System04128 - Exploring the Boundaries of Morality and Legality

This essay delves into the complex relationship between morality and legality, addressing ethical dilemmas and the tests used to navigate them. It highlights the distinction between lawful actions and moral behavior, using historical examples like slavery to illustrate how legality does not always equate to morality. The essay references Gill's perspective on ethical decision-making and outlines six key tests to evaluate the ethical implications of a decision. It concludes by emphasizing that while laws are established and enforced, morality is rooted in personal values and beliefs, showcasing instances where legal actions can be deeply immoral. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study resources for students.

Morality and Legality
Morality and Legality
System04128

Morality and Legality
Table of Contents
Question 1..................................................................................................................................2
Question 2..................................................................................................................................2
Bibliography...............................................................................................................................3
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Morality and Legality
Question 1
Gill have stated about reasons of ethical dilemmas. He said that the people encounter ethical
dilemmas because they are confused regarding the decision they want to make. They fear that
what if their decision is wrong and have negative impact. Ethical decision-making is related
to matter of right or wrong. The six tests of ethical dilemma are-
1. Is it potentially or wholly illegal?
2. Does it breach the ethics of the company?
3. Does it oppose the person’s own values?
4. Would the person be comfortable doing to himself?
5. Would this take place if everyone knew about it?
6. Is anyone will get affected by it?
These six tests are valid enough to solve the ethical dilemma of a person and help the person
to take ethical decision. If any of the six test fails then the person will get know that the
action which he is about to take is unethical (Gill, 2004).
Question 2
Lawful is something that has been delegated, set up or approved by the law and can face
consequences if violated. Morality is worried about the standards of right versus wrong that
depend on one’s close to home sentiments, qualities and conclusions. Morality and legality
both are diverse and if a thing is legal cannot be said as moral (Miltner). For instance; Couple
of decades back slavery was legal and the slaves were treated as chattels. These people were
the victims of abusing of human being and there were separation of families. These actions
were in the purview of law but were immoral.
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Morality and Legality
Bibliography
Gill, D. W. (2004). Upgrading the Ethical Decision-Making Model for Business. Business
and Professional Ethics Journal , 135-151.
Miltner, C. C. (n.d.). Legal Versus Moral Justice. Retrieved from Notre Dame Law Review:
https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4310&context=ndlr
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