This course is designed for the Commerce student. It is concerned with the study of what constitutes good and bad human conduct, including related actions and values in the business context. It involves two parts: The first part examines the various ethical principles from Socrates to Rawls. Some concrete issues such as drug addiction, human rights as well as ecological ethics will be included. The second part provides for the application of the moral theories in the form of the case study, contextualized in the Philippine situation.
This course enables the student to encounter and participate in moral issues pertaining the business world. It develops the student's critical and analytical thinking, particularly when confronted with conflicting moral issues in the individual, organizational and systemic levels. This course familiarizes the student with the various approaches to moral reasoning and judgment as well as the moral demands placed upon the business community in terms of what is right, what is good, what is just and what is morally best for the people and the world.
Lectures, oral reports [group and individual], analysis of cases, reflection papers, case study {research, interviews, survey, defense}.
I. INTRODUCTION.
What is Ethics? The nature of Ethics. Distinction between ethics and morality. Why be good? Why be moral? Various ethical concepts. The task of Business Ethics today.
II. INDIVIDUAL ETHICS
A. SOCRATES
Distinction between opinion and reason. Are there universal moral absolutes or is morality a matter of cultural relativism, or meeting the expectations of the dominant majority and its conscience or ethics?
READING: "Crito", from Phronesis
CLASS ACTIVITY : Can people in the corporate world rely on feelings and intuitions in judging actions and business behavior? An analysis of "The Case of the Tax-Evading Goldsmith" (photocopy, AdMU).
B. ARISTOTLE
The search for a fulfilling life and full flowering of the human person (eudaimon) and the importance of good judgment (phronesis). When is a person morally responsible for his actions?
READING: "Questions About Action", Phronesis
CLASS ACTIVITY : Various cases exemplifying the degree of moral responsibility in business.
III. SOCIAL ETHICS
A. THOMAS HOBBES
Is man by nature selfish? The need of cooperation with others. The social contract as basis for human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ethics of Ecology. Rights of the future generation.
READINGS: Excerpts from Leviathan, Phronesis, "Universal Declaration of Human Rights", "The Ethics of Pollution Control", "Rights of Future Generation".
CLASS ACTIVITY : What rights are being violated in some business practices?
B. IMMANUEL KANT
Universal objective ethic versus skepticism and relativism. Duty and goodwill. The Categorical Imperative.
READING : Excerpts from The Groundwork, Phronesis
CLASS ACTIVITY : Moral analysis of a payment for services (bribery? gratuity? commission?).
C. JOHN STUART MILL
The attainment of the greatest utility or happiness for the greatest number of people. The evaluation of actions and policies in terms of broad social consequences.
READING : Excerpts from Utilitarianism, Phronesis
CLASS ACTIVITY : "Discord in the Cordilleras" (photocopy, AdMU).
D. JOHN RAWLS
Justice based on the notion of the social contract theory. Principles of justice. The original position and the "veil of ignorance". Principle of equal liberty.
READING : "A Theory of Justice", "Justice to Future Generations", Phronesis
CLASS ACTIVITY : Analysis of Philippine business based from Rawl's concept of justice.
MIDTERM EXAMS
IV. INTEGRATION AND APPLICATION
A. Theoretical Tools in Business Ethics
B. Approaches to Moral Reasoning
C. A Seven-Step Procedure for Moral Decision-Making
V. CASE STUDY
Ateneo de Manila University, Management Dept. Business Ethics Workshop, April 12-13, 1994. Organized in cooperation with the Philosophy and Theology Departments with funding support from the Business Ethics Program of Arthur Andersen & Co., Inc.
Chaves, Amy. Phronesis: An Ethics Primer. A Compilation. XU Bookcenter, 1996.
Gaw, Carmelita M. & Gregorio S. Miranda. Business Ethics. Revised Ed. Mandaluyong City: National Bookstore, 1990.
Falikowski, Anthony. Moral Philosophy: Theories, Skills and Applications. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990.
Steidlmeier, Paul. People and Profits: The Ethics of Capitalism. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1992.
Velasquez, Manuel G. Business Ethics: Concepts And Cases. 3rd Ed. Prentice-Hall International, Inc., 1995.
http://amychaves.bizland.com/courses/ethics/philo31.htm