here are the answers to your questions:
Question 27
Utilitarianism is an ethical framework that aims to maximize overall happiness or good for the greatest number of people. Decision-makers face several challenges when applying this perspective:
- (f) Allocating quantities to abstract concepts, such as emotions, to determine costs and benefits: It is inherently difficult to quantify subjective experiences like happiness, pain, or emotional well-being to perform a utilitarian calculation.
- (g) Assessing the greatest good for the greatest number of people can overlook the interest of minorities: A core criticism of utilitarianism is that by focusing on the aggregate good, it can potentially justify actions that harm or disregard the rights and interests of individuals or minority groups if those actions benefit a larger majority.
- (h) Engaging in those activities that will lead to the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people: While this is the goal of utilitarianism, it is a significant practical challenge for a decision-maker to accurately predict and identify which specific actions will actually achieve this complex outcome, especially considering long-term and indirect consequences.
The correct option is a.
Question 28
Milton Friedman, a prominent economist, argued that the primary social responsibility of a business is to increase its profits. He believed that corporate executives should act in the best interests of the shareholders, which means maximizing shareholder wealth. Any corporate social initiatives should only be undertaken if they ultimately serve this profit-making objective.
- a. can protect their profitability: Friedman would agree with this. If a corporate citizenship program helps protect or enhance the company's financial performance (e.g., by improving reputation, attracting customers, or mitigating risks), then it aligns with the goal of maximizing shareholder value.
- b. believe it is the right thing to do: Friedman would argue that moral judgments about "the right thing to do" are personal responsibilities of individuals, not corporate executives using shareholder funds.
- c. must follow their ethical reasoning: Similar to (b), Friedman would contend that the ethical reasoning of executives should be directed towards profit maximization, not broader social ethics that do not serve that purpose.
- d. have been forced to comply through legislation: While corporations must comply with laws, Friedman's argument focuses on voluntary social initiatives. Compliance with law is a given, but not a reason for voluntarily embarking on a program unless it benefits the bottom line.
The correct option is a.
- a. can protect their profitability
What's next? Send 'em over!