EM

213.32

Week 3

Winter 2013

Cases Each case: What ethical systems used?

• by the protagonist

• by other actors

Reading

Maxwell “The Mission of Business”

• In what way(s) does he respond to Friedman? If so:

» Are those responses convincing?

• this article hasn’t been very influential Would it be if it were widely known?

Identifying Ethical Systems

Identifying Ethical Systems

normative consequentialist

1. egoism

2. utilitarianism act-utilitarianism rule-utilitarianism

non-consequentialist3. Kantian

4. prima facie principles

5. moral rights

shouldresults motives

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. egoism

2. utilitarianism act-utilitarianism rule-utilitarianism

best for mebest for everyone

case-by-case

rule-of-thumb

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. Kantian

4. prima facie principles

5. moral rights

reason

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. reason

4. principles

5. rights

Egoism

1. Egoism

misplaced attacks self-indulgence hedonism only pretending

reasonable attacks not a moral theory psychological egoism not observed ignores “reality”

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. reason

4. principles

5. rights

Utilitarianism

2. Utilitarianism

in organizations clear & “straightforward” process “objective” criteria results-oriented

2. Utilitarianism

criticisms workable? just? relentless? some acts just seem wrong

2. Utilitarianism

2 streams act utilitarianism

• case-by-case

rule utilitarianism• rule-of-thumb

“judge codes, not actions”

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. reason

4. principles

5. rights

Kant

3. Kant

reason circumstances

• must be ignored

intentions• only duty

universal application• test

3. Kant

“a categorical imperative” “means not ends”

3. Kant

in organizations firm rules focus on

• individual

• motivation

3. Kant

criticisms why

• only duty acceptable?

• no exceptions?

what does “means not ends” mean?

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. reason

4. principles

5. rights

prima facie principles

4. Prima Facie Principles

10 commandments love God; love others Golden Rule

4. Prima Facie Principles

“everyone agrees on some basic rules” in hierarchy

4. Prima Facie Principles

Ross 7 duties

• fidelity

• reparation

• gratitude

• justice

• beneficence

• self-improvement

• non-injury

4. Prima Facie Principles

criticisms universal?

• what happens if someone disagrees?

conflicting

Identifying Ethical Systems

should results

1. best for me

2. best for everyone case-by-case rule-of-thumb

motives3. reason

4. principles

5. rights

moral rights

5. Moral Rights

The Declaration of the Rights of Man

Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml

5. Moral Rights

understanding duties & rights positive rights & negative rights

5. Moral Rights

criticisms what

• is on the list?

who• draws up the list?

• is eligible?

• is responsible?

how much? rights contests

Ford Pinto

Egoism Act utilitarianism Rule utilitarianism

Kant principles rights

Plasma International

Egoism Act utilitarianism Rule utilitarianism

Kant principles rights

What To Do?

every approach can be criticised organizations

• plural

Attempts at Synthesis

Shaw & Barry

Rachels

Desjardins

Attempts at Synthesis

Shaw & Barry obligations ideals effects

propose a process• outline options

• for each understand obligations ideals effects

• weigh

Shaw & Berry Ford Pintoobligations ideals

Benefit shareholders

Safety

Customers

Safety is good for business

Don’t sell what you won’t buy

options effects choiceSell sell sell

Fix it

inform

weigh .3 .3 .4

Shaw & Berry Ford Pintoobligations ideals

1: satisfy customers

2: safety

3: reputation

4: make profit

1: cost/benefit for company

2: make world a better place

options effects choicesell sell sell 1 1 1 C

recall 2.25 2.5 3 A

fix it quietly 1.5 1 1.5 B

weigh .3 .5 .2

Shaw & Berry Plasmaobligations ideals

options effects choice

weigh

Shaw & Berry Plasmaobligations ideals

1: Profit

2: Safety

3: Reputation

1: Cost/benefit

2: Better world

3: Beat out competitors

4: Save livesoptions effects choiceDon’t get into this business

Pedal to the metal

Fair trade in blood

weigh .3 .2 .5