PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory

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Capella University

PHI FPX 2000 Ethics

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Date

PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory

Critical theory provides a useful way to analyze the ethical conflict between Rhonda, a transgender woman who asks her colleagues to use her preferred pronouns, and Phil, a colleague who is uncomfortable with the request because of his personal beliefs about gender. The situation involves questions of identity, autonomy, respect, social norms, power, and professional responsibility. Applying critical theory shows that the disagreement is not simply an interpersonal conflict; it can also reflect broader social expectations about gender and recognition. Normative ethical theories, including virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism, can further help determine an ethical response that promotes dignity, respectful communication, and a fair environment for everyone involved.

Primary Interests of the Stakeholders

The two primary stakeholders in this ethical conflict are Rhonda and Phil. Each person has legitimate interests and beliefs, but those interests come into tension when they affect how individuals interact in the workplace or another professional setting.

Rhonda’s primary interest is having her gender identity recognized and being addressed using she/her/hers pronouns. Pronouns are an important part of everyday communication and can serve as a way of acknowledging an individual’s identity. For Rhonda, the request is connected to dignity, self-expression, autonomy, and respectful treatment. Research on ethical practice with transgender and gender-diverse individuals emphasizes the importance of creating interactions that respect identity and support psychological and interpersonal well-being (Darby et al., 2020).

Phil’s interest is different. His resistance to using Rhonda’s preferred pronouns is connected to his personal beliefs and understanding of gender. Witt (2021) identifies preferred gender pronouns as an area where questions about personal beliefs, respect, and ethical obligations can come into conflict.

The ethical tension develops because these perspectives directly affect their interactions. Rhonda seeks recognition and respectful communication, while Phil may believe that using the requested pronouns conflicts with his personal convictions. An ethical analysis must therefore consider individual autonomy while also examining responsibilities toward other people in a shared professional environment.

Applying Critical Theory to the Ethical Conflict

Critical theory examines how social structures, institutions, cultural expectations, and systems of power influence individual experiences. Instead of treating the disagreement solely as a personal dispute between Rhonda and Phil, critical theory asks how broader social assumptions about gender may influence the situation.

One important concept is hegemony, which describes how dominant beliefs and social norms can become accepted as natural or standard. Traditional gender expectations have often been based on binary assumptions about male and female identities. Critical theory questions how these dominant assumptions influence people’s understanding of gender and shape interactions within social institutions (Holt, 2021).

This perspective is important because an interaction that appears to be a simple disagreement about language may have broader implications for social inclusion. Transgender individuals can experience barriers and discrimination in workplaces, healthcare environments, educational institutions, and other settings. Critical theory encourages decision-makers to examine whether established norms unintentionally privilege some groups while placing others at a disadvantage.

The theory therefore shifts the analysis from asking only, “Who is right?” to broader questions such as:

• How do social norms influence the conflict?

• Whose experiences are treated as conventional or standard?

• Does the existing environment provide equal recognition to all individuals?

• How do power and social expectations affect the stakeholders?

Intersectionality and the Stakeholder Experience

Intersectionality provides another useful framework for understanding the conflict. It recognizes that individuals have multiple social identities and that these identities can interact to influence their experiences with institutions and other people.

Gender identity is the primary issue presented in Rhonda’s situation. However, an intersectional approach recognizes that gender does not necessarily exist independently from other aspects of identity, such as race, socioeconomic position, sexuality, or cultural background. These factors can overlap and contribute to different experiences of privilege or marginalization (Amelina & Schäfer, 2020).

For example, a transgender person’s experience of a workplace may be influenced not only by gender identity but also by other social characteristics and institutional practices. Intersectionality therefore prevents ethical decision-makers from reducing a complex situation to one identity category.

Using this framework, the conflict can be evaluated within its larger social context. The goal is to understand how different forms of social power and inequality may affect the stakeholders rather than focusing exclusively on the immediate disagreement.

Queer Theory and Gender Identity

Queer theory provides another perspective for analyzing the ethical conflict. It challenges assumptions that heterosexuality and binary gender identities should automatically be considered the universal or preferred social norm. Instead, queer theory examines how cultural expectations shape understandings of gender and sexuality (Lee, 2019).

In Rhonda’s case, queer theory highlights the difference between her understanding of her gender identity and Phil’s understanding of gender. The disagreement illustrates how competing ideas about gender can affect everyday communication and social recognition.

Queer theory also examines the relationship between individual identity and larger systems of power. Gender, sexuality, race, and other social identities can interact with cultural institutions and expectations in ways that influence people’s experiences (Ciszek et al., 2022).

This approach does not require every individual to hold identical beliefs. Instead, it encourages examination of how social norms are established and whose experiences may be overlooked when those norms are treated as universal.

Traditional Theories of Normative Ethics

Normative ethics focuses on principles that help determine how individuals should behave. Several major ethical theories can be applied to the conflict involving Rhonda and Phil.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics focuses on moral character and qualities such as compassion, empathy, fairness, kindness, and respect. Rather than asking only whether an action follows a rule, virtue ethics considers what a morally good person would do in a particular situation.

Applied to Rhonda’s situation, virtue ethics would encourage respectful communication and empathy. A colleague may not personally share another person’s beliefs or experiences, but demonstrating respect and consideration can reflect positive moral character.

A virtue-based response would therefore encourage both parties to communicate respectfully and avoid behavior that unnecessarily humiliates, excludes, or antagonizes another person. Virtue ethics emphasizes the connection between moral character and ethical behavior (Guinebert, 2020).

Deontological Ethics

Deontological ethics emphasizes duties, obligations, and moral principles. The ethical value of an action is evaluated primarily according to whether it fulfills relevant duties rather than simply according to its consequences (Jalsenjak, 2019).

In this situation, a duty-based analysis could emphasize the responsibility to treat colleagues with dignity and respect. From this perspective, using a colleague’s requested pronouns can be considered part of respectful interpersonal conduct in a professional environment.

Deontology also provides a useful distinction between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities. An individual may maintain personal convictions while still being expected to interact with colleagues according to established standards of respectful conduct.

Consequentialist Ethics

Consequentialism evaluates actions according to their likely outcomes. The decision-maker therefore considers how different responses could affect Rhonda, Phil, their colleagues, and the wider organization.

Refusing to use Rhonda’s requested pronouns could contribute to feelings of exclusion, interpersonal tension, or workplace conflict. On the other hand, Phil may experience discomfort if he believes that using the pronouns conflicts with his personal values.

A consequentialist approach therefore requires consideration of the overall effects of each possible response. The objective is to identify an approach that minimizes unnecessary harm while promoting a respectful and functional environment (Taggart & Zenor, 2022).

Resolving the Ethical Conflict

Resolving the conflict requires balancing individual beliefs with responsibilities toward others. Critical theory helps identify the influence of social structures, dominant gender norms, and power relationships, while normative ethical theories provide principles for evaluating possible actions.

A constructive response would begin with respectful communication. The individuals involved should have an opportunity to explain their concerns without resorting to personal attacks or discriminatory behavior. At the same time, professional expectations should remain clear.

Organizations can support ethical decision-making by establishing consistent expectations for respectful communication and interpersonal conduct. Policies should not necessarily attempt to eliminate differences in personal beliefs. Instead, they can establish standards that allow individuals with different beliefs to work together respectfully.

The ethical response should also recognize that disagreement does not automatically justify behavior that demeans or marginalizes another person. Professional environments have responsibilities to create conditions in which individuals can participate without unnecessary exclusion or disrespect.

Why Critical Theory Matters in Ethical Decision-Making

Critical theory is valuable because it encourages people to examine ethical problems beyond their immediate circumstances. It asks how institutions, social expectations, and power relationships influence individual behavior.

For the Rhonda and Phil conflict, critical theory highlights how dominant gender norms can shape assumptions about identity and communication. It also draws attention to the experiences of groups that may be marginalized by those norms.

When critical theory is combined with normative ethics, the analysis becomes more comprehensive. Critical theory helps identify structural influences, while ethical theories help evaluate possible actions.

Virtue ethics emphasizes character and compassion. Deontological ethics focuses on duties and respect for moral principles. Consequentialism evaluates potential outcomes. Together, these approaches provide different but complementary ways of understanding the ethical conflict.

Ethical Decision-Making in Professional Environments

Ethical decision-making in professional environments requires more than identifying personal preferences. Professionals must consider organizational standards, interpersonal responsibilities, individual dignity, and the possible consequences of their actions.

A useful approach is to first identify the stakeholders and their interests. Next, decision-makers can examine the social structures influencing the conflict. They can then apply multiple ethical theories to determine which response best promotes respectful and responsible conduct.

This process can help prevent ethical decisions from being based solely on personal beliefs. It also creates a more consistent framework for handling disagreements involving identity, communication, and social inclusion.

Conclusion

The ethical conflict involving Rhonda and Phil demonstrates how gender identity, personal beliefs, social norms, power, and professional responsibilities can intersect. Critical theory provides an important framework for examining the broader structures and dominant assumptions that influence the disagreement. Concepts such as hegemony, marginalization, intersectionality, and social power help explain why a conflict involving pronouns can have broader ethical significance.

Queer theory further challenges assumptions about gender and examines how social expectations influence recognition and identity. Normative ethical theories provide additional tools for evaluating the appropriate response. Virtue ethics emphasizes compassion, empathy, and respect; deontological ethics focuses on duties and obligations; and consequentialism considers the effects of different actions on all stakeholders.

Taken together, these approaches suggest that an ethical response should promote respectful communication, protect individual dignity, recognize professional responsibilities, and avoid unnecessary marginalization. Critical theory is especially valuable because it encourages decision-makers to look beyond individual disagreement and consider the broader social structures that shape ethical conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is critical theory in PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3?

Critical theory is a framework used to examine how power, social structures, cultural norms, and institutional practices influence people’s experiences. In PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3, it can be applied to examine how dominant gender expectations influence the ethical conflict between Rhonda and Phil.

How does critical theory apply to Rhonda and Phil’s ethical conflict?

Critical theory helps explain the conflict beyond the personal disagreement. It examines how dominant gender norms, social expectations, power relationships, and marginalization may influence how Rhonda’s gender identity and pronoun request are perceived.

What are the primary stakeholders in this ethical conflict?

Rhonda and Phil are the primary stakeholders. Rhonda’s interests include identity recognition, dignity, autonomy, and respectful communication. Phil’s interests include maintaining his personal beliefs and exercising his own moral judgment while participating in a shared professional environment.

How does intersectionality relate to this ethical situation?

Intersectionality recognizes that people have multiple identities that can interact and influence their experiences. Although gender identity is the central issue in this scenario, an intersectional analysis considers how other social identities and forms of marginalization may affect an individual’s experience.

How does virtue ethics apply to the situation?

Virtue ethics focuses on moral character and virtues such as empathy, compassion, fairness, and respect. Applied to the conflict, it encourages behavior that demonstrates consideration for others and supports constructive professional relationships.

How does deontological ethics apply to Rhonda’s situation?

Deontological ethics focuses on duties and moral obligations. In this situation, it can be used to consider whether individuals have a duty to treat colleagues with dignity and follow professional expectations for respectful communication.

How does consequentialism apply to the conflict?

Consequentialism considers the outcomes of different actions. Decision-makers would examine how using or refusing to use Rhonda’s requested pronouns could affect Rhonda, Phil, their colleagues, and the overall professional environment.

Why is critical theory useful for ethical decision-making?

Critical theory is useful because it moves ethical analysis beyond individual behavior and examines broader issues involving power, social norms, inequality, and marginalization. It can therefore provide a deeper understanding of conflicts involving identity and social recognition.

References

Amelina, A., & Schäfer, J. (2020). Intersectionality as critical social theory. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 43(8), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2019.1707252

Ciszek, E., Place, K., & Logan, N. (2022). Critical humanism for public relations: Harnessing the synergy of gender, race and sexuality research. Public Relations Review, 48(1), 102151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2022.102151

Darby, M., Bolland, K., Cervantes, A., & Hitter, T. (2020). Ethical considerations in group work with transgender/gender diverse clients. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 70(4), 579–598. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2020.1787173

Duthie, K. (2019). Ethical considerations for health leaders responsible for the care of transgender patients. Healthcare Management Forum, 32(2), 113–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/0840470418817481

PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory

Guinebert, S. (2020). How do moral theories stand to each other? Zeitschrift für Ethik und Moralphilosophie, 3(2), 279–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42048-020-00077-1

Holt, M. (2021). Critical theory. In Sexual orientation equality in schools (pp. 55–71). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65143-5_4

Jalsenjak, B. (2019). Ethics and ethical theories. In Encyclopedia of sustainable management (pp. 1–5). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02006-4_115-1

Lee, R. (2019). Queering lactation: Contributions of queer theory to lactation support for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(2), 233–238. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334419830992

Nagoshi, J., Nagoshi, C., & Pillai, V. (2022). Transgender theory revisited: Current applications to transgender issues. Current Opinion in Psychology, 49, 101546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101546

Regan, P., & Meyer, E. (2021). Queer theory and heteronormativity. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1387

PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory

Rivera, D., & Nadal, K. (2020). The intersection of queer theory and empirical methods. In Imagining queer methods (pp. 191–206). New York University Press. https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9781479808557.003.0012

Taggart, G., & Zenor, J. (2022). Evaluation as moral practice: The case of virtue ethics. Evaluation and Program Planning, 94, 102140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102140

Witt, A. (2021). The use of preferred gender pronouns. Ethics & Medics, 46(2), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.5840/em20214623

Zaharin, A., & Pallotta, M. (2022). Reclaiming transgender identity through intersectionality and decoloniality: A critical autoethnography of an academic-activist performance. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 43(1), 98–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2022.2012137