Philosophy (PHIL) 337

Overview

Business Ethics examines ethical theories and how they can be applied constructively to leading matters of business practice such as advertising, hiring and firing, corporate social responsibility, globalization, integrity, and leadership.

1. How do our jobs and consumer products both facilitate and frustrate our efforts to live well?
2. What does a responsible critique of business practice look like?
3. What do we hope to achieve from critical evaluations of business practice?
4. What truly constitutes “good business”?

Outline

• Unit 1: Introducing Business Ethics
• Unit 2: Normative Ethical Theories, Part I—Moral Relativism and Divine Command Theory
• Unit 3: Normative Ethical Theories, Part II—Ethical Egoism, Utilitarianism, and Kantian Ethics
• Unit 4: The Ethics of Advertising and Consumer Desire
• Unit 5: The Ethics of Hiring and Firing
• Unit 6: The Ethics of Corporate Responsibility in Society
• Unit 7: The Ethics of the Globalization of Business
• Unit 8: Integrity and the Ethics of Leadership

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of this course, students will be able to

• explain important concepts and theories in the area of business ethics.
• analyze the ethical features of business activity.
• formulate reasoned positions on ethical issues specific to business practice.
• develop critical thinking, writing, and ethical decision-making skills.

Evaluation

To receive credit for this course, students must achieve a minimum composite course grade of D (50 percent). The following chart summarizes the evaluation activities for Philosophy 337 and the credit weight associated with each.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Other Materials

All other materials are available online.