The Philosopher Café

December 13, 2006

I.                   Introduction/Book/Media Discussion – 6:00 – 6:15

o      There’s No Such Thing as Business Ethics, John C. Maxwell

The point of this book is that ethics is ethics and business ethics cannot be separated from personal ethics.  The author recommends the golden rule as a guide to behavior based on respecting and valuing others.

o      Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle

Aristotle recommends not so much the golden rule as the golden mean which is a balance between two extremes. For example, to rush into battle without thinking is foolhardy while running away in terror is cowardice.

o      Prisoner’s Dilemma, William Poundstone

In a dog eat dog world, survival is a matter of beating the other guy to the punch.  Is there a time when ethics must be put aside to survive?  This book explains a branch of philosophy known as Game Theory.

II.                 Discussion: Should American Corporations do business with despotic regimes such as Chinese government?      6:15 – 7:15 PM

III.               Introduction – Theme is Philosophy of Humor       6:30 – 7:00 PM

Ethics

Is there such as thing as business ethics?

§        The Double Standard

§        Absolute Ethics

§        Truth or Consequences

§        The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

§        The Golden Rule++

Game Theory and the Prisoner’s Dilemma

§        When Ethics Break Down

§        Background

§         Other Scenarios

§         What Would You Do?

IV.              Wrap up/Final Thoughts

§        Which are better, pure moral principles or ethics in context? How do we avoid just doing whatever we want even when it is wrong?

§        Think of real life situations and try to determine if Game Theory applies.

§         If no one is morally perfect, can anyone demand ethical behavior from others?

§         What do you really think is the right rule to ethics?  Does it hold up in all situations?