Question

use two different principles of ethical decision making to justify a company's decision to sell alcoholic beverages

Answer 1

The two different principles of ethical decision making used to justify a company’s decision to sell alcoholic beverages are:

· Long term self-interest – The maxim of this principle is that “never take any action that is not in the organization’s long term self-interest”. In this case the company’s decision to sell alcoholic beverages will further its commercial interest and will enable the company to grow its revenues as well as profits. Thus under the principle of long term self-interest the company’s decision to sell alcoholic beverages will be justified.

· Utilitarian benefits – The maxim of this principle is “greatest benefit for greatest number of people”. People often consume alcoholic beverages during good times, fun times and times spent with family and friends. Most people do not consume alcohol for the purpose of intoxication or as a form of substance abuse. People know about the ill-effects of excessive consumption of alcohol and hence the decision to drink alcohol is their own personal choice and a decision that they make as an informed decision. Thus the company will be justified in its decision to sell alcoholic beverages under the principle of utilitarian benefits.