Reference no: EM133318242
Essay Topics
Topic One: Lying
Carr presents a Kantian argument for the permissibility of lying. Is Carr's thesis, that lying in business is permissible, compatible with the Principle of Humanity and the Principle of Universalizability? Why or why not?
Topic Two: The Role of Business
Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) is a publicly traded company. Following the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in February of 2018, Dick's announced that they would no longer sell assault-style rifles similar to the AR-15, which have regularly been used in recent mass shootings. The CEO of Dick's, Edward Stack, said that he expects this decision will negatively hurt the company's sales, but the entire management team believes it is the right thing to do anyway. How would Milton Friedman assess the management team's actions? Is Friedman's analysis right? Why or why not?
Topic Three: Liability
Consider the 2015 revelations that Volkswagen cheated on emissions testing by programming their cars to recognize when a test was occurring and modify engine performance to meet emissions standards. Volkswagen was found criminally liable, forced to pay a significant fine, and made to offer owners the opportunity to sell back their affected cars to the company. Did Volkswagen act immorally and illegally, or did the company simply act illegally? When presenting your argument, be sure to discuss why your interpretation is better than the alternative.
Topic Four: Whistleblowing
Duska claims that the businesses exist only to make a profit. How does this impact Duska's view of the moral permissibility of whistleblowing? Is whistleblowing ever morally Impermissible, even if the nature of a business is simply to maximize profit? Why or why not?