The four ethical perspectives include character, obligation, results, and equity; thus, making up CORE. These different ethical perspectives help to explain what drives an individual’s decision when faced with an ethical dilemma. It is easy for someone to say what they will do when faced with an example of an ethical dilemma; however, it is another thing to make that same decision when faced with an actual real-life ethical dilemma. By understanding what perspective compels someone to make an ethical decision, it will be easier to make that decision when one really has to.
The first of the four ethical perspectives is Character/Virtue. A person who possesses this ethical perspective believes that people who are honest, wise, and has integrity, will make an ethical decision. It is not based on the actions of the person, but the character of the person, separate from the actions. No matter what the individual decides to do, it is more important to continue to want to be a better person by maintaining the characteristics listed above. Lastly, this perspective also believes that a person with a good character who is honest and virtuous is capable of making a good decision when faced with an ethical dilemma, and an individual that does not contain these characteristics would not be able to make such a decision.
The second ethical perspective is Obligation/Deontology. This perspective is based on the idea that every person has an obligation to do what is morally right. This perspective is very results oriented, as it looks to see what the persons intent was when the ethical decision was made. If a person had good intent and made their decision consciously, then the decision would be considered moral and ethical. The obligation perspective also is based on t ...