final test
ete08
pa600_final_qs....docxFinal Examination
Ethical Foundations of Authority and Responsibility
PA600
1. (6 points) On another sheet of paper:
a. Compare and contrast inductive and deductive reasoning.
b. Give an example of a syllogism.
c. And which type of reasoning is it? Can the 2 be used to resolve workplace ethical issues? How?
2. (2 points) Plato would agree or disagree with the following statements, in your view:
a. “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game that counts.” Agree Disagree (underline one)
b. “The truth itself never changes. Only man’s idea of the truth changes.” Agree Disagree (underline one)
3. (10 points) In his analogy (‘simile’) of the cave, Plato says “…my opinion is that in the world of knowledge, the ideal of good appears last of all, and is seen only with an effort; and, when seen, is also inferred to be the universal author of all things, beautiful and right, parent of light and of the lord of light in this visible world, and the immediate source of reason and truth in the intellectual; and that this is the power upon which he who would act rationally either in public or private life must have his eye fixed.”
4. (4 points) Give a brief description of Kohlberg’s 3 levels of moral development. What concrete guidance, if any, does his model give, in your reasoned opinion?
a.
b.
c.
5. (3 points) What is the “ categorical imperative” and whose idea is it? Does it remind you of anything Biblical? If so, What?
6. (3 points) “The greatest good for the greatest number” might be said to be the object of which ethical model? A “benefit/cost analysis” is often used in administration. Does -in your view- this model really tells us what is ‘good’?
7. (3 points) List some conditions that might be said to effect responsibility for an act taken in the work place, or even elsewhere, i.e. a “mitigation of culpability”.
8. (5 points) We covered extensively the moral defenses and criticisms of Capitalism and Socialism. What are their criticisms and defenses? What do you think and what is your evidence?
9. (4 points) We discussed a possible difference between “Virtues” and “Values”. Discuss that difference and tell how it might apply to today’s public workplaces or policy.
10. (5 points) What is your definition of ‘virtue’, going back perhaps to Aristotle (and Aquinas)? Are we born virtuous? How can one grow in virtue, especially in the work place?
11. (5 points) some ethical models/traditions are said to be “deontological”. Therefore some could be termed “consequential” or “consequential”. What do we mean by these terms? Give an example of each.
12. (4 points) list 4 of the “first moral principles” and suggest a workplace application for as many as you choose. You may be given some extra points, depending.
Extra credit:
For up to 5 additional points :
discuss and explain briefly the complementary ideas of Solidarity and subsidiarity, and their implications both for a healthy society and for persons who work, and lead, in areas of public service. Don’t forget “micromanagement”.
For 5 points:
a) Define “Corporation” and
b) Discuss “Liability”, “Strict Liability”, “Accountability” and “Moral Accountability” as applied to business corporations (or non-profit and foundations, for that matter!)
For 2 more points :
Compare and contrast (briefly) Analysis & Synthesis and how they might be used in, say, the steps or procedure in office discipline.
