ETHICS EDUCATION AND ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING IN THE CONTEXT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION

Abstract

This thesis will investigate how ethics education and knowledge of ethical frameworks influence people's ethical decision-making about plastic pollution. Specifically, it will examine how this knowledge enables individuals to uphold an ethical approach when making decisions, particularly to prioritize the greater good, benefit the environment and society, and align with the interests of their respective organizations. This study will discuss a few of the more common ethical frameworks taught in business schools, namely utilitarianism, virtue ethics, rights ethics, common good ethics, fairness ethics, duty-based ethics, and egoistic ethics, the development of a survey based on these frameworks, and potential outcomes of the survey examination to comprehend individuals' responsibilities towards the environment based on their knowledge of ethical frameworks. Furthermore, this paper will undertake a comprehensive examination and critical review of syllabi across various Canadian business schools, focusing on their respective learning outcomes in the context of environmental ethics.