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