...program. The NSA can use these PRISM requests to target communications that were encrypted when they traveled across the internet backbone, to focus on stored data that telecommunication filtering systems discarded earlier, and to get data that is easier to handle, among other things. However, just because we are able to do something it is not always the best decision to do so. For instance, is it wise or even ethical for the government to use this level of surveillance on its citizens in its CHIAO 1 broad unrestricted searches for terrorists. Let examine the ethics governmental monitoring from the perspective of a variety of ethical models such as the Social Contract model, Kantian model and the Act Utilitarian model. First, the ethics of governmental monitoring from a social contract perspective. The social contract theory states that rational people will agree to accept those moral rules that will mutually benefit all in the society on the condition that others will agree to follow those rules as well. In order to examine, if...
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...people (Discovery). As for the effect this will have on non-human animals, these large amounts of carbon emissions contribute greatly to the lose of many ecosystems. A utilitarian would look at this situation and see that this would not increase the happiness of human and nonhuman animals. Thus a moral action would be to not travel by air but rather take other methods that would produce the least amount of carbon emissions, for example carpooling, though still produces carbon emissions it is less than the amount produced by air travel thus affecting the environment less and producing a greater net increase in happiness. A Kantian would find this situation immoral because carbon emissions affect humans directly as well as indirectly and they believe that human beings are valuable and occupy a special place in creation (Rachels 136). As for non human animals a kantian would not find the effect of the large amounts of carbon emissions to be immoral because to them...
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...What would utilitarianism, rights theory, and justice say about these activities of ExxonMobil, Amerada Hess, and Marathon Oil in Equatorial Guinea? ExxonMobil’s, Amerada Hess’ and Marathon Oil’s actions, intentions and decisional consequences can be analyzed by utilitarianism, rights theory, and justice sub-theories and ideas, as the companies, governments and citizens are all affected. Utilitarianism focuses on the companies’ decisions’ consequences; rights theory zeroes in on if the companies maintain and respect relevant parties’ rights; and the justice ideas concentrate on the companies’ embracement of civil equality of liberties and justification of inequalities. A utilitarian may view the companies’ actions and consequences under four of utilitarianism’s characteristics: consequentialism, hedonism, minimalism, and universalism, as listed in a business ethics textbook (W. P. Kissick, Contemporary Utilitarianism 17-18). Firstly, and theoretically the most significant in context, as consequentialism involves decision validity, the three companies’ intentions matches this principle, for their main goal, the ultimate consequence, included helping West African countries produce $4 billion annual oil revenues. Additionally, as these companies acquired eighty percent of the annual oil revenues, while the majority of Equatorial Guinea’s population remained poor, and the companies claimed to invest in Equatorial Guinea’s social, educational and health institutions, a utilitarian...
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...May 27, 2016 International Management There are a few ethical philosophies that can influence the decisions that managers will use for offshoring of jobs. First, the Kantian philosophy displays that individuals/organizations have a duty based on core moral principles beyond their own self-interest. This would effectively mean that managers cannot simply think of their own profits, but think of the employees that will be displaced as well as those who will be gaining positions. Next is Utilitarianism Theory Analysis the company has the right to protect their intellectual property. For that need company has to enforce proper planning strategy on what services should be outsourced to offshore jobs and what services should not. If there will be lack of proper planning, then may be chances of Identity Theft and the company goes through loses. Last is Social contract theory all the rational begins are getting benefited through outsourcing as it increase. By outsourcing certain errands, the organizations can spare cash taking into account charges they pay in the offshore countries. Created nations like America and Europe have more corporate duty rate than different nations. The U.S. charge code permits American based organizations to get the expense exceptions for that rate of duty effectively paid to remote nations, which is less contrasted with U.S. Some organizations even move some errands to the little seaward island, for example, Caymans, where they can make charge free record...
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...most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with similar system of liberty for all. I believe the principle is saying that we should be free as possible to set the course of our own lives. Social and economic inequalities are to satisfy two conditions. First, they are to be attached to positions and offices to open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity; and second, they are to be to the greatest expected benefit of the least advantaged members of society. I believe the idea is that social and economic inequalities are not wrong, or bad, in themselves. They only become indefensible when they don't operate to improve the position of the worst off. The capital should be used for purposes, which benefit the domestic market and does not in any way hamper the domestic necessity. Once capital is exported then the entire purpose of being available domestically is lost. Rawls theory states that what causes the least harm to the greatest population and the least harm to the least population should be implemented. This Theory states that exporting the goods abroad is gonna harm a great number and should not be implemented. The least harm is caused when capital goods for production is used domestically. This theory is also called the theory of justice where Rawls attempts to solve the problem of distributive justice by utilizing a variant of the familiar device of the...
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...assignment will define and discuss the ethical theory of Kantianism. Kantian ethics is based on abiding by moral laws that are universal for everyone. It allows us to rationalize our decisions based on our duty to do what is right. This assignment will also discuss how Kantianism represents my personal principles. Kantianism provides moral laws that provide a sense of equality for all people. There are also several arguments that are against Kantianism and will dispute the theory. But the overall goal of Kantianism is to ensure that every person is treated with respect. In addition, this assignment will discuss and defend my position on a contemporary IT issue using a practical ethical theory. Unit 1 Assignment 1 Ethical Theory-Kantian The ethical theory that I have chosen that best represents my personal principles is Kantianism. This theory was named after the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. According to Quinn, “Kant believed that people’s actions ought to be guided by moral laws, and that these moral laws were universal” (Quinn, 2013, para. 2). The universal law is the belief that everyone tries to do the right thing and be a rational person and therefore rational decisions can be applied to everyone in the world. Kantianism does not consider the consequences of the ethical issues to be important, rather it is based on what should be done or doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. Kant’s decision is based on the theory that nothing is good without qualification...
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...without parent consent? Does this violate the fundament social responsibility of parents? Week 5 issue: Why should illegal immigrants be entitled to free education, heath care services, food stamps and an assortment of other social service benefits? Does it make sense to reward those who break the law? Individual assignment 1. 5 primary barriers and obstacles that cause us to breach our moral & ethical values 2. How do they cause you to breach your moral and ethical values - Things that cause us to do the wrong things (temptations) ex: how does self interest cause us to do the wrong things 3. What needs be done to over come those obstacles 4. Do this for each of the primary barriers Week 3 presentation: 10 points 1. Provide background on issue- extent of it taught in schools MARCELA Ex: polls, legislature, historical value 2. ID and discuss all arguments on either side of the question (broad implications of this issue) Do schools have the rights where do their rights begin and end JAMES What are the rights of the parents where do their rights begin and end JOE 3. Team conclusion- 4. Justify conclusion, why was one side more compelling than the other MIKE 20 min presentation * Construction (4 out of 10 points) * accuracy * COPY OF PPP 3 slides to each page NOTES Metaethics: understanding where do our ethical principles come from Normative: Study of ethical theories Applied ethics: examination of specific controversial...
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...POVERTY IN AMERICA Donice Wright Excelsior College Business Ethics for Managers 523 30033567 Dr. Sharlyn Moore 21 May 2015 Introduction and situational analysis Residents of Lakewood, Ohio have seen an upsurge in people living below the poverty line. “Between 1998-99 and 2009-10, the share of Lakewood high students receiving free and reduced price lunches increased dramatically, from 9-46%.” (Shaw, 2013, p. 13). As globalization increases more immigrants and refugees are moving to areas outside of the inner city. Tukwila, Washington has seen much of the same waves of immigration and refugee populations seeking work and affordable housing. Poverty in Tukwila went from 10 percent to over 24 percent during the period 2006-10. Job opportunities are rooted in service jobs such as retail, hotels, construction and other services. P. (38). The inner city used to be the location for jobs and opportunity however, the trend now includes urban job opportunities, affordable housing, and better schools. This migration from the inner city to the outlying areas is called, “the suburbanization of poverty.” P. (38) Understanding poverty calls for understanding the economy. According to Brooking Institute researchers Emily Monea and Isabel Sawhill, “even if the national unemployment rate fell to 5 percent within the next five years, by 2020 the nation’s poverty rate will likely remain above 14 percent. P. (39) Inter-generational poverty needs to be addressed. Inner cities have several...
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...Moral Philosophies Consequentialist theories. The morality (right vs wrong) of an action is judged entirely by its on consequences. Right and wrong are determined by the outcome of an action. “The end justifies the means” -Egoism -Utilitarianism Non consequentialist theories Based on inputs and intentions Actions are intrinsically good or bad by themselves. The right or wrong of these actions is not determined by their consequences. Utilitarianism Actions are judged by how much they benefit the majority. The greatest good for the greatest number of people. It is ethical to make the minority unhappy or suffer to create the greatest good The various ways of defining the greatest good should be taken into consideration. Promulgated by John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham Act Utilitarianism Every act has an individual moral obligation. Rule Utilitarianism Apply utilitarianism to a set of rules that will benefit the majority. Kantian Ethics Intention based The categorical Imperative contains three maxims. Universality: You should only do something if you think it would be ok if everyone did it all the time. E.g. cheating in business, if everyone did it the economy would collapse. Every human should be treated as an end not a means to an end: So you can’t manipulate people to achieve an end. Contrasts to consequentialism which is based on ‘the greater good’. Means you cannot lie, (example about com101 being fav class) Act as if you were...
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...Ethical Theories In today’s society, especially in business the question of what is ethical is a dilemma that a great deal of individuals is faced with every day. Ethics vary from person to person and culture to culture. What is unethical in the United States of America may be completely ethical in China. Dictionary.com defines ethics as the moral principles that govern a person’s or a group’s behavior. There are many different theories of ethics, and which one a person chooses to live by, depends on which theorist the individual believes to be more in line with their own personal moral beliefs. When business ethics is discussed it is hard to speak about it without mentioning the name of Milton Friedman. Milton Friedman was an economist that theorized business ethics as monetarism. He is essentially responsible for promoting the economic growth of a company and the benefits to their shareholders. The primary goal and motivating force in business is to make a profit, and try to maintain efficiency while making a profit. Friedman’s theory is in correlation with the philosophy of corporate law. In corporate law the shareholders own the company, and they vote on the Board of Directors. The greatest duty is owed to the shareholders as owners of the business. Typically the Board of Directors makes the important decisions because they ensure the company is running efficiency while making a profit at the same time. Making a profit is the primary reason any company is in business...
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...Integrating Values - The Legality, Morality, and Social Responsibility of the George Brothers & the Largest Pill Mills in South Florida Abstract This paper examines the legality and ethics of the George brother’s pain medication clinics in South Florida. It explains the legality of the pain medication supply that is available for consumers that medically need it and how its source can also be an easy access to addicts. Although it is considered legal, is it ethical? In this paper we study different theories in ethics, including Kantian and Utilitarian ethical models. These models provide clear analyses that guide us in deciding if pain medication distribution from pain clinics is ethical. Finally, we review and conclude if the George brother’s pain medication clinics were acting socially responsible within their communities. Given the rise of pain medication abuse and illegal reselling, pain clinics in South Florida should adhere to strict rules to provide services to those that need it and not turn their businesses into pill mills. Introduction Purposes of Paper The intent of this paper is to provide a detailed and analytical examination of the George brother’s pain medication clinics. Throughout this paper all approaches will be examined such as the legality and ethics of the case, and how social responsibility plays a role. In the past few years in South Florida, there has been a rise of pain medication addiction and the reselling of these narcotics. Pain...
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...considerable amount of commission if Ming chooses option 1 instead of option 2. * Ming’s wife will be optimistic because she can Complete an English course in the near future, this will help her to find an employment if Ming goes for option 1. * East Pharma will be extremely happy if Ming takes option 1 as their sales will go up but on the other hand West Pharma’s will not be happy because their sales will go down. * Customers will be happy if Ming goes with option 2 as they can save some money on medicine. According to my understanding, Option 1 is bringing the most goods in Ming’s case, and outcome is the main point in Utilitarianism. Therefore, it is ethical for Ming to recommend Modoxolin only to his customers. Kantian Ethics According to this theory, the rightness or wrongness of an action doesn’t depend on...
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...BUSINESS ETHICS 'COLLECTIVE ACTION PROBLEMS' IN PARTICULAR HOW MUCH RESPONSIBILITY DOES AN INDIVIDUAL MANAGER HAVE FOR THE ETHICAL CULTURE OF HIS/HER ORGANISATION? Ram Visvanathan Business Ethics May 28, 2014 Introduction. Ethics is very important for the prosperity of any organization. Every employee or stakeholder of an organization has got an important role to play in nurturing an ethical culture in an organization. This research paper discusses the level of responsibility that an individual manager has in the ethical culture of his or her organization. This is done with close attention to academic journals and research. The paper will derive its arguments from veteran theories like the Utilitarian and the Kantian theories. The paper will also relate its discussions with the case study about Enron a USA company that collapsed as a result of unethical behavior in the management. Some of the components that will be highlighted in the paper include; the importance of an ethical culture in an organization, the dangers of lack of ethics in an organization and the strategies that can be used to promote ethics in an organization. Justification of the research. The study of the role of individual managers in the ethical culture of an organization is a justified venture. This is because of the increased calls for ethical behaviors in organizations. The expectations of the staff and the society at large on ethical behaviors have increased tremendously...
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...A Review of Ethics Concepts & Theories Educational Objectives: 1. Explain the type of problem that is addressed by philosophers. 2. Explain how ethical norms help address ethical issues that arise in accountancy. 3. Contrast the views of Mills, Machiavelli and Kant. 4. Describe what is meant by a social contract. 5. Analyze a given situation and tell why it would be appropriate or inappropriate to lie. 6. Explain the views of Kierkegaard and contrast him from other existentialists. 7. Discuss the concept that ethics cannot be based on religion. 8. Explain the use of ethical reasoning and how it can be used in your professional life. Introduction The major ethical principles accepted in the western world follow guidelines and rules that must be universally applied in all situations. These ethical principles are established primarily on the basis of teachings set forth by philosophers throughout the ages, starting with the great Greek thinkers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. As you might expect, there have been many alterations 修改 to these moral principles throughout the years. What was considered ethically correct by some was rejected by others and replaced with their own concept of what constituted moral or ethical behavior. A Comment about Philosophy: Philosophy, unlike science, addresses issues that cannot be solved. In fact, some philosophers state that if a problem can be solved, philosophers will not even...
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...of justice as fairness in his now classic work A Theory of Justice. Using elements of both Kantian and utilitarian philosophy, he has described a method for the moral evaluation of social and political institutions. Thesis: While John Rawls theory of Justice as Fairness argues that all social values are to be distributed equally unless an unequal distribution of these values is to everyone’s advantage, his argument is flawed by his reliance on the veil of ignorance and his two principles of justice that are difficult to apply in society. Imagine that you have set for yourself the task of developing a totally new social contract for today's society. How could you do so fairly? Although you could never actually eliminate all of your personal biases and prejudices, could you take steps at least to minimize them? In his book, A Theory of Justice, Rawls attempts to argue a position to do this very thing. He asks us to imagine a fantastic scene: a group of people are gathered to plan their own future society, hammering out the details of what will basically become a Social Contract. Rawls calls this the “Original Position.” In the Original Position, the future citizens do not yet know what part they will play in their upcoming society. They must design their society behind what Rawls calls the Veil of Ignorance. Rawls says in his book titled the A Theory of Justice, “No one knows his place in society, his class position or social status; nor does he know his fortune in the distribution...
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