What is the name of the ethical approach that states that because moral values

SECTION 1: FILL-IN-THE-BLANK

Each question is worth one point, for a total of 5 points for this section.

1. What is the name of the ethical approach that states that because moral values differ across cultures, there is no objective way to discern which values are best?

2. Which of the authors you read in this Module argues that there are no major ideological alternatives to free-market capitalism?

3. Which philosopher argues that human beings have dignity because they are moral agents?

4. Which of the authors you read in this Module argues that preserving the environment and respecting the balance of nature is an ethical imperative only if it benefits human beings?

The externality of pollution and the lack of markets for such goods as endangered species and scenic vistas are examples of which economic phenomenon?

SECTION 2: MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Arnold and Bowie use which one of the following premises in their argument against

sweatshops:

a. Sweatshops don’t increase consumer options as much as advocates claim

b. Many sweatshops operate in nations where the rule of law does not function

adequately

c. Sweatshops that are unsafe should at least pay their employees better wages

d. Countries that support sweatshops are not allies of the United States

2. Maitland uses which one of the following premises in his argument in favor of sweatshops:

a. Economic growth is essential for building a path to a freer society

b. Sweatshops often pay a living wage

c. Jobs in the rural sector are often more desirable than jobs in the urban sector

d. Sweatshops reduce environmental impact of business activity

3. Moore’s position in his discussion with Phil Knight in The Big One on sweatshops and

outsourcing labor is best described as:

a. Pro-globalization

b. Neo-classical

c. Libertarian

d. Protectionist

4. Which one of the points below IS one of the purported benefits of globalization for

developed countries that we discussed in lecture?

a. Lesser working hours for the average employee

b. Specialized labor can increase in developed countries

c. Production costs remain equal to what they were historically

d. Consumers can purchase goods at lower prices

5. With regard to dealing with carbon emissions, cap and trade is best understood as an

example of:

a. An eco-socialist solution to pollution

b. A natural capitalist solution to pollution

c. A market-based solution to pollution

d. A radical environmentalist solution to pollution

Section 3: Short Answer

1. Define the concept of globalization as it is used in business ethics in your own words. In

addition, list and explain one reason why globalization is typically considered by advocates

to be a good way for a corporation to maximize profits.

2. What is the scope of ethical consideration for Baxter? (In other words, who has ethical standing in his framework when considering the effects of pollution?) What is one reason for why he draws the line where he does?

3. Why are Julian Simon and other libertarian economists of his variety confident that environmental problems do not require serious, systemic economic change?

4. Explain in your own words why sweatshop advocates argue that sweatshops are able to provide a path out of poverty. Do you agree with this premise? Explain why or why not

5. Explain in your own words why anti-sweatshop advocates argue that paying a living wage will lead to both good economic and good ethical consequences. Do you agree with this premise? Explain why or why not.

Section 4: Essay

The Facebook Dilemma. Frontline, 2018. The complete film streams free at Frontline: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/facebook-dilemma/

The issue to consider with this material is whether the problems that attend the widespread use and influence of social media—and Facebook in particular—require regulation. Facebook initially adopted what it called a “very libertarian” approach to the functioning of its platform, allowing users to freely exchange content using their own standards of common sense and decency. Their stance was reinforced by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which Tim Sparapani, Facebook’s Director of Public Policy from 2009-2011 describes as “the provision which allows the internet economy to grow and thrive. . . . It says: Don’t hold this internet company responsible if some idiot says something violent on the site. Don’t hold the internet company responsible if somebody publishes something that creates conflict, that, that violates the law. It’s the quintessential provision that allows them to say, ‘Don’t blame us.’” But Facebook’s commitment to free speech and libertarian ideals, as well as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, has been challenged both by widespread misuse of the platform by its users as well as by Facebook itself, which has violated user privacy and engaged in other questionable forms of marketing and selling of user data.

In view of these problems, your essay question on the exam will ask you to consider the following:

(a) Do you believe Facebook should address the problems with its platform (for example, the fomenting of violence, political division, etc.) through self-regulation, or do you believe government regulation is required to address such problems? Or do you think regulation should be avoided altogether in order to allow maximal freedom? (150-200 words)

(b) As you answer this question, be sure to discuss the ethical principle that grounds your answer. In other words, do not treat this simply as a legal matter having to do with Section 230. Whether you think no regulation, self-regulation, or government regulation is required, make your case in ethical terms. (150-200 words)