Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Question three

This is the third ethical question. See the first question for instructions.

3. Orwell writes, "A beggar, looked at realistically, is simply a business man, getting his living, like other business men, in the way that comes to hand. He has not, more than most modern people, sold his honour; he has merely made the mistake of choosing a trade at which it is impossible to grow rich."

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

Question two

This is the second ethical question. See the entry below for instructions.

2. Orwell writes that the patron of the hotel gave plongeurs two litres of wine a day, "knowing that if a plongeur is not given two litres he will steal three." Suppose that you are a supervisor at a hotel or fast-food restaurant and you become aware that some employees are supplementing their pay by sneaking out food or beverages. How do you respond?

Ethics question one

You have been discussing ethics in your business class. Ethical considerations also are crucial at several points in George Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London." Please respond at some length (250-350 words or so) to one of the three questions posed here. Make shorter comments on each of the other two questions, either by responding to a comment that already has been posted or by adding an original insight or opinion. To make commenting easier, each question will be posted separately. All three posts should be on the blog by 10 p.m. Monday, September 18.

1. At one point in "Down and Out in Paris and London," Boris steals food from his workplace in order to feed his unemployed friend. Is this ethical behavior? If your answer is no, then are there some circumstances under which this behavior would be ethically justified? Assume for purposes of this question that no other food sources are readily available -- no food stamps, no rescue missions, no family or other friends.

Initial post

This is an initial test post.