Business Ethics

• What is the main focus of the topic in Business Ethics?

  The relationship between capitalism and ethics
• What does the idea that good ethics is good business imply?

  Good business decisions are good ethical decisions
• Why do proponents of CSR argue that good ethics is good business?

  It’s profitable to have a good public image
• What do utilitarians and Kantians believe about business decisions?

  There should be restrictions on business decisions
• What is the libertarian view on business and ethics?

  Business and ethics are unrelated
• What are the three sub-issues included in this topic?

  CSR, Globalisation, Whistleblowing
• What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

  • Ethical responsibilities to the environment
  • Responsibilities to the communities affected
• What is Environmental CSR?

  Responsibility towards the environment
• What are some actions included in Environmental CSR?

  Reducing pollution and using renewable energy
• What does Community CSR entail?

  Respecting human rights and avoiding exploitation
• What is a contemporary version of CSR?

  ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
• How can CSR/ESG benefit businesses financially?

  By minimizing risks and improving public relations
• What do Bentham and Mill think about free market capitalism?

  It maximizes happiness and human flourishing
• What is Bentham's view on community CSR?

  He would likely reject philanthropy as a responsibility
• What does Kantian ethics require in market interactions?

  People must not be treated as mere means
• What is the critique of CSR as hypocritical window-dressing?

  It may distract from unethical business practices
• What does Anand Giridharadas argue about corporate responsibility?

  It often serves self-interest rather than justice
• What is the impact of globalisation on businesses?

  It allows businesses to violate CSR in developing countries
• What is offshore outsourcing?

  Building products in factories in third world countries
• What is a monopoly?

  A business dominating a market with no competition
• How can corporations influence government policies?

  By financing election campaigns of politicians
• What is the utilitarian view on globalisation?

  It may undermine free markets and policies
• What is whistleblowing?

  Leaking information about a company's wrongdoings
• What is the downside of whistleblowing?

  It may cause financial losses for the company
• What does act utilitarianism say about whistleblowing?

  It is morally right if it maximizes happiness
• What is Kant's view on lying in business?

  Lying cannot be universalized and is always wrong
• What are sweatshops?

  Factories employing workers in poor conditions
• What is the responsibility of businesses regarding sweatshops?

  Ensure no products are sourced from sweatshops
• How does globalisation relate to sweatshops?

  Sweatshops often result from offshore outsourcing
• What is the utilitarian defense of sweatshops?

  They provide the best opportunity for workers
• What was the Primark case study about?

  Primark cut ties with exploitative suppliers
• How does utilitarianism compare to Kantian ethics?

  Utilitarianism justifies actions based on consequences
• What does Mill's harm principle suggest?

  Society will be happiest if harm is avoided
• How does Kantian ethics view human rights?

  Human rights must be respected regardless of consequences
• What is a Utilitarian's stance on globalization?

  In favor of lower prices
• How does Utilitarianism view CSR?

  Utilitarianism is against CSR
• What does Utilitarianism justify that Kant does not?

  Bad actions like exploitation
• Why is Utilitarianism incompatible with human rights?

  Human rights are deontological
• What does Kant's formula of humanity emphasize?

  Treating people as ends, not means
• Why would Kant oppose sweatshops?

  They treat workers as mere means