TOPICS FOR QUIZ #1 PHI 2604

Chapter 1

Moral vs. non-moral standards
Morality and etiquette
Morality and Law
Where do moral standards come from?
Religion and Morality (differences between the two)
Ethical relativism, Cultural Relativism. Critiques: (a) Moral dissent, (b) artificial vs. deep values in the culture, (c) Logical contradictions
Defensible Moral Judgments; Requirements for Moral Judgments

Chapter 2

Consequentialist and non-Consequentialist Theories
Egoism; Misconceptions about Egoism; Psychological Egoism; Problems with Egoism (3 arguments)
Utilitarianism; (Six points about Utilitarianism)
Critical Inquiries of Utilitarianism (3 arguments)
Kantian Ethics: Good Will, The Categorical Imperative: Universalizability & reversibility; Second Formulation (humanity as an end)
Critical Inquiries of Kant’s Ethics (the problem of exceptions to the rule)
W.D. Ross’s Prima Facie Duties (you must know all and in the said hierarchy: justice, fidelity, reparation, gratitude, beneficence, non-maleficence, self-improvement
The difference between Positive and Negative Rights



Chapter 3 

Define justice, equality, freedom, and rights. 
Explain the utilitarian criteria of social distribution.
Libertarianism's idea of social justice.
JH. Rawls' "difference principle" (see flash cards)   
R. Nozick's "entitlement theory" (see flash cards)
J. Rawl's "original position (see flash cards)
J. S. Mill's "worker's participation"  (see flash cards)
You must remember my comparative table between Socialism, Communism, Liberalism and Libertarianism. 

Here is a link to our textbook's website. Take a look per chapter and do quizzes, flash cards, etc. 

You're supposed to being your own scantron #48/TSM to the test (scantrons are available at the book store).

Homework, Chapter 3

1. What is justice?
2. It seems that rival principles of distribution are based on equality, need, effort, social contribution and merit. Does it make sense to you?
3. What's the utilitarian view of social distribution? Comment the idea of "worker participation" and "greater equality of income."
4. What's the libertarian approach to social distribution?
5. Comment Rawls' theory of justice. Comment on "original position," "veil of ignorance" and "choosing principles."
6. What are Rawls so called "two principles"?

Why do politicians get away with lying?

A very interesting article for discussion in the NYTimes: 

First definitions. What's a lie? 

1. A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.

2. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.

v. lied, ly·ing (lng), lies

v.intr.

1. To present false information with the intention of deceiving.

2. To convey a false image or impression: Appearances often lie.

For Lynn Vavreck, politics is a high-stakes game. She writes:

... in the 2000 Democratic nominating contest, when Al Gore claimed he “took the initiative in creating the Internet” was he lying? Or did his comment seem more like a lie after it was misreported that he said he “invented” the Internet? Or how about this case: was it a lie in January of 1998 when President Clinton forcefully denied he had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,” adding that he “never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never”? And in 2003, when Colin Powell reported to the United Nations that U.S. intelligence showed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, was he lying?

See that these examples are different: The first is a public appearance, Gore was being hyperbolic. The second is a more serious instance: lying under oath. In the third example, Powell (then secretary of state under G. W. Bush) was deceived by the C.I.A. Vavreck makes an interesting point:

 Why do Americans tolerate politicians who lie? Because most political lies are exaggerations or contextual lies. They are lies of omission, or put the way a politician might, they are economies of truth.

 For Sisela Bok, lying has become a norm of politics. Bok makes a good point. If your opponent lies and gets away with it, there is little you can do but to lie as well. And the public? This is why people accept that politicians are liars.

But most of the time, the truth is hard to discern amid the barrage of accusations and counter-accusations about fraud, the broken promises, and the outright lies that fly fast and loose among campaigns. The worst outcome would be for everyone to give up -- for voters to conclude that all politicians lie and for politicians to lie when they think that they will get away with doing so, hoping that enough people will be misled and that others won’t hold it against them.

How about evading instead of "lying"?

More disturbingly, politicians who dodged the question but did so in a smooth, practiced fashion were rated more favorably than those who answered the question but in a less fluid fashion: politicians are better off answering the wrong question well than the right question poorly. (Not all dodges go unnoticed – politicians who answered a question about the war on terrorism by riffing on health care were both caught, and punished.)

 George Lakoff is a linguist. For him, it's a two way street. Voters align themselves with their politician of choice and believe what they say because they believe those things. See it as candidate "X" lying to its base (but for them is not a lie). 

What do you think. Should we accept the fact that politics is this game of partisanship and just turn the other way and let the game go on? Is it just a matter of getting used to it? But a lie is a lie: There were no WMD in Iraq.

Politics can be seen as a theater of different factions pushing their versions of governance. In America this is generally Republican vs. Democrat every four years. But aside from the theater, this is a very serious issue. These versions end up affecting our daily lives and our future. Shouldn't we have a commitment to truth?

I am closing this post this Sunday at 11pm. 

Is factory farming ethical?

Manure run-off from factory farms (is this not toxic waste?)

Last class we talked about food. And since lots of our food comes from factories, I'd like to take a look at some of the issues involved in factory farming, such as overcrowding, de-beaking, inhumane culling,* and then those health-related problems that may affect us in consuming these animal products (i.e., "intensive" growth production as well as intensive hormones, antibiotics and pesticide-treatments to fight diseases).

What is factory farming? Read here, about ethical consequences of factory farming:

Factory farms hold large numbers of animals, typically cows, pigs, turkeys, or chickens, often indoors, typically at high densities. The aim of the operation is to produce as much meat, eggs, or milk at the lowest possible cost. Food is supplied in place, and a wide variety of artificial methods are employed to maintain animal health and improve production, such as the use of antimicrobial agents, vitamin supplements, and growth hormones. Physical restraints are used to control movement or actions regarded as undesirable. Breeding programs are used to produce animals more suited to the confined conditions and able to provide a consistent food product.

FACT

1- Food animals on factory farming facilities produce an enormous amount of waste. A dairy farm with 2,500 cows produces as much waste as a city of 411,000 people (60). 2- Food facts are that there are NO regulations for the treatment of animal waste from factory farming, which contains methane and nitrous oxide gases - both many times more toxic and warming than CO2. Liquid animal waste often spills over from holding lagoons into local soil and waterways. 3- Fish farming is called "aquafarming", and this squanders natural resources too - it can take 5 pounds of wild-caught fish to produce just 1 pound of farmed fish. Aquafarming operations pollute the environment with tons of fish feces, antibiotic-laden fish feed, and diseased fish carcasses.

The large concentration of animals, animal waste, and the potential for dead animals in a small space poses ethical issues. It is recognized that some techniques used to sustain intensive agriculture are cruel to animals. As awareness of the problems of intensive techniques has grown, there have been some efforts by governments and industry to remove inappropriate techniques (...) In the UK, the Farm Animal Welfare Council was set up by the government to act as an independent advisor on animal welfare in 1979. It expresses its policy as five freedoms: from hunger & thirst; from discomfort; from pain, injury or disease; to express normal behavior; from fear and distress.

There are differences around the world as to which practices are accepted and there continue to be changes in regulations with animal welfare being a strong driver for increased regulation. For example, the EU is bringing in further regulation to set maximum stocking densities for meat chickens by 2010, where the UK Animal Welfare Minister commented, "The welfare of meat chickens is a major concern to people throughout the European Union. This agreement sends a strong message to the rest of the world that we care about animal welfare.”

For example, in the UK, de-beaking of chickens is deprecated, but it is recognized that it is a method of last resort, seen as better than allowing vicious fighting and ultimately cannibalism. Between 60 and 70 percent of six million breeding sows in the U.S. are confined during pregnancy, and for most of their adult lives, in 2 by 7 ft gestation crates. According to pork producers and many veterinarians, sows will fight if housed in pens. The largest pork producer in the U.S. said in January 2007 that it will phase out gestation crates by 2017. They are being phased out in the European Union, with a ban effective in 2013 after the fourth week of pregnancy. With the evolution of factory farming, there has been a growing awareness of the issues amongst the wider public, not least due to the efforts of animal rights and welfare campaigners.

For more information about ethical problems of factory farming, read here.
__________
Overcrowding: Egg laying hens in cage free operations are typically crowded by the thousands in large barns, with approximately one square foot of space allotted each bird. “Cage free” laying hens are not required to have access to the outdoors, and for “free range” and “free roaming” hens, access to the outdoors can be severely restricted and poorly designed. Under these labels, there are no limits on flock size and their outdoor area may be little more than a barren dirt lot that is difficult for them to access.
De-beaking: Virtually all hens slated for egg production have the ends of their beaks removed without anesthesia, causing both acute and chronic pain.
Inhumane culling: Commercial hatcheries supply hens to both factory farms and smaller egg farms, and the male chicks are unwanted and treated as a waste product. Common methods of killing and disposal include suffocation and being ground up alive. When egg laying hens’ productivity declines and they are no longer profitable to the egg industry, they are sent to slaughter or otherwise killed.

 I am closing this post next Thursday Jan. 19, @ 11pm.

PHI 2604 Chapter 2 Homework

PHI 2604 Chapter 2 Homework (we'll divide this in two assignments). Part One is for Friday and (not Monday, there is not class) Wednesday.

Part one:

1.What's the difference between consequentialist and nonconsequentialist (or deontological) theories?
2. Define "Egoism." Provide examples.a) What are some of the misconceptions about Egoism?
3. Identify the term "Psychological Egoism"? In which way is P.E. different from Ethical Egoism described in 2. above?
4. Enumerate the problems presented by Egoism.
5. Explain "Utilitarianism." Provide examples.
6. Go over the six points addressing utilitarianism.
7. Go over some of the critiques of Utilitarianism.

Part two:

1. What's the meaning of "good will" according to Kant?
2. Define Kant's categorical imperative.
3. Explain the difference between a categorical and a hypothetical prescription.
4.What does Kant mean by "universal acceptability"?
5. State Kant's second formulation. Why is a person an "end" rather than a "means to an end"?
6. Go over some of the critical inquires of Kant's theory.
7. What is a prima facie duty?
8. Following W.D. Ross, establish a hierarchy of prima facie duties.
9. What is a right?
10. Establish the difference between positive and negative rights.
11. Can human rights be justified?

Homework: Chapter 1

Good class this morning!

Homeworks are reviewed in class. Remember, I'll be asking questions randomly.

1. Define “Ethics”
2. What is the difference between moral and non-moral standards
3. Establish the distinction between morality and etiquette
4. Establish the distinction between morality and law
5. Where do moral standards come from?
6. What is the difference between religion and morality?
7. Discuss the idea of ethical relativism (We haven't discussed this one yet in class)
8. Is it always good to follow your conscience when it comes to moral issues?
9. What’s the danger of conformity and groupthink?
10. What’s a defensible moral judgment?
a) Establish when a judgment is “logical”
b) When is a moral judgment based on a fact?
11. Define the requirements of a moral judgment

Also we'll read from Case 1.1.

Welcome! Phi 2604 Syllabus

Dr. Alfredo Triff
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Textbook: Moral Issues in Business (Eleventh Edition), by William 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 business context.
* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty and the idea of moral choice.
* To examine issues such as job discrimination and sexual harassment, etc.
* 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.

Evaluation

1. Grades are 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. We have four multiple-choice tests: 2 quizzes, (20%) a midterm (35%) and a final exam (35%) and the remaining 10% for participation and attendance. However, be aware that this breakdown reflects a qualitative approximation, since it may already reflects my curving of grades.
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.
4. To satisfy the Gordon Rule requirements there are quasi-weekly 100-word written comments + a final paper (we'll discuss the paper later).

Policies

1. Plagiarism is an offense.

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.

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.

Quiz #1

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

Midterm Exam

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.

Quiz #2

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 Exam
__________________
Note: If you feel that you will be unable to complete the requirements for passing this class, you have the option to withdraw from the class by the College's "drop date" of XXX. However, there are consequences of which you need to be aware if you drop a class or stop attending and you should always speak to your instructor or an advisor first. For example, you must earn at least two-thirds or 67% of the total credits for which you have registered - failure to comply with this requirement will adversely impact your financial aid status with MDC. Also, once the course has been paid for, you will generally not receive a refund for the course after the 100% drop date. A “W” will appear on your transcript or degree audit, and it counts as a “course attempt” which may have an impact on your academic status and/or record at the College. If after considering the possible consequences, you still wish to drop the class, keep in mind that it is your responsibility to do so and failure to withdraw will result in your earning a final grade that is based on your overall class performance. If extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, accident, change in employment situation, etc.) prevent you from continuing to attend class after the drop date, speak to your instructor first and if needed, to the Chairperson to assess your options.