Velasquez Chapter 1
Chapter Overview
In chapter 1, students will encounter the basic principles of theoretical and applied ethical
methodologies and approaches, and explore the contributions of a variety of philosophical
thinkers. Through reading selections and exposure to specific ethical dilemmas, the learner will
begin an investigation into the various elements of ethical reasoning, including the implications
In-and-Out of Class Activities
Reflective Response
1. Some theorists contend that the phrase business ethics creates an inherent contradiction. How
would you explain the importance of adhering to ethical standards in the professional world
while still maintaining the corporate and profit interests necessary to sustain businesses?
2. According to theorists such as Kant and Brandt, certain ideas of moral standards are universal
and exist independently of authority or law. To what extent do you feel these transcendent ideas
of morality should apply to the corporate world? Use specific examples to support your
3. Summarize the main ideas of Kohlberg’s three levels of moral development. After evaluating
the praise and criticisms of Kohlberg’s ideas, discuss your perspectives regarding the relevance,
Group & Team Collaboration
1. Social psychology research contends that humans display anger in situations of perceived
moral injustice. In the workplace, statistics reveal correlations between perceived inequity and
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lower productivity or morale. With your team, locate a specific example of a business whose
practices negatively impacted employees. Each person in the team chooses a “job” in the
company. Take turns discussing the specific ways the perceived injustice influenced each
“employee’s” actions or opinions in the workplace.
2. Imagine your team has been asked to develop a business ethics training session for employees
3. In your teams, create a mock court case in which the principles of moral reasoning and
responsibility you have read about in chapter one are your tools for defense and prosecution.
Intellectual Discussion
1. Lecture Point: Explicit vs. nonexplicit statements of moral reasoning
Questions to Ask Students: Describe the difference between explicit and nonexplicit
statements of moral reasoning. What types of explicit and nonexplicit statements do
we make about morality in the workplace?
2. Lecture Point: The efficacy of business ethics
Questions to Ask Students: Should ethics or a sense of moral reasoning be a
component of business operations? Discuss the support and criticisms of connecting
morality with the business world.
Online Alternative: Should ethics or a sense of moral reasoning be a component of
3. Lecture Point: Moral responsibility for wrongful actions
Questions to Ask Students: The moral responsibility an individual bears for
harmful or injurious actions depends primarily upon three factors. Describe a time
in which your actions negatively impacted someone else, and apply these three
factors to determine whether or not your actions would result in moral
responsibility.
Online Alternative The moral responsibility an individual bears for harmful or injurious
actions depends primarily upon three factors. Use Internet research to locate two specific
examples of an individual’s actions causing harm to another person. In example one,