Ethics for Business and Technology
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of irregular payment, according to the content provided?

  • Facilitating Payments
  • Kickbacks
  • Extortion (correct)
  • Questionable Gifts and Considerations

What is the primary purpose of 'Facilitating Payments' as described in the content?

  • To ensure timely completion of non-discretionary duties. (correct)
  • To influence decisions in favor of a particular party.
  • To bribe officials for personal gain.
  • To obtain confidential information for strategic advantage.

According to the content, what is the defining characteristic of 'Questionable Gifts and Considerations'?

  • They are used to manipulate public opinion.
  • They are intended to build strong business relationships.
  • They are given to officials in exchange for specific favors.
  • They exceed the acceptable limits of business courtesy. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a guideline provided for resisting potentially unethical behavior?

<p>Seeking legal advice from an attorney. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of 'Restitution' as a solution to ethical misbehavior?

<p>To compensate the victims of the wrongdoing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential modifier of responsibility, as suggested by the outline provided?

<p>Complexity of the ethical dilemma. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content emphasizes the importance of understanding actions and omissions in which two specific fields?

<p>Business and Technology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the content provided?

<p>Analyzing the ethical implications of business practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of insider trading?

<p>It involves using confidential information for personal gain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical concern associated with insider trading?

<p>It undermines the trust and fairness of the securities market. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct voluntary action and indirect voluntary action?

<p>Direct voluntary action is intentional and aims to achieve a desired outcome, while indirect voluntary action is unintentional but avoidable, and results in an undesired outcome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of duty is violated when insider trading occurs?

<p>Duty of confidentiality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a specific form of bribery or extortion?

<p>Price gouging (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what are some examples of indirect voluntary action in business?

<p>A company releasing a product with poorly written instructions, leading to consumer injury. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the problem of secondary effects related to indirect voluntary action?

<p>Secondary effects are a key aspect of indirect voluntary action because they represent the undesired but foreseeable consequences of an action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does bribery differ from extortion?

<p>Bribery involves using a bribe to influence a decision, while extortion involves demanding a bribe to do something they are obligated to do. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of extortion?

<p>A government official demanding a bribe from a company to approve a construction project. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of indirect voluntary action?

<p>Results in a desired outcome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author makes about responsibility in relation to indirect voluntary action?

<p>Individuals are responsible for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, even if they did not intend them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a bribe and a kickback?

<p>A bribe is a gift given to get someone to do something, while a kickback is a gift given in exchange for a favor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common characteristic of irregular payments?

<p>They are often used to gain an unfair advantage or circumvent regulations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of indirect voluntary action in a business context?

<p>A company launches a new product without thoroughly testing it, leading to product defects and customer complaints. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase "at least, vaguely" when describing the foreseeability of indirect voluntary action?

<p>It acknowledges that the consequences of indirect voluntary action may not always be immediately obvious but are still preventable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the content, what is the primary factor that differentiates direct voluntary action from indirect voluntary action?

<p>The consequences of the action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the causal proximity of an action and its consequences, and the level of responsibility?

<p>The closer the action is to its consequences, the greater the responsibility of the actor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition for material cooperation to be ethically acceptable?

<p>The actor must be aware of the consequences of their actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between formal and material cooperation?

<p>Formal cooperation involves sharing the intentions and goals of the other party, while material cooperation does not. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'omission' as defined in the text?

<p>Actions that one could have taken but freely chose not to. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of 'induction' as defined in the text?

<p>A teacher assigning homework to their students. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between causal proximity and responsibility?

<p>The more proximate the action is to its consequences, the more responsible the actor is. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of material cooperation, as defined in the text?

<p>A person driving a car down a street. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the text regarding responsibility?

<p>Responsibility is determined by the causal proximity of the action and the consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of responsibility in the Anglo-American culture?

<p>Responsibility is understood as both the fulfillment of duty and intentional agency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of responsibility as described in the text?

<p>It requires that actions be directed by a specific purpose. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Latin origin of the word "responsibility"?

<p>respondere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that responsibility is influenced by what two major intellectual traditions?

<p>Analytical philosophy and the legal tradition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of responsibility in its "duty fulfilment" aspect?

<p>A doctor treating a patient. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The understanding of responsibility as "intentional agency" is most readily understood in the context of which area of law?

<p>Criminal law (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of responsibility as discussed in the text?

<p>The existence of a moral framework for evaluating actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main elements defining moral responsibility?

<p>Freedom and Awareness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a modifier of responsibility as outlined in the text?

<p>Moral Agency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Hans Jonas emphasize as the core of responsibility?

<p>Taking care of humankind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Hannah Arendt, how is responsibility manifested?

<p>Through public accountability and dialogue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents Plato's conception of responsibility?

<p>Acting based on knowledge and awareness of oneself (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Sam’s dilemma, what type of ignorance could potentially apply to Sam?

<p>Surmountable Ignorance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a likely implication of the increasing role of AI in making decisions?

<p>Human responsibility for decisions made by AI systems will be easily determined (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the concept of responsibility becoming increasingly relevant in our current technological age?

<p>Because the development of new technologies often leads to unforeseen consequences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Definition of Responsibility

Responsibility means being accountable for actions or behaviors under our control.

Two Main Assumptions of Responsibility

Responsibility involves having someone to answer to and the freedom to act.

Duty Fulfillment in Responsibility

Responsibility can be seen as fulfilling duties in everyday life and business.

Causal, Intentional Agency

Responsibility can also relate to being intentional about one's actions, especially in law.

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Responsibility and Freedom

Only those who are free and in control can be held responsible for their actions.

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Fourth Industrial Revolution Context

The concept of responsibility is reassessed in the context of modern technological changes.

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Anglo-American View on Responsibility

In Anglo-American culture, responsibility is influenced by duty and legal traditions.

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Influences on Responsibility Perception

Analytical philosophy and legal tradition influence how responsibility is viewed today.

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Direct Voluntary Action

An action performed intentionally to achieve a desired outcome.

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Indirect Voluntary Action

An action taken that foreseeably causes an undesired outcome, even if it was not intended.

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Responsibility

The obligation to account for one's actions, especially in business.

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Secondary Effects

Consequences that occur as a result of an initial action, often unintended.

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Voluntary Action

An action performed by an individual based on their own initiative and choice.

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Foreseeable Consequence

An outcome that can be predicted or anticipated based on an action taken.

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Omission

The act of neglecting to do something which one has a duty to do.

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Contextual Examples

Specific situations illustrating concepts, such as accidents caused by negligence.

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Full Responsibility

When a person intentionally causes harm, they are fully responsible for their actions.

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Responsibility in Non-Anglo-American Cultures

Responsibility is seen as a duty to care for humankind, emphasizing our shared humanity.

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Communicative Act of Responsibility

Responsibility involves providing an account of one's actions to oneself and others.

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Plato’s Concept of Responsibility

Responsibility is acting with self-knowledge and awareness, especially in the context of AI and moral agency.

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Moral Responsibility

Moral responsibility involves acts that are performed with full consent and knowledge of the consequences.

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Modifiers of Responsibility

Factors that influence how responsibility is perceived or assigned in various situations.

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Actions We Are Responsible For

Specific behaviors or omissions that result in accountability in business and technology.

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Sam’s Dilemma

A scenario highlighting the challenges of new hires in navigating responsibility within a friendly work environment.

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Unfair Competition

Business actions that prevent fair trading.

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Erosion of Trust

Loss of confidence in the securities market.

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Fiduciary Duty

Legal obligation to act in another's interest.

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Professional Secrecy

Keeping confidential information private.

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Misappropriation

Unauthorized use of someone else's information.

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Bribery

Offering a benefit to influence someone's judgment.

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Extortion

Demanding money under threat or coercion.

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Blackmail

Using threats to get money for not exposing secrets.

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Kickbacks

Return of a portion of a contract sum to someone who awards it.

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Facilitating Payments

Moderate payments to expedite public officials' duties.

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Questionable Gifts

Exorbitant gifts that serve as bribes.

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Restitution

Returning or compensating for wrongdoings.

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Compensatory Damages

Payment awarded for loss or injury caused.

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Resisting Extortion

Not giving in to demands for money or favors.

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Seeking Alternatives

Finding different options instead of succumbing to bribery.

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Being Honest

Maintaining integrity and truthfulness in actions.

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Causal Proximity

The closeness between an action and its consequences that affects responsibility.

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Material Cooperation

Ethical participation in another's action with four specific conditions.

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Conditions for Ethical Action

Four conditions: good action, good intention, immediate good effect, proportional cause.

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Direct Actions

Actions that are freely chosen and voluntarily realized by an individual.

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Induction

Actions aimed at influencing others to act a certain way.

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Formal Cooperation

Deliberate collaboration with someone sharing intentions and goals.

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Material Cooperation (without intent)

Involvement in another's action without knowing or sharing their intentions.

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Study Notes

Ethics for Business and Technology

  • Course title: Ethics For Business And Technology
  • Course code: BAA1029
  • Lecturer: Dr. Marta Rocchi
  • Year: 2025

Course Outline

  • What is Responsibility?
  • Modifiers of Responsibility
  • Actions We Are Responsible For
  • Focus on actions and omissions in business and technology

Responsibility

  • The word "responsibility" comes from the Latin word "respondere" (to respond).
  • It's associated with human actions under our control.
  • Responsibility presupposes our ability to answer for our actions.
  • The concept of responsibility has two main assumptions:
    • The existence of someone else to whom we are responsible (this includes ourselves).
    • Freedom of action – only those with freedom and control over their actions can be held responsible for them.

Responsibility in Anglo-American Culture

  • Responsibility is often viewed as duty fulfillment, a straightforward adherence to expected roles and duties.
  • In business, this means organizations fulfill obligations to stakeholders, such as shareholders.
  • It's also understood as intentional agency, holding individuals responsible for actions that intentionally cause harm.

Responsibility Outside Anglo-American Culture

  • Hans Jonas: Responsibility involves ongoing consideration for humanity's future.
  • Hannah Arendt: Responsibility is a communicative act, requiring accountability for actions and speech.

Plato's Conception of Responsibility

  • Plato, through Socrates, views responsibility as stemming from self-knowledge and awareness.
  • This is relevant in our modern age of Artificial Intelligence as it raises the question of responsibility of systems making decisions and in situations where AI substituted human decision-making processes.

Moral Responsibility

  • Moral responsibility refers to free and fully knowledgeable human actions (full consent and awareness).

Modifiers of Responsibility

  • Lack of Knowledge:
    • Invincible ignorance: Ignorance that can't be overcome
    • Surmountable ignorance: Ignorance that could be overcome with some effort
    • Intentional ignorance: Choosing not to know
  • Lack of Consent:
    • Mental illness
    • Physical / Psychological coercion
    • Strong emotions/intellectual fear
    • Habits

What We Are Responsible For

  • Direct voluntary actions:
    • Actions undertaken deliberately to achieve a desired outcome.
    • Many business actions fit this definition.
  • Indirect voluntary actions:
    • Actions causing undesirable but foreseeable outcomes.
    • Responsibility for indirect consequences depends on ability to foresee and avoid them.
  • This includes criteria like potential harm, seriousness of the action, and proximity.

Categorizing Actions

  • Actions (voluntary) / Omissions
  • My Actions / Actions Related to Others
  • Cooperation (formal/material), induction

Ethical Material Cooperation

  • The action itself is good
  • The intention is good
  • The immediate effect is good
  • The cause is proportional

Classifying Actions

  • Actions
  • Omissions
  • Induction
  • Cooperation

Misappropriation

  • Misuse of company resources/time
  • Intellectual property infringement: copyright, trademarks, patents, trade secrets
  • Counterfeit goods

Fraud

  • Intentional deception in business.
  • Cases noted: Enron, Volkswagen case study shown in the video.

Conflicts of Interest

  • A conflict arises when private interests clash with obligations in a position of trust.

Tax Evasion/Avoidance

  • Tax evasion: Avoiding tax payment illegally
  • Tax avoidance: Using legal methods to reduce taxes.

Irregular Payments

  • Forms: Bribery, extortion, blackmail, kickbacks, facilitating payments, questionable gifts/considerations.
  • Solutions/Guidelines: Resist extortion, seek alternatives, be honest, proportionate cause, and avoid scandal.

Solutions to Misbehavior

  • Restitution and compensatory damages.

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Ethics for Business and Technology PDF 2025

Description

This quiz explores the concept of responsibility within the context of business and technology ethics. It delves into the meaning, modifiers, and implications of responsibility, particularly focusing on actions and omissions. Understanding these principles is crucial for ethical decision-making in modern enterprises.

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