Ethical Reasoning

1. The writer’s proposition is to introduce the reader to the basic modes of ethical reasoning and induce a basic understanding of what constitutes the basic methods of ethical reasoning. Before forgoing the explanation of two fundamental methods of ethical decision making, the writer shared the “BASF” case study. The case study demonstrated both an economic and moral dilemma regarding polluting a river in which the writer uses to reflect upon two ethical theories; utilitarianism (consequentialism) and deontology. Both theories of ethical reasoning are applicable to practical decisions in concrete situations in which as the reader I cannot disagree. In remembrance of past ethical decisions, I have weighed upon a decision as to whether it provided

Businessman “believe” they are defending a free enterprise by promoting a social conscience and denying concerns of solely making profits. In this, the writer presumes that it is the businessman whom is responsible for the corporation’s social responsibility. However, since most discussion is directed towards corporations as a whole, the writer focuses on corporate executives. Difficulties arise with the exercising of social responsibility by corporate executives, but there is a cloak social responsibility brings and tends to harm the foundations of a free society. Within the business world, the writer emphasizes upon two political principles, the market mechanism and the political mechanism. The market mechanism is ideal, yet the use of the political mechanism is unavoidable and as the reader agree. The writer states, “The social responsibility of a business is to engage in an open and free competition without deception or fraud.” This is ideal regarding social responsibility, but as the reader I question how avoidable is fraud and

The writer’s proposition was not evident except to provide a case example to demonstrate ethical reasoning in practice. The case focused upon the Italian federal corporate tax system with no similarities to the United States tax system except for one, which is that it has a legal tax structure and tax rates. Of the Italian tax system, a presupposition observed was that it is assumed no Italian corporation would show their actual profits when submitting a tax return, but instead submit understated profits. With this presupposition, ethical practice is brought into play when a North American bank was advised to file taxes “Italian-style.” Just as the general manager, as an observer of the case, I find the Italian-style non-ethical. Despite the general managers’ refusal to comply, his refusal concluded with negotiations still taking place. The writer’s opinion was not evident regarding this case, but as the reader, my established opinion was that the general manger should have followed the advice provided by the local lawyers and tax accountants and complied with the Italian tax