Philosophy 314 Issues in Business EthicsSummer Semester, 2003Prof. Stephen Scholz
Description: Many people consider "Business Ethics" to be an oxymoron like "Military Intelligence" or "Jumbo Shrimp." If we are in business basically to make money, and ethics is about being a good person, then what could be ethical about doing business? We will examine this intuition and try to see if there is a place for ethical reasoning in the business world. We will address such contemporary issues as: corporate downsizing, deceptive advertising, product liability, and the effects of businesses on the environment. We will develop tools of argument analysis and use various ethical theories to investigate the claims of many positions on these topics and others. Thinking philosophically about business or any subject requires an open mind, patience, and the willingness to challenge one's assumptions. Ethical dilemmas in business tend to involve shades of gray, and are rarely black and white, in many cases there may be no 'right answer.' This class promises no answers to such dilemmas, but only a deeper understanding of the problems. However, we can have intelligent debate about these subjects by appealing to reasons and arguments that refer to moral principles or objective facts. You will be expected to defend your opinions with reasoned arguments. Course Requirements and Grading: There will be four take home tests that focus on the comprehension of the moral problems and your ability to utilize the philosophical tools developed in the class. In addition, students will be required to complete daily homework assignments due in class.Every class day students will come to class having completed the assigned reading and having completed a short written assignment. The written assignment is to answer the question for each section (listed below). The answer should be a paragraph or two, and focus on the philosophical issue at stake. Homework will be graded PASS/FAIL/REDO. If you get a REDO, you must complete the assignment again by the next class day after receiving it back. Homeworks will be due on the days tests are turned in.
Grades will be based on the percentage of total points received. Grades can be challenged in writing (no email) within 1 class day of when returned, but there are no guarantees that challenged grades will improve. A+: „97% A: 96%-93% A-: 92%-90% B+: 89%-87% B: 86%-83% B-: 82%-80% C+: 79%-75% C: 74%-70% C-: 69%-65% D: 64%-50% F:<50% Tests can be made up for legitimate emergency or medical excuses only, otherwise they will be reduced one full grade (A to B, B- to C-, etc..) for each class day late Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory. Each day the attendance will be taken via the homework turned. If the student has no homework to turn in, a page with the student's full name and the date is needed. Academic Integrity: You are responsible for doing your own work, for familiarizing yourself with the NCSU policy on academic integrity (http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/stud_affairs/policies/code95.html), and for satisfying me that you have adhered to the requisite standards of honesty. For Students with Disabilities: It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, accommodations to who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me if they think their disability may interfere with their coursework. The text required for this course is:
Tentative Schedule
Dates are subject to change. Students should have all reading done before date discussion is scheduled. Groupwork must be completed before scheduled meeting time. Groups will present in random order. Writing Resources:
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