PHI 2604 (Syllabus)

Phi 2604 Syllabus


Alfredo Triff, Ph.D.
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Text: Moral Issues in Business (9th Edition) by William H. Shaw and Vincent Barry


Objectives

* To understand the scope and purpose of business ethics, normative theories, the idea of justice and distribution.

* To explore the idea of ethics within the context of corporations.

* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty
and the idea of moral choice. Responsibility and obligations.

* To investigate the idea of job discrimination and sexual harassment.

* To look at the relevance of the consumer and the issue of advertising.

* To analyze the impact of the environment and its ethical consequences.

* To create and stimulate a spirit of open debate and conversation, as well as emphasizing the ethics of dialogue.

* To further critical thinking strategies and tools in order to deal with the challenges posed by the workplace.

Methodology

1. Critical thinking means examining problems in a detached manner; allowing objectivity, reason, and plurality becoming the ground on which to base our judgment. We need to nurture and stimulate this thinking approach.

2. Critical thinking is a way of reasoning. Our judgments must be grounded in facts and justified moral standards. Morality can be fine-tuned and work for us, not against us.

3. Once we gain a minimum of philosophical rudiments, we'll be able to implement this know-how in concrete situations in the workplace and in our lives. This course is geared to confront actual contexts, and not just abstractions, which is a common misconception about philosophy.

Evaluation

1. Three tests: one quiz, one midterm and one final exam with grades A, B and C, which stand for outstanding, good and average respectively. D is below average. F means not enough work to justify credit for the course. Both tests carry same weight.

2. Graded assignments and/or tests count for 85% of the final grade. Class participation and effort count for the remaining 15%.

3. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. Missing deadlines must be justified by a doctor’s note or the equivalent. Please, feel free to contact me if you have a serious problem with or in the class.


Policies

1. Plagiarism is an offense. I'll interview the students to make sure of the originality of the reports.

2. Cheating is a serious academic transgression, and will be penalized according to college policy.

3. I expect a minimum of class demeanor. Courtesy and respect are important.

Some suggestions

* Ponder the readings in each chapter carefully. We want to discuss issues from an analytical point of view, but you should be ready to make the discussions lively and meaningful by participating in our discussions. Listening and talking are important.

* If you have questions, suggestions or criticisms drop an email or leave a comment in this blog. I'll respond as fast as I can.

Calendar

Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality: Moral vs. non-moral standards. Moral Principles. The Limits of Conscience. Ethical Relativism. Individual Integrity and Responsibility.

Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism vs. Non-consequentialisms. Egoism. Utilitarianism. Deontology. Moral Decision Making.

Chapter 3 Justice and Economic Distribution: The Nature of Justice. The Utilitarian View. The Libertarian Approach. Rawl’s Theory of Justice.

Chapter 4 The Nature of Capitalism: Key Features. Moral Justifications of Capitalism. Critics of Capitalism. Economic Challenges.

Chapter 5 Corporations: Limited-Liability Agency. Corporate Moral Agency. Corporate Responsibility. Institutional Ethics Within Corporations.

Chapter 6 The Workplace. Basic Issues: Civil Liberties. Personnel Procedures. Unions.

Midterm

Chapter 7 Challenges Within the Workplace: Obtaining Information Working Conditions. Redesigning Work.

Chapter 8 Moral Choices Facing Employees: Obligations to Firm. Abuse of Positions. Bribes and Kickbacks. Gifts and Entertainment.

Chapter 9 Job Discrimination: Evidence of Discrimination. Affirmative Action: The Legal Context. Affirmative Action and Moral Issues. Comparable Worth. Sexual Harassment.

Chapter 10 Business and Society: Consumers. Product Safety. Deception in Advertising. The Debate Over Advertising.

Chapter 11 The Environment: Business and Ecology. Environmental Protection. Cost Allocation. Environmental Ethics.

Final (Not Cumulative)