Question

(2). How does virtue theory apply to both the decision maker and the act under consideration by that party? Explain.

Answer 1

The virtue theory is applicable to both the decision maker as well as the act under consideration by that party. The difference among the virtue theory and other moral reasoning methods, such as utilitarianism and rights theory is the explicit recognition that decision maker must internalize specific core ethical values (virtues) to enable an individual to make reasoned judgements. These ethical values lay the strong foundation of professional judgement. The virtue ethics has a specific appeal in accounting as it is directly related to principles of the AICPA Code that gives a foundation for the application of ethics rule. These includes avoidance on subordinating judgements to others (honesty and integrity); independence from a client (unbiased/ neutral), to make judgements that are verifiable (impartiality/ objectivity) and due care in the professional performance responsibilities (thoroughness/ diligence)