For this forum, choose one of the following topics to respond to for your initial post. When you respond to your peers please respond to a learner who has posted a contrary view on the topic you selected and then respond to a learner who has posted on the topic you did not select.
Most employers tout being an “Equal Opportunity Employer.” In America, we promote both multiculturalism and diversity, but may not fully understand the differences. While multiculturalism may be great when thinking about cuisine and festivals, present an argument that some cultural practices should not be embraced for America to maintain its identity. Also, does it not make more sense to recognize diversity and promote a “fair” opportunity rather than an equal one?
Think about all of the pros and cons of ethical relativism. Discuss what you feel is the best aspect of the theory and what you feel is the biggest negative. Also, see if you can use the theory to develop a plan for guiding future behavior, how the theory can inform you in any situation as to what is the right and moral thing to do.
The American landscape is composed of many different cultures, each with their own unique practices and beliefs. With this diversity comes an important philosophical question: should we strive for equal opportunity or fair opportunity in the workplace? This essay will explore the topic of equal opportunity versus fair opportunity, and how the two concepts can be used to inform our understanding of cultural identity in America. Additionally, the pros and cons of ethical relativism will be discussed and how this theory can be used to make ethical decisions and guide future
Cultural identity is a complex concept that is shaped by a variety of factors, from the language a person speaks to the traditions they value. In America, this is particularly relevant due to the diverse population it houses. BD Keillor and G Tomas M. Hult, in their paper in International Marketing Review, state that “the cultural identities of the people of the United States reflect its history as a melting pot of different cultures” (Keillor & Hult, 1999). This can lead to a difficulty in maintaining a unified identity, which makes it important to think of which cultural practices should be embraced and which should be rejected. This is especially true when it comes to values that are at odds with the core beliefs of the nation. For example, if a culture values a practice that is discriminatory, then it should not be accepted in order to maintain the country’s identity. This is not to say that aspects of different cultures should not be celebrated, but rather that only those practices that are in line with the values of the nation should be embraced. Ultimately, cultural identity is a constantly evolving concept and it is important to understand which practices should be accepted and which should not in order to maintain a unified identity in America.
Ethical relativism is a philosophical theory that suggests t
hat morality is relative to the individual or the culture in which an individual lives. The theory holds that there is no objective basis for determining what is right or wrong, and that ethical norms vary from one culture to another (DB Wong, 1984). On the one hand, ethical relativism has the benefit of allowing individuals to make decisions based on their own personal views and values, rather than imposing a single, universal standard of morality. Furthermore, it allows individuals to respect the beliefs and values of other cultures, rather than imposing their own standards. On the other hand, ethical relativism can lead to a lack of moral guidance, as it allows individuals to make decisions based on subjective rather than objective standards. Additionally, it can lead to moral relativism and a lack of accountability, as individuals are no longer held to the same standards. Despite these potential drawbacks, ethical relativism can be used to guide future behavior and ethical decisions in a number of ways. For example, it can be used to facilitate intercultural dialogue and understanding, as individuals are encouraged to respect the values and beliefs of other cultures. Additionally, ethical relativism can be used to promote a sense of autonomy and freedom of choice, as individuals are given the freedom to make decisions based on their own beliefs. Ultimately, ethical relativism can be a useful tool in guiding future behavior and ethical decisions, provided that it is used in a constructive and respectful manner.
The debate between equal opportunity and fair opportunity in the workplace is often seen as a clash between two competing ideologies. According to E Anderson’s 2007 article, equal opportunity is defined as “the belief that all people should have the same access to employment opportunities, educational opportunities, and other benefits regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or another personal characteristic” (Anderson). This ideology seeks to create a level playing field in the workplace, so that everyone is given the same chance to succeed. On the other hand, fair opportunity suggests that while everyone should have access to the same opportunities, certain individuals may need more advantages or resources in order to succeed. In this case, fair opportunity would advocate for targeted measures such as affirmative action, which seek to give certain individuals a better chance of succeeding in the workplace. The debate between equal opportunity and fair opportunity often comes down to a matter of personal preference. Supporters of equal opportunity argue that everyone should have the same access to resources, and that any additional advantages should not be given to certain groups of people. They argue that this would create an unequal playing field, and that those with more resources would be more likely to succeed. On the other hand, supporters of fair opportunity argue that unequal access to resources can create an unfair playing field, and that targeted measures should be taken in order to create a more equitable workplace.
Ultimately, the debate between equal opportunity and fair opportunity is a complex one, and there is no right answer. Both ideologies have their merits, and it is up to each individual to decide which is best suited to their own beliefs and values.
Sources: Anderson, E. (2007). Ethics.
Journals.uchicago.edu. Retrieved from http://journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/526596
Within the discussion of Equal Opportunity or a Fair One, it is important to note that while multiculturalism and diversity in the American population can be seen in a positive light, it is also reasonable to recognize that many cultural practices may not align with the country’s core values and identity. Thus, in order to respect these values and maintain authenticity, it is prudent to focus on granting a fair opportunity instead of a strictly equal one. Moving on to the discussion of Ethical Relativism, while the theory can be used to develop a plan for guiding future moral behavior, it is important to be mindful of the both the benefits and drawbacks of the theory. Nevertheless, ethical relativism may be seen as an effective tool in navigating certain scenarios in order to determine what is the right thing to do.
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