Law Homework Help

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Identify the similarities and differences of Aristotle’s virtues theory with Josephson’s core values model. In either case, are the behaviors they outline duties to the self or duties to others? If to others, which others? To what degree do these mimic or reinforce existing law? To what degree might these conflict with existing law? Illustrate these last two with examples.

MY ANSWER;

Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Josephson’s core values are similar in certain ways but different in others. The primary similarity between these two is that they are both based upon virtues and ethical standards. Additionally, Aristotle’s fourteen virtues, including truthfulness, courage, friendliness, and justice are similar to Josephson’s core values of respect, responsibility, care, and trustworthiness (Mayer, et al.,2014). Also, the virtues theory and the core values model are both applicable to different organizational issues. Despite these similarities, the two were invented at different times in history for unique purposes. One difference between the two is that virtue ethics constitutes one list of dependent values. However, Josephson’s core values constitute two lists that are independent of each other.

In both Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Josephson’s core values, the behaviors outline duties to others. For instance, one should be respectful, caring, friendly, and be fair to others (Mayer, et al.,2014). The others in both refer to the other individuals around someone. In an organizational setting, it means co-workers, management, customers, and other third parties. In a societal setting, it refers to fellow members of the society such as family members, neighbors, friends, and strangers. Essentially, it describes people, the people who one’s behavior can affect directly or indirectly. Some of Aristotle’s values also outline behaviors that demonstrate duty to self, such as temperance and modesty.

It is critical to note that the law is separate from ethics. Moral ethics and law are two different concepts. In certain cases, something that is legal may be unethical in a specific society and vice versa. Josephson’s core values significantly reinforce the existing laws. For instance, it enforces truthfulness and trustworthiness. It encourages people to tell the truth just as the law does when it comes to court proceedings. It also encourages people to play by the rules, obeying the law, and generally acting as good citizens. Essentially, it helps reinforce the law by creating a sense of ethics where people feel it is their responsibility to behave in a particular manner and follow the law. The core values may conflict with existing laws in one way. Under trustworthiness, it encourages demonstrative integrity where people should stand up for what they believe in (Mayer, et al.,2014). Standing up for what one believes in is not wrong. However, if the beliefs are misguided and wrong, then people may end up committing crimes. For instance, if one believes that murder is right then this core value encourages the person to commit murder.

Virtue ethics also partially reinforce the law. It does so by encouraging justice and truthfulness (Mayer, et al.,2014). Justice is the basis of the law, and as such, the law constantly advocates for justice and seeks to promote it. While it is not illegal to tell lies, the law sometimes requires that one tells the truth. For instance, when someone is a witness to a crime, truthfulness is critical to promote justice. Justice is also vital to the law. One value that may conflict with the existing law is high-mindedness. The law encourages that all people receive equal treatment. For instance, dismissing specific individuals in an organization may give rise to discrimination that is illegal and against the Fair Labor Standards Act.

A RESPONSE TO MY ANSWER;

Thank you for your response. The example you gave about telling lies as being not necessarily illegal kind of helped to put that into perspective for me with regards to sometimes falsifying information can be illegal. As you mentioned being a witness to a crime, they make you swear under oath which can have legal implications should it be proven that your testimony was not honest. Same is true when police are conducting an investigation and you interfere with their ability to pursue the case. Lying is not only punishable in a legal environment, but also if you think about in the workplace. Honesty is a key concept in maintaining a balanced workplace. Transparency from management as outlined in the organizations core values can help to decide whether the organization is the right fit for someone seeking employment. Do you think that these core values are also reflective of someone who is a good leader? Do you think that values of an organization also play a role in the culture that they create? RESPOND TO THIS USING 150 WORDS