Ethics assignment 8: Sources

Catton's piece sets up the telling of the day the people of Richmond learned of the 1865 fall of Petersburg by introducing the scene as "warm, with a mild breeze stirring the early blossoms". Such a description gives a feeling of serenity and calm, while the reader knows the sentiment is about to change. While desribing the interruption of church services to give the news of Petersburg's fall, the tone indeed changes to one of forlorn. Catton leaves the reader with the ominous realization, that "there could be nothing now but a restless, fruitless stirring-about in the face of approaching catastrophe."


Catton, Bruce.
Never Call Retreat
Doubleday and Co., Inc.
(1965): 444-445.

Ethics assignment 7: Qatar computing code

1. This code of ethics is composed of “dos” and “don’ts,” and mostly “don’ts.” How can forbidding individual behaviors be a protection of the public interests? In what way does the code address the protection of the public?

The forbidding of certain behaviors is a protection of the public interest in that it puts the utility of the group ahead of the desires of the individual. If the so called "don't"s didn't affect the computer usage of others, they would not need to be expressly forbidden in the code of ethics. The code tries to insure that there will be adequate security, copyright protection, and bandwidth for all students and faculty wishing to use the computers.

2. Does the code violate individual rights in its restricting the user’s freedom? Does the code protect the interests of users, too?

It can be argued that individual rights are being restricted by the ethics code. Plus, it doesn't guarantee any rights for the user. However, it must be kept in mind that the user's rights are being superceded by the overall security and equality being afforded to the majority. In ethics discussions, it is popular to categorize rights into three "tiers". The first tier is composed of the right to life, right not to be injured, and those that would worsen a persons level of happiness. Second tier rights are those used to maintain current status, and third tier rights are those rights granted to better one's current situation. If one uses this idea, the computer users rights would be consideered third tier rights, which would be superceded by the right not be harmed (security).

3. Are all the rules detailed, clear, and specific? Is this code reasonably comprehensive?

This code is somewhat condensed and clear, but lacks a bit of depth. It doesn't afford many priveliges to the user, and makes some uses inconvenient. For instance, if atudent is sick, but needs to work an an assignment, they cannot send a friend to retrieve whatever files they may need. The code also says "should", leaving a fair amount of interpretation.

4. How enforceable is this code?

This code is difficult to enforce, since it is doubtful that there is security in the computer lab, and much more so that the computer lab staff visually recognizes everyone in the lab. Also, unless they are able to monitor the network usage of all computers individually, it will be hard to determine which students are breaking rule #4. The last rule is especially hard to enforce, since the school really has no power over what is said, written, or told outside of the computer lab.

5. What would you suggest if you are asked to rewrite it?

If I were to rewrite the code, i would be more explicit about exactly when high-bandwidth applications could be used. I would also ask each account holder to sign a promisory agreement stating that they have read and will comply with the rules given in the code of ethics.

Ethics assignment 6: International Ethics & Economics

I believe it is impossible to determine whether unethical local practices means respect for local practices. This is simply because the way business is conducted at a lower administrative level is not indicative of the morality or ethicality of an entire population of people. I fact, I think poverty has a lot more to do with corruption of public officails than does the ethics of the local population. The manager's decision, however, is not necessarily reprihensible. The line between "expedition" of government services and bribery can be blurry. This is especially true if one makes the distinction among bribery, grease payments, and extortion. In this case, the payments made by the manager are a paradigmatic case of grease payments.

One may say, “Using child labor and demanding unpaid overtime work are normal practices of local businesses.” Why shouldn’t we do the same?

We shouldn't do the same for the simple reason of Respect for Persons (RP). RP is the idea, which is a somewhat culture-transcending notion, that individuals have a certain degree of rights. These rights include the right to life, health, and protection. We don't adopt these practices because we consider children individuals with rights.

If bribery or kick-backs can get businesses moving to best benefit the company, why can’t they be adopted?

Bribery or kickbacks can get business moving to best benefit the company, but aren't adopted. This is mostly because they encourage corruption, and add unfair advantage to those currently in power. In addition, such practices discourage competition, and make it impossible for legitimate business practices to exist. In essence, they are self-destructive to the country that accepts them.

Should the code of ethics for domestic businesses be applied to international situations?

The code of ethics for domestic businesses should not be directly applied to international situations, because many countries would not be able to make a rapid change and eliminate corruption. As long as this corruption exists, companies will find a way to participate in it. It is better to establish a set of "do"s and "don't" that may evolve into a more stringent code of intenational ethics.


The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits bribery beyond the national borders. Is this act valid for American-owned international businesses? What challenges these businesses to encounter to keep themselves clean?

These companies face the challenge of being caught, for one. However, if a company can prove that it was paying money as a form of grease payment, or being the subject of extortion, they may, in fact, participate in these questionable acts. The difference is that extortion and grease payments are more of a response to an offer from a government, while bribery is an active solicitation to commit a crime.

I would propose that a well defined set of rules be made on a region by region basis. Intracontinental countries with similar cultural norms often have similar economies. If we, as the United States, establish a consistent policy to start with, a transition into a more honest way of business can begin. These regulations may be somewhat unrestrictive at the beginning, but will at least provide a basis for further legislation.