Topic: Business and Morality: Ethics in Context

The words 'business' and 'morality' often seem incompatible with one
another.  In fact, "business ethics" is commonly found on lists of
oxymora such as "legally drunk," "computer security," "alone
together," "holy war," "government organization," and "great
depression."  This humorous usage points to the more serious reasons
why people might question the relationship between business and
morality.  Over the past year we have witnessed the continuing saga
of defective Firestone tires, which have been partly responsible for
over a hundred deaths and thousands of injuries.  We have seen the
tobacco industry come under fire for its marketing practices and
attempts to cover-up its knowledge of the hazards of smoking.
Pharmacceutical companies have recently been criticized for
discontinuing the manufacture of life saving drugs in poor countries,
primarily because the poor cannot afford them, and more money can be
made finding cures for ailments (baldness or impotence for example)
that affect wealthier customres.  Students here at Indiana
University, along with students at Michigan and Wisconsin, have
worked to make sure that licensed merchandise is not manufactured
in "sweatships."  These issues lead us to question the very nature of
business.  Should the primary goal of business be to maximize
profits, even at the expense of morality?  What moral
responsibilities do businesses have to society in general?  What
moral claims underlie the laws and legal sanctions that apply to
business?  Since we are affected by business decisions everyday (as
employers, employees, consumers, or citizens) these questions concern
all of us.

The aim of this course is to address the moral issues involved with
business decisions and practices.  We will begin by examining
traditional moral theories and concepts and then apply them to the
business context.  Students should become more aware of the moral
aspect of business, as well as improve their ability to analyze the
reasoning used to make business decisions.  Our readings, which
include essays and case studies, will reflect the views of
philosophers, economists, business leaders, legal experts, and others.

Requirements will most likely include participation, short
presentations, quizzes, and papers of varying lengths.