what business ethics
issues present in this
situation. What can be done?

*Same rubrics with enrichment activity 2.