PHI 2010 Website (Final review)

Use this site to review. It contains flashcards, quizzes and other useful material. Click on the chapter and respective section.

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072878274/student_view0/

Matrix of Topics for PHI 2010 Final Exam

Chapter 4

Personal Identity
1. Qualitative Identity, numerical identity, accidental and essential property; Animalism
a) Locke’s Tale of the Prince and the Cobbler
b) Siamese Twins
2. Soul Theory
a) The King of China
b) Nestor and Tersites
c) Transubstantiation
d) Souls in Heaven
3. Memory Theory
a) Reid’s Tale of the Brave Officer
b) Direct and indirect memories
c) Real memory, apparent memory, quasi-memory
4. Psychological Continuity
a) Psychological connectedness
b) Psychological Continuity Theory
5. The Reduplication Problem
a) William’s Reincarnation of Guy Fawkes
b) Williams’ Reduplication Argument
c) Parfit Teletransporter
6. Revised Body Theory
7. Split Brains: Brain Theory
a) Parfit’s Division
8. Identity and what matters in survival
9. Identity and what matters in responsibility
10. Explaining the Self

Chapter 5 Ethics

1. Subjective Absolutism; Counterarguments
2. Subjective Relativism; Counterarguments
3. Emotivism; Blanshard’s Rabbit
4. Cultural relativism; Counterarguments
5. Anthropological Argument
6. Logical Structure of Moral Arguments
7. Divine Command Theory; St. Thomas’ argument
8. Are there universal moral principles?
9. Principles of justice and mercy
10. Consequentialist Theory; Formalist Theory
11. Intrinsic and Instrumental Values
12. Ethical egoism
13. Psychological Hedonism; Feinberg’s Single-Minded Hedonist
14. Act Utilitarianism
a) Mc Closkey’s informant
b) Brandt’s Heir
c) Ross’ Diplomat
d) Godwin’s Fire Rescue
e) Ewing’s Torture
f) Ewing’s Innocent Criminal
15. Rule Utilitarianism; Organ Transplants
16. Kant’s Categorical Imperative
17. Universalizability, reversibility
18. Perfect and imperfect duties
a) Hare’s Nazi fanatic
b) Ross’ Good Samaritan
19. Second Formulation
a) Broad’s Typhoid Man
b) Ewing’s Prudent Diplomat
20. Ross’ Prima Facie Duties; actual duties. You most know hierarchy and each one of these duties
21. Pluralistic formalism
22. Virtuous Utilitarian and virtuous Kantian
23. Aristotle on virtue; MacIntyre on virtue
24. Virtue Ethics

PHI 2604 Moral Issues in Business (Website)

Please, use this Website as an additional source for questions and concepts for the FINAL EXAM:

http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20bI&discipline_number=5&product_isbn_issn=0534536549

At the top of the page, you have a bar with a scroll down menu for choosing chapters. Then on your left hand side you have a menu with Chapter Resources. Click on Tutorial Quiz. Good luck!

Schedule of Final Exams for All my PHI classes:

PHI 2010 meeting M,W,F, 10-10:50am: Wednesday, April 26th at 10am.

PHI 2010 meeting M,W,F, 11-11:50am: Friday, April 28th at 10am.

PHI 2010 meeting T,R, 9:50am-11:05am: Tuesday, April 25th at 9:50am.

PHI 2010 meeting T, 5:40pm-8:10pm: Tuesday, April 25th at 5:40pm.

PHI 2604 meeting W, 6:30pm: Wednesday, April 26th at 6:30pm.

PHI 2604 Homework Chapter 10

Thanks, Mary Ann!

1- Why is product safety important?
2- Explain the following terms:
a)“Due care”
b) “Caveat Emptor”
c) Strict Product Liability
3- What’s “legal paternalism”?
4- Go over the 6-point list stated as “Responsibilities of Business” on page 513.
5- As it pertain to product quality, go over the different warranties on page 516.
6- What’s “price fixing”?
7- Under “deception and unfairness in advertising, comment the following:
a) Ambiguity
b) Concealed facts
c) Exxageration
d) Psychological appeals

PHI 2604 Chapter 8 Homework

1. Elucidate “conflict of interest” in the workplace.
2. Why does Bart Williams have a conflict when dealing with Leisure Sports World?
3. Come up with one example of a conflict of interest you’ve recently witnessed.
4. What constitute “insider trading”? Comment the famous Texas Sulphur stock case.
5. In the case of proprietary data, discuss the P&G case of suing three rival food chains for using a patented process to make “infringing cookies.”
6.a) What happens when novel information is patented or copyrighted? How about downloading music or videos one doesn’t pay for?
b) What’s a trade secret?
7. Define “bribe.” In the example provided in the text, why is Norman Rothberg’s conduct wrong?
8. Define “kickback.” Comment the case of some American executives at Honda.
9. Go over the seven rules on “gifts” on pages 397 & 398.
10. Consider the situations on page 399. What are our obligations to third parties when such problems arise?
11. Define “whistle blowing.” Go over the five points that Norman Bowie sees as constituting justification.
12. Is self-interest more important than the interests of the public?

PHI 2604 Chapter 7 Homework

1. Explain the idea of legitimate and illegitimate influence.
2. What’s “informed consent”?
3. Go over the reasons why business use polygraph tests.
4. There are generally three assumptions people have about polygraph tests. Which are they?
5. Why do companies use “personality tests”?
6. Go over four remarks about drug testing in pages 334,335.
7. What are the moral issues surrounding day care and maternity leave?
8. Go over the reading on page 364 Work, Privacy, and Autonomy and try to answer questions 1, 3 & 5.

PHI 2604 Topics for the Midterm Exam

Chapter 4

1- Historic background of Capitalism p. 151
2- Key Features of Capitalism (companies, profit motive, competition, private property) p. 153-155
3- Moral Justifications of Capitalism (Natural Right to Property, Adam Smith’s Concept of the Invisible Hand) p. 155-157
4- Critiques of Capitalism (Inequality, Human Nature and Capitalism, Capitalism breeding Oligopolies, Exploitation and Alienation) p. 159-163
5- Focus on the Short Term6- Declining Interests in Production p. 166

Chapter 5

1- LLC
2- Meanings of Moral Responsibility p.208
3- Corporations and Moral Decisions p.209
4- Narrow View of Corporate Responsibility p.212
5- Broader View of Corporate Responsibility p.213
6- Invisible Hand argument p.217
7- Hand-of-Government argument p. 218
8- Inept Custodian argument p.219
9- Materialization of Society p.219

Chapter 8

1- Hiring (Screening): Job description, job specification p. 281
2- Tests: Aptitude, Personality, Skill Tests, p. 283,284
3- Interviews (how should they be conducted)
4- Promotions: Tensions between seniority and qualifications
5- Inbreeding
6- Discipline and Discharge: “just cause” and “due process” p.287
7- Wages p. 289
8- History of the Union Movement9- Direct Strike, Sympathetic Strike, Boycotts p. 294, 295

PHI 2604 Homework

Chapter 6

1. Why do companies screen applicants? What's “job description” and “job specification”?
2. What’s the purpose of “tests” when applying for a job at a company?
3. Define: “Aptitude test,” “personality test,” “skill test.”
4. In measuring a test make a distinction between “validity” and “reliability.”
5. How should an interviewer conduct an interview?
6. In promotions one has to make a judgment between qualifications and seniority. What’s the best way to proceed?
7. Define “inbreeding” and “nepotism.”
8. Define “due process” and “just cause” within the context of discipline and discharge.
9. Distinguish between the following terms: Firing, termination, layoff and position elimination.
10. Go over the seven guidelines on wages established on pp. 289, 290.
11. Briefly summarize the history of the Union Movement.
12. What’s a “direct strike”? Go over Gonsalves’ 3-point criteria.
13. Analyze the difference between sympathetic strikes, boycotts and corporate campaigns.

SCANTRON SHEET FOR QUIZ (ALL CLASSES)

Remember that you're supposed to bring a scantron sheet to the exam. They're for sale at the bookstore ($0.15). We use a small rectangular (green or bluish) card. Also, no pen. Bring a sharpened pencil.

PHI 2604 Link to Questions for the Quiz

This is the link for Moral Issues in Bussiness that I talked to you about last night. To the left of the page, you have the chapters, then, check each of the tutorial exams. Play with it and have fun.

PHI 2010 link for "Doing Philosophy" textbook.

This is the link for the Doing Philosophy Website. Click on Chapters (1 or 7) and then the section you are looking for. Each section has flash cards, true or flase, and multiple choice questions. Test yourself and good luck. Also remember that you must bring your own scantron sheet (rectangular green or bluish one) to the exam. You can purchase those at the bookstore.

PHI 2010 TOPICS FOR QUIZ

Chapter 1

1- Necessary and sufficient conditions p.11
2- Socratic method
3- Scientific Method
4- Logical impossibility, causal impossibility and law of non-contradiction
5- Argument, premise, conclusion p.21
6- Deductive arguments: valid/invalid, sound, unsound
7- Inductive arguments: strong/weak, cogent
8- Enumerative Induction, Analogical Induction and IBE (Hypothetical Induction)
9- Criteria of adequacy (you should know each element)
10- Fallacies: (What you should know is what each one is about) Begging the Question, False Dilemma, Appeal to Person, Appeal to the masses, Appeal to Ignorance, Hasty Generalization
11- Thought experiment, counterexample, test implication p.37
12- The difference between conceivability and possibility

Chapter 7

1- Knowledge by acquaintance, performative knowledge, propositional knowledge
2- A priori, a posteriori
3- Theories of truth: Correspondence, Pragmatic Theory and Coherence Theory of Truth. Provide examples of each of these and their differences.
4- Foundationalism p.495
5- Sense data, Direct Realism, Locke’s Representative Realism: primary and secondary qualities p.501
6- Phenomenalism; Berkeley’s “esse ist percipii”
7- Standard account of knowledge
8- Gettier’s job seekers or Triff’s dental appointment
9- Defeasibility Theory (Lehrer’s demented Mrs. Grabit); Causal Theory (Goldman’s fake barns) p.515
10- Reliability Theory (Lehrer’s Human Thermometer)
11- Explanationist Theory of Knowledge

PHI 2604 Homework Chapter 3

1. Define:
a) Freedom
b) Equality
c) Rights

2. “Justice” is usually defined as fairness. Is there a more detailed explanation based on today’s affairs?

3. What is the best way to cut the fiscal pie? Explain.

4. How would utilitarians do it? Cite Mill’s example of “talented workers.”

5. What would “worker participation” and “greater equality of income” mean for Mill?

6. What is the libertarian approach to justice? Define Nozick’s “entitlement theory.”

7. Explain Nozick’s other two principles.

8. Clarify Rawls’ idea of justice. Cite his two main principles.

9. Within Rawl’s theory, define:
a) Nature of choice
b) Veil of Ignorance
c) Choosing principles

PHI 2604 Syllabus

Dr. Alfredo Triff
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. Doing critical thinking means examining problems in a detached manner; allowing objectivity, reason, and plurality becoming the ground on which to base our judgment. This spirit needs to be defined and stimulated.

2. Critical thinking is a way of reasoning. It analyzes the world with tools that in principle constitute our building blocks to make sense of the world. These tools need to be identified and refined.

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

Evaluation

1. Three tests: A quiz, a midterm and a final exam. 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. Tests count for 85% of the final grade as such Q (15%) + Midterm (35%) + Final Exam (35%) + Class participation and effort (15%). Be clear that this breakdown is not strictly numerical, since I tend to curve the tests already in order to help you.

2. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. You must have a doctor's note for a justified absence in a test.

Policies

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

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

1. I will conduct my classes from the readings of the textbook and other texts. It's important to see critical thinking as a growing discipline with an impact in our daily lives. The consequences of critical thinking are far too reaching and complex.

2. You should ponder the readings in each chapter carefully. I want to discuss each issue from an analytical point, until the themes are understood, but you should be ready to make the discussions meaningful by participating in the debates. Listening is important. Learning the ethics of discussion takes time and effort.

3. Send me e-mails if you have questions, problems, suggestions or criticisms… I will respond promptly. Letter exchange is a great philosophical tool. Let’s use it!

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

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)

PHI 2604 Chapter 2 Homework (for two weeks)

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 as they appear on pp. 61, 62.
7. Go over some of the critiques of Utilitarianism.
8. In what sense is business practice "utilitarian" according to Adam Smith (while fostering self-interest?).

Part two:

1. What's the meaning of "good will" according to Kant?
2. Define Kant's catergorical 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?

PHI 2604 Homework: Chapter 1

Have the answers to these questions ready for our next meeting on Wednesday.

1- Discuss the different meanings of “Ethics”?
2- Establish the distinction between “moral” and “non-moral” standards.
3- What’s the difference between morality and etiquette. Think of one example.
4- Point to the differences between “morality” and “law.” Think of one example.
5- Where do moral standards come from?
6- Is religion necessary for morality? Explain why or why not.
7- Define “ethical relativism.” Go over some of the counterarguments explore in the text. Do you have any other possible objections to this position?
8- (On page 13) Is it true that “business” has its own kind of ethics as Albert Carr argues for?
9- How reliable is our conscience when it comes to acting morally? Comment on Huck example (page 15).
10- Regarding individual responsibility within a corporation, what was David Frew’s discovery? (page 18)
11- What is a defensible moral judgment?
12- Discuss the requirements for moral judgments?

SPRING 2006

PHI 2604 Moral Issues in Business (Website)

This is the Website we talked about last night in class:

http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20bI&discipline_number=5&product_isbn_issn=0534536549

At the top of the page, you have a bar with a scroll down menu for choosing chapters. Then on your left hand side you have a menu with Chapter Resources. Click on Tutorial Quiz. Good luck!

Update for PHI 2010, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:50-11:05am

Today I made a mistake in class when I announced that our final would be next Thursday, December 15. Actually, our final is Tuesday, December 13th. Sorry about that. I already sent an email to all to warn you.

Again: This message is for the PHI 2010 class meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:50-11:05am.