Order Number |
67yuhjy6 |
Type of Project |
ESSAY |
Writer Level |
PHD VERIFIED |
Format |
APA |
Academic Sources |
10 |
Page Count |
3-12 PAGES |
Preamble
Ethical issues concerning the former of president of America Abraham Lincoln are analyzed in this paper. A special focus is given to the manner in which this president handled slavery in the country. Ethical questions come into play in every day of a leader. Very few leaders take into account ethical issues when making key decisions. The abolishment of slavery was one of the tasks this president carried out. Here is a close look at how he handled this issue.
Scenario
Abraham Lincoln was faced with one of the most delicate decisions in the history of The United States of America. At this time in history the country witnessed internal fighting. Brother was fighting because of slavery. The country was tearing apart. He was left wondering how people who owned slaves could be dealt with ethically.
He was also faced with key decisions on how to ensure slaves have their rights in place. The role of a slave in the country was one of the challenging issues Lincoln had to deal with. There was a group that upheld slavery so dear as it contributed to their economic well-being. Ending slavery could lead to economic sabotage. Root Martinez, (2018).
Analysis of Lincoln`s decisions
President Lincoln was one of the best ethical leaders the world could ever have. He was a resolute leader. He was against those supporting slavery. He noted that those advocating for slavery could themselves not want to be a slave. He said, “ As I would not be a slave, so I would not want to be a master”.
Ethical was clear that enslavement of human beings was unethical. The president was clear that when slavery is allowed, it gives other human beings a means of ensuring their personal needs are met while denying slaves the right have their own rights.
Philosopher was categorical when he noted a categorical imperative that stated, “Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time, will that it should become a universal law’’. President was the exact advocate for this narrative. Kant also noted that obeying a law that is universal is being ethically upright according to Whiteside, & Barclay, 2016).
Utilitarian is also another approach used to analyze conformity to ethical standards. It is based on a consequential theory in ethical issues. This normally involves making decisions in large groups of people. In this theory, it is required that the best decision is one that carries more good than bad. Lincoln recognized that the negative effects of slavery outweighed the positive gains of slavery. He therefore made ethical decisions accordingly Root Martinez, 2018).
Legality
Lincoln was faced with one of the most delicate decisions to make. In the constitution, slavery was allowed. The president opposing slavery meant that he was violating the constitution. Abraham therefore went beyond legality of the constitution to oppose slavery. He went ahead to invoke the Emancipation Proclamation.
This allowed him to honor his oath to defend the constitution but at the same time use excess power in cases of dire of action like war (Root Martinez, 2018). This paved the way to abolishment of slavery in the 13th Amendment of the constitution.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most ethical leader, America has ever had. He set an example of going beyond the constitution and upholding human dignity. He is the best example of ethical leaders that lived in his time.
References
Root Martinez, V. (2018). Combating Silence in the Profession.
Utley, R. (2017). Moral and Ethical Perspectives. Frameworks for Advanced Nursing Practice and Research: Philosophies, Theories, Models, and Taxonomies, 111.
Whiteside, D. B., & Barclay, L. J. (2016). The face of fairness: Self-awareness as a means to promote fairness among managers with low empathy. Journal of Business Ethics, 137(4), 721-730.