Gregory Visci
Principles of Ethics
1) Ethics of government stay that gifts cannot be accepted from a prohibited source. A gift is defined to mean anything of monetary value, and specifically includes “transportation, local travel, lodgings and meals, whether provided in-kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred.
A prohibited source is a person or an organization that is seeking official action by, is doing business or seeking to do business with, or is regulated by the employee's agency, or has interests that may be substantially affected by performance or nonperformance of the employee's official duties. There are a few exceptions to the prohibition on gifts from outside sources. These exceptions allow an employee to accept: a gift valued at $20 or less, provided that the total value of gifts from the same person is not more than $50 in a calendar year a gift motivated solely by a family relationship or personal friendship a gift based on an employee's or his spouse's outside business or employment relationships, including a gift customarily provided by a prospective employer as part of bona fide employment discussions a gift provided in connection with certain political activities and gifts of free attendance at certain widely attended gatherings, provided that the agency has determined that attendance is in the interest of the agency. The scenario doesn’t have gift giving that falls under these exceptions. Therefore, it is unethical.
2) The party I find ethically wrong in this situation the school board. The actions of the teacher can be considered questionable. Based upon requirements, it may not be his or her responsibility to change the lesson plan. As long as personal studies aren’t interfering with performance in the classroom, there are no issues. It is the board that has the responsibility to make sure their teachers are performing up to expectation and carrying out the planned curriculum.
3) It is unethical to have a child in order to solve problems. Weather it be for a tax break, or to help strengthen a failing relationship, a child shouldn’t be brought into the world unless it can be cared for. Considering there are problems of alcoholism in the house, it is not a safe environment, especially since the mother drinking can cause birth defects. They are also not in the financial position to have a child as the father, Todd, cannot hold down a job.
Locke based his ethical theories upon belief in the natural goodness of humanity. The inevitable pursuit of happiness and pleasure, when conducted rationally, leads to cooperation, and in the long run private happiness and the general welfare coincide. Immediate pleasures must give way to a prudent regard for ultimate good, including reward in the afterlife. Contradicting Thomas Hobbes, Locke believed that the original state of nature was happy and characterized by reason and tolerance. In that state all people were equal and independent, and none had a right to harm another's “life, health, liberty, or possessions.” The state was formed by social contract because in the state of nature each was his own judge, and there was no protection against those who lived outside the law of nature. The state should be guided by natural law.
My opinions on the ethics of the three situations are in line with Locke’s philosophy.