Hi, this is my philosophy course assignment in which you have to write an Argument Reconstruction paper of 800 to 1000 words. In this assignment, you have to reconstruct the argument into the standard
Assignment 1: Argument Reconstruction
INTRODUCTION
In this paper we will be reconstructing and motivating argument 2 titled “An Argument Against Profit as an Obligation.” In this argument, Heath is convincing the reader that business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit. Heath argues that profit is connected to self-interest, which is the opposite of altruistic behaviour and a consequent of ethics. Therefore, he is stating that because ethics is against the pursuit of self interest, it should also be against the pursuit of profit.
ARGUMENT IN STANDARD FORM
1 | The practice of ethics can be considered altruistic behaviour. |
2 | If the practice of ethics can be considered altruistic behaviour, then ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest. |
3 | So, ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest. (1, 2) |
4 | If ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest, then business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit. |
5 | So, business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit. (3, 4) |
DEFENSE OF PREMISES
P1: “Ethics is considered altruistic behaviour.” Ethics is defined as the discipline of dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation (Ethic, 2021). Altruism is defined as unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others (Altruism, 2021). The moral duty referenced in the definition of ethics is closely related to altruism, in that, altruism is considered the behaviour that is “good” in ethics. Therefore, we can state that the practice of ethics is considered an altruistic behaviour.
P2: “If the practice of ethics can be considered altruistic behaviour, then ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest.” Assume that ethics is considered altruistic behaviour. Ethics is a discipline of moral duty and obligation, and morality can be more precisely understood as a “principled constraint on the pursuit of self-interest.” Therefore, ethics is considered the constraint on the pursuit of self interest.
P:4 “If ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest, then business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit.” Assume that ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest. As defined by Heath pursuing the maximization of profit above all else is an act of self interest, which is more obvious in the business sector. Therefore, business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Heath’s argument regarding the role of business ethics on constraining the maximization of profit can be considered a sound argument. If someone were to object to his argument, they would most likely target the premise “If ethics is the constraint on the pursuit of self interest, then business ethics should constrain the pursuit of profit.” This is because someone may argue that for a manager to pursue profit is not within their own self interest but rather on behalf of the business. This could then be considered the devotion to the wants/needs of others, in other words a form of altruism.
Works Cited
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altruism. Accessed 13 Jul. 2021.
“Ethic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic. Accessed 14 Jul. 2021.