Abstract This paper explores the ethical and economic concerns small and large businesses face when it comes to providing, or not providing, health care coverage to employees. The paper looks at the need for coverage for employees and the economic burden coverage places on businesses. Situations when a business should be ethically required to supply coverage and when it should not be required to do so are discussed, as well as which types of companies find health care coverage more economically feasible.
From the Paper "In the United States today, employers are usually not legally responsible for providing employees with health benefits. Only a few states require employers to provide workers with health care insurance. In other words, an employee has the choice of accepting or rejecting a job that does not provide him or her with health benefits, depending on whether he or she determines such a course of action to be prudent for him or herself. The employer may chose to provide health benefits to an employee or not, extending the option as part of an initial contract of employment, or later on during the employee's tenure at the company. (Findlaw for Business, 2003, "Employee's Rights) The employer's decision to do so will usually depend on the type of employee his or her business needs to attract to remain financially stable. Extending health benefits are one way of attracting a desirable employee. Usually, the company will do so if this is financially in the company's interest. However, there is another concern, if the business owner is ethically responsible to provide employees with health benefits""
Abstract This paper discusses how moral reasoning and ethics responsibilities for the ethical use of computers vary among individuals based on their basic principles of moral reasoning. It looks at how, in the computer world, the lines of moral and ethical behavior can become somewhat fuzzy and how activity on a computer can seem to be detached from another person, who may be harmed by its activities. It also explores how the issues of ethics in business practices in the age of increasing computer technology and the importance of managing information have come to the forefront of organizational management issues.
From the Paper "In order to protect the company information, the science of data protection and data encryption has evolved to include some of the most sophisticated specifications. Ultimately the ability of an organization to protect its informational assets is a more accurately a function of the ethics of the workers, and organization's management than of encryptions devices and electronic data-protection sub-processes. An organization's ability to protect its data will be only as successful as the individual's commitment to the same goals. In today's electronic age when a flash 128 meg hard drive can fit in the palm of a person hand, or the bottom of a shoe, the ability to download data for remote retrieval is a very real threat to the organization's survival."
Abstract This paper argues that, while high school athletes may be some way off from professional sports, it is necessary to note that they, nevertheless, act as role models to their fellow students and juniors. It discusses the importance of awareness in high school athletes that they are role models for achievement through fair competition and physical ability achieved through personal striving. It looks at how the use of steroids not only violates the very ethical foundation of sports, but ends up setting the wrong reference standard for young sport admirers and aspirants.
From the Paper "For one, the use of steroids by athletes to build muscle and boost performance is unethical as it lends an unfair advantage over athletes who rely purely on inborn ability and training. Such external aids can be said to be a violation of "fair play" and ?personal striving spirit,? the very ethical foundation of sports. Victories earned by high school athletes using steroids, as such, end up setting a wrong example to both peer group members and juniors who look to sports as a role model of the spirit of achievement through personal striving. In fact, available research data already indicates that use of steroids among high school students has penetrated beyond the arena of sports (NIDA Web site)."
Abstract Whistle blowing is informing on illegal or unethical practices in the workplace. It is becoming more and more common, but is whistle blowing worth it to an individual? Standards of business ethics are changing rapidly in response to whistle blowers who capture a public audience. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences in regard to the justification of whistle blowing. The findings support that most whistle blowers suffer in many ways, and the negative consequences to the whistle blower far out way the positive. The legal avenues the whistle blower utilizes are becoming far more common as laws are changing to protect them. Lastly, this paper explores the writer's opinion on ethics, whistle blowing, laws, and consequences.
Outline
1. What is Whistle Blowing?
i. Definition
ii. Examples
2. Illustration-Case Study of Enron
i. History of Enron
ii. Key Personnel
iii. Whistle Blowers
3. Consequences of Whistle Blowing
i. Positive Aspects of Whistle Blowing
ii. Negative Aspects of Whistle Blowing
4. Justification for Whistle Blowing
i. Religious
ii. Moral
iii. Legal
iv. Revenge
5. Results of Whistle blowing
i. Loss of Job
ii. Retaliation/Discrimination
iii. Poor Health
iv. Family & Friends
6. Personal Viewpoint
i. It is not worth it
ii. Lessons from the Past
7. Laws in Place for Whistle Blowers
i. Federal Sentencing Guidelines
ii. Organizational Direction
8. Summary
i. Real Life Example
ii. Opinion
From the Paper "Based in Houston Texas, Enron was formed in July 1985 by a merger of Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth of Omaha, Nebraska. Enron was initially a natural gas pipeline company but rapidly evolved from delivering energy to brokering entry futures as energy markets were deregulated. Enron Corporation was one of the world's largest energy commodities before the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed. Enron marketed electricity and natural gas, delivered energy and other physical commodities, and provided financial and risk management services to customers worldwide. Enron, through a variety of accounting tricks relating to partnerships, inflated their profits and lowered debt. They misled their employees, investors, and the general public about the financial stability of the company. As reported by Enron 101, "Enron executives reaped millions through these partnerships and by selling off stocks before the demise, while Enron employees lost much of their retirement and investors lost millions" (Enron 101)."
Abstract This paper analyzes Plato's "Euthyphro", one of the first works devoted to the relationship between ethics and religion. In this work, Plato's search for what is ethical assumed the form of a debate between Socrates and Euthyphro, who discuss the nature of piety and what it is that all of the gods truly love. The paper reviews "Euthyphro" in order to identify the relationship between religion and ethics.
From the Paper "Plato believed that true knowledge did not consist in knowing particular things but rather in knowing something general that is common to all the particular cases and framed many of his allegories in a literary form called the dialogue, which is simply a conversation between two or more people. The characters in Plato's dialogues discuss a variety of philosophical problems and frequently argue the opposing sides of an issue. In his dialogue, "Euthyphro" Plato stages the debate immediately before the trial of Socrates with a view to elaborating and expanding on the meaning and the virtue of ?piety,? or the proper attitude that men should take toward the gods. Here, Socrates and Euthyphro first discuss the nature of piety and what it is that all of the gods are supposed to truly love based on some examples provided by Euthyphro."
Abstract Umbilical cord blood offers great hope for the future of stem cell research and use. This paper examines the potential of these types of stem cells in order to demonstrate how stem cells from umbilical cord blood can help scientists solve the ethical debate and provide sick patients with hope for life.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Stem Cell Background
About Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Umbilical Cord Blood Process
The Great Stem Cell Debate
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Estimations regarding the need for a given cord blood sample vary. One estimate of a child needing his or her own cord blood stem cells is 1:10,000 (Wolf, 2002). Another places the odds at 1:1000 to 1:2000. The probability of use varies depending on individual circumstances. Disturbing statistics reveal that every year there are about 8,000 new cases of cancer in children under the age of 15. These children could potentially benefit from the use of cord blood stem cells, so perhaps expectant parents should make the effort to donate their newborn's cord blood or store it for their own family's potential use."
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the moral and ethical aspects of a "just war" by focusing on Alex Moseley's "Just War Theory". It looks at the concept of war from a religious point of view and discusses whether any war could truly be justified.
From the Paper "Saint Thomas Aquinas was another important person who supported the developed the concept of "just war" wherein religious sanction was accorded under certain conditions. Saint Thomas declared that, "those who are attacked, should be attacked because they deserve it on account of some fault.". [John Raymond] He proposed three conditions namely "just cause", "authorized authority" and "rightful intention" as prerequisites for approving a war. According to him, the ruler of a nation has the authority to declare war against any other nation to restore peace and protect his own nation from an internal chaos or impending danger. St Thomas explains that the divine doctrine "he who takes the sword will perish by it" is not applicable in the case of war because the use of sword is approved by the authority to defend the national integrity. He further justified his "just war" theory but pointing out to the biblical injunction "do not resist evil". Another important aspect stressed by St. Thomas is the prevalence of the common good over individual moral considerations. That is he seems to approve of two different moral codes at the individual and collective level. [John Raymond]"
Abstract This paper explains that the process in reaching ethical decisions is a common concern for the business manager. It discusses the importance of such a decision and how improper ethics can affect the business at every level.
From the Paper "Four approaches that business owners commonly use to analyze ethical dilemmas are the utilitarian approach, which focuses on taking the action that will result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people; the moral rights approach, which is concerned with moral principles, regardless of the consequences; the universalist approach, in which one determines whether a particular action should apply to all people under all circumstances and whether you they would be willing to have someone else apply the rule to them; and the cost-benefit approach, which balances the costs and benefits of taking versus not taking a particular action."
Abstract In the last decade, euthanasia has been a subject of much controversy. The debate has been over a person's right to die and a person's right to live. This paper explains some of the moral issues and implications associated with the practice of euthanasia, some definitions and forms of euthanasia, and presents many arguments for and against the practice. The paper explains the argument that our society and medical practices are becoming so advanced that some feel that euthanasia is just a natural step towards assuring ourselves a peaceful existence and a peaceful end. It also shows how others argue that the gift of life is too precious to end in such an unnatural way.
From the Paper "Some people worry that if euthanasia becomes more socially acceptable that some people will choose to die not because of an incurable disease, old age, or pain, but just because he or she may feel depressed or feel that their life has no value. Depression can be treated with different types of medication and counseling and a person's depression can be reversed if treated properly (Petrinovich 1996:105-111). This is the type of situation that St. Martin (1977) is talking about when he mentions the deprivation of this person to society."
Abstract Rousseau's concept of general will supposes to be for the individual. By entering into a social contract, man wouldn?t simply submit himself under the power of a sovereign; rather he would submit himself to become part of the sovereign. Each citizen would have a voice in this "organic society", which could be viewed as a living person whose interest was the protection of itself. The paper examines, however, whether the general good really is determined by the general will. It also examines how we can remain free if we subject ourselves to the will of others with whom we disagree.
From the Paper "Rousseau contends that modern states restrain the natural freedom, and do not secure the civil freedom for the sake of which we enter into civil society. Rousseau's insistence that "man is naturally good, and only by institutions is he made bad", does not mean that man must abandon social institutions all together. He must remold them in such way to realize a just, free and ordered society. The people in expression of the autonomy should make all laws. Rousseau envisions a society that would embody all of the freedoms man had in the state of nature yet one which would allow him to grow intellectually. "Find a form of association that defends and protects the person and goods of each associate with all the common force, and by means of which each one, uniting with all, nevertheless obeys only himself and remains as free as before? (164). This unit of all citizens is the "sovereign," and should be considered in many ways to be like an individual person. While each individual has a particular will that aims for his own best interest, the sovereign expresses the general will that aims for the common good."
Abstract This paper assesses the relevance of marketing ethics in current business environment and the extent to which ethical issues should be taken into account while devising marketing strategies. It attempts to understand the nature of marketing ethics and analyzes the possible impact of ethics in marketing from different viewpoints, based on the theories and research work carried out in this field. It identifies and explains how marketing ethics can be improved in practice, as well as ways to integrate ethics in formulating and implementing marketing strategies. It also examines the efficacy and impact of popular marketing strategies with ethics, analyzes the role of ethics in advertising, explains the elements of consumer ethics, and discusses the role of legislation to enforce marketing ethics.
Outline
Marketing Ethics and the Business Environment
Nature of Marketing Ethics
Research on Marketing Ethics
Improving Marketing Ethics
Implementation of Ethical Standards in Marketing
Ethics and Advertising
Marketing Strategies with Ethics
Green Marketing
Marketing Intelligence and Corporate Espionage
Consumer Ethics
Regulation
Conclusion
From the Paper "Marketing ethics is a sub-set of business ethics and examines the moral issues relating to marketing decisions made by organizations. Although its roots can be traced back to the 1960s, marketing age is believed to have come of age only in the 1990s, thanks to extensive research on the subject carried out in the decade before. (Murphy, 111). Several topics make up the fabric of marketing ethics ? product quality, safety and liability, fairness in pricing, honesty in advertising and selling, privacy in internet database and marketing. According to Kotler, in recent years, people have started questioning the value of marketing concept, when the world is faced with environmental degradation, resource shortages, hunger and poverty and neglected social services."
Abstract This paper begins by distinguishing between the two theories: Deontological approaches have, as the overarching "one" a norm or norms by which we live. Consequentialist ethics, in judging acts, rests on a controlling factor, such as agape love, the greatest good for the greatest number or increasing the total pleasure of man. Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses such as the danger of "I was just following the rules" in the deontological approach and consequentialism's main weaknesses of measurement; something such as love being indefinable Though they are different, they both lack from being isolated from the other and the more existential and community based ethical systems.
From the Paper "A deontological approach to ethics is self-justified and intrinsically grounded. Its reference point is a norm or authority or being against which or who there is no argument (Gill P.5). In contrast, the consequentialist approach looks at the end product of a rule or act. The consequences are measured against a certain standard or goal in order to determine if they are desirable. For instance murder is wrong because society would break down if it weren?t treated that way (P.7). They both have certain deficiencies that outweigh their strengths if they are used in isolation. They need to be informed by one another and by a third dimension, which could be called the existentialist. Only then do they make a useful organic whole."
Abstract This is a position paper arguing that stem cell research should continue because of the promise it holds for people afflicted with certain diseases. The paper presents a brief overview of the arguments presented by those opposed to stem cell research and then counters with arguments in support of the research by first clearing up misconceptions and misunderstandings about stem cell research and by identifying the tremendous promise this medical technology holds for the future. The paper also responds to the two primary arguments against stem cell research, which contend that stem cell research is the same as playing God and that the use of stem cells, even at the earliest stages, equates to destroying human life.
Stem Cell Research Background and History
The Medical Potential of Stem Cell Research
The Debate over Stem Cell Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "Stem cells are those cells within the human body which are capable of developing into any sort of human cell, whether that be a neuron or a heart-muscle cell or any other specialized cell. They are most often found in the very earliest stages of human embryonic development, for at the blastocyst stage and before the embryo's body is composed entirely of such non-differentiated cells, which will eventually specialize into various cell types. Scientist today hope that the ability of these cells to be guided into developing as any sort of human tissue may enable them to be used in progressive cures for a host of illnesses, particularly those involving widespread and otherwise irreversible damage to cells which are not thereafter reproductive. (Disease of the brain and spinal cord, such as Alzheimer?s, are a prime example of such illnesses)"
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial issue of genetic engineering. Darwin's perspective on the topic is explained as the next step in the evolution of the human capacity to ensure the survival of the species. The paper introduces the issue of cloning in order to debate in favor of genetic engineering. The paper emphasizes that the science of genetics should be applied with ethical responsibility.
From the Paper "According to Darwin, the survival of a species is determined by the degree of strength of its members. Thus, the "fittest" in terms of physical prowess as well as to a degree mental capacity survives. Human beings have long used their mental capacity to overcome the challenges of the physical environment. The very first discoveries of tools, fire and the wheel have set the species apart from the rest of life on earth. Human beings use their mental capacity to create tools in order to ensure and facilitate their survival in the face of challenges such as weather, predators and illness. From the Darwinian viewpoint, genetic engineering is simply the next step in the evolution of the human capacity to ensure the survival of their species."
Abstract This paper considers the controversial subject of animal rights and looks at why it is important to treat animals more humanely, even if they are not and cannot be granted the same rights as human beings. The paper explains that, while animals are not on the same evolutionary ladder as the human species, they are still subject to the same type of physiological pain that humans suffer and, therefore, deserve our mercy, kindness, and humane treatment.
From the Paper "Animal rights or animal-human relationship is as controversial a subject as abortion and genetic research. This is because despite endless debates, several philosophical theories, numerous viewpoints and research findings, there appears to be no end in sight for this issue. How should we treat animals? Do they deserve our love and mercy? Can they be used for human consumption and benefit? How legal or morally justified is the use of animals in medical and cosmetic research? These are just some of the questions that arise when we discuss the ever-controversial subject of animal rights. The emergence of animal rights movement in late twentieth century sparked a huge controversy about treatment of animals and whether or not they deserved to be treated with the same respect we assign a human being."
