Introduction
Predominant ethical theories and concepts can be used to evaluate and solve different business situations. An article by Business Ethics Highlights Editors explores the tendency of some companies to make misleading and false statements, especially when advertising their products and services. The purpose of this paper is to identify the values, effects, and outcomes of the described cases, determine whether moral rights are violated by such brands, and explore the views of utilitarianism and Kant’s ethical theory.
Ideals, Effects, and Consequences at Stake
To begin with, although the article in question does not describe any serious incidents or moral conflicts, one might still identify the ideals, impacts, and outcomes of the discussed situations. Thus, moral values like respect, honesty, cooperation, and responsibility are at stake because brands or people creating misleading statements fail to demonstrate these ideals properly (BEH Editors). These misleading statements may have neutral, positive, or negative effects on the audience, depending on whether it is innocuous or actually misleading. As for consequences, companies that are not careful with their slogans or advertisements risk losing their clients’ trust and loyalty (BEH Editors). The same concerns ordinary people who tend to make misleading statements or offers – eventually, they might face a negative reaction from others. Therefore, this article demonstrates how false statements can be innocuous or misleading, thus having different effects.
Violation of Moral Rights
Further, it is essential to discuss whether the situations described in the writing include violations of people’s rights. As stated by Weissman, a person’s fundamental moral right is to be able to freely make choices and decisions for themselves (72). This right can be violated if a company makes a misleading statement that prevents their clients from obtaining all the correct information before choosing for themselves. Further, everyone has the moral right to be treated ethically (Weissman 147). In situations when misleading was intended, this right of consumers becomes violated.
Perspective of Utilitarians
Next, it is possible to explore how utilitarianism can be used to evaluate the situations discussed in the article. According to Schefczyk, utilitarianism states that “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote overall human happiness.” Depending on circumstances, this theory might focus on either maximizing good lives’ number and pleasure or minimizing bad experiences’ number and pain (Schefczyk). Therefore, a Utilitarian would recommend that companies tending to use misleading statements evaluate whether their actions result in more happiness or less suffering in the world. If not, utilitarianism insists that brands use either of these two outcomes as a guiding line and change their attitudes.
Perspective of Kantians
Lastly, one might also find it insightful to apply the principles of Kant’s moral theory. As stated by Wilburn, “Kant’s moral philosophy focuses on fairness and the value of the individual.” The philosopher defines morality and moral actions as duties to respect others and have the good will (Wilburn). Consequently, a Kantian would recommend that a brand evaluate its initial intentions when making a false and misleading statement. In case their purposes were good, and a mere mistake was made, their actions can be considered moral.
Conclusion
To conclude, the article described complicated situations that can be perceived differently depending on several factors. In some cases, companies’ misleading statements do not have any negative consequences because they are initially insignificant. When applying the theory of utilitarianism, it is essential to review whether such a brand maximizes or minimizes consumers’ happiness or pain, respectively. Finally, a Kantian can conclude that such an act is morally good if the initial intentions of the firm were ethical.
Works Cited
BEH Editors. “Can Ad Copy Be False but Not Misleading? If So, Is That OK?” Business Ethics Highlights, Web.
Schefczyk, M. “John Stuart Mill: Ethics.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Web.
Weissman, David. Agency: Moral Identity and Free Will. Open Book Publishers, 2020.
Wilburn, Heather. “An Introduction to Kant’s Moral Theory.” Philosophical Thought, edited by Heather Wilburn and Jamie Holmes, Tulsa Community College, 2022. Pressbooks, Web.