Integrative social contracts theory maintains that
a. there is no such thing as moral-free space: all ethical standards are determined by societal norms, and individuals have an implied social contract to live up to these standards.
b. each country, culture, and society has commonly held views about what constitutes ethically appropriate actions/behaviors; these common standards of what is ethical and what is not combined to form a social contract that all individuals in that country, culture, and society are obligated to observe.
c. first-order universal ethical norms always take precedence over second-order local ethical norms.
d. there should be no absolute limits put on what actions and behaviors fall inside the boundaries of what is ethically or morally right and which actions and behaviors fall outside.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is b. each country, culture, and society has commonly held views about what constitutes ethically appropriate actions/behaviors; these common standards of what is ethical and what is not combined to form a social contract that all individuals in that country, culture, and society are obligated to observe.
Explanation:
Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT) is a moral theory in business ethics that attempts to reconcile the tension between universal ethical principles and local cultural norms. The theory, developed by Thomas Donaldson and Thomas W. Dunfee, posits that ethics should not solely rely on abstract universal principles (like deontology or utilitarianism), nor should they be entirely based on local norms, which may vary significantly across different cultures and societies.
According to ISCT, there are two layers of ethical norms:
- First-order (Universal) Ethical Norms: These are basic, fundamental principles that are considered universally applicable to all human beings. These norms are shared across different societies and are often related to human rights, justice, and fairness.
- Second-order (Local) Ethical Norms: These norms arise from the specific cultural, societal, or community context and reflect the values and traditions of particular groups or nations.
ISCT proposes that these two sets of norms (universal and local) must be integrated into a social contract. Individuals within a society or culture are bound by a social contract that combines the universal ethical principles with local norms. These contracts are not static; they are open to modification as cultures evolve and as global norms shift. The theory emphasizes that these ethical standards should be observed by individuals, businesses, and organizations within the society or culture.
The main idea behind ISCT is to respect local customs but ensure they do not conflict with fundamental human rights or universally accepted ethical principles. This nuanced approach helps balance global ethical standards and the need for cultural sensitivity, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world.