Velasquez Chapter 2
Chapter Overview
In chapter 2, students will explore a variety of ethical theories with broad-range social, political,
and corporate implications, such as utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Through a variety of real-
world scenarios and case studies, learners encounter opportunities to observe the outcomes of
moral-based actions in the corporate sector, applying theoretical methodologies to tangible
In-and-Out of Class Activities
Reflective Response
1.Do you feel businesses have a responsibility to consider human rights when sourcing or
manufacturing materials in other countries or regions? How might a business owner balance
profit and fiscal responsibility while maintaining a commitment to global human rights?
2.Compare and contrast the ideas of virtue ethics presented by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.
Do you feel that an individual’s character or innate “goodness” ought to be a measure of ethical
potential in the business environment? Why or why not?
3.Discuss the strategies Maiden Mills’ CEO Aaron Feuerstein took to protect his employees’
payroll needs after the devastating fire. Describe how the ethic of care approach potentially
impacts employee perception and loyalty. Do you feel that Feuerstein’s concern for employees is
a positive business model for other leaders to follow? Why or why not?
Group & Team Collaboration
1.Imagine that your team oversees sourcing materials and acquiring goods for a U.S.-based
company engaging in business relationships in another country. How would you apply a
utilitarian approach to your product sourcing while maintaining a commitment to human rights?
Discuss the obstacles you might encounter in this situation.
2.Imagine that you are the owner of a successful manufacturing company. As a class, divide into
3.Imagine that your team has been contracted by the CEO of a local company to design a code of
ethical responsibility for corporate leadership. Using the ethical theories and approaches to moral
Intellectual Discussion
1. Lecture Point: Justice and Fairness in the Workplace
Questions to Ask Students: Imagine you are a worker in a local retail store, and
your town is voting on a proposal to raise the minimum wage. Using John Rawls’
ideas of justice, explore the pros and cons of this situation from a variety of
perspectives.
2. Lecture Point: The implications of a utilitarian approach
Questions to Ask Students: Utilitarian ethics is often described as the “greatest good
for the greatest number”. Create an example of a situation in which the “greatest
good” for the majority simultaneously causes enormous harm to a minority of
individuals. How might you solve this ethical dilemma?
3. Lecture Point: Unconscious vs. conscious moral decision-making
Questions to Ask Students: To what extent do you feel sociocultural influences, such
as pop culture and media phenomena, contribute to our unconscious moral
decision-making? Provide specific examples of theory and phenomena to support
your perspective.
Online Alternative: To what extent do you feel socio-cultural influences, such as pop