Complete A 1- To 2-Page Table Using The Positive Righ 637054

Complete a 1- to 2-page table using the positive rights table template

Complete a 1- to 2-page table using the Positive Rights Table Template provided, comparing your opinion of the rights listed below to a corresponding ethical theory:

  • The right to higher education
  • The right to private phone conversations
  • The right to health care
  • The right of a presidential or gubernatorial candidate to receive time on television

List and describe an ethical challenge that could impact a U.S. company that wants to acquire a non-U.S.-based company.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the nature of positive rights and their intersection with ethical theories is crucial in analyzing the moral landscape of contemporary society. Positive rights are entitlements that oblige others to provide certain benefits or services, such as education or healthcare, emphasizing societal responsibilities. This paper explores the alignment of specific positive rights with ethical theories, primarily utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, while also examining a significant ethical challenge faced by international corporate acquisitions.

1. The Right to Higher Education

The right to higher education exemplifies a societal acknowledgment of individual development and equality of opportunity. From a utilitarian perspective, providing access to higher education maximizes societal happiness by enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to economic and social progress (Mill, 1863). Conversely, Kantian ethics, which emphasizes duties and principles, would argue that access to education is a moral obligation grounded in respecting human dignity and autonomy (Kant, 1785). Ensuring equitable higher education aligns with the Kantian principle of treating individuals as ends, not merely means.

2. The Right to Private Phone Conversations

This right reflects privacy as a fundamental aspect of individual autonomy. Utilitarianism would support protecting private communications because it preserves trust and social harmony, which contribute to overall societal well-being (Mill, 1863). Kantian ethics similarly uphold privacy rights, asserting that respecting individuals’ private communications respects their autonomous agency and moral worth (Kant, 1785). Violation of this right would undermine trust and violate the moral duty to respect others’ autonomy.

3. The Right to Healthcare

The right to healthcare is often justified through utilitarianism, which advocates for the greatest good for the greatest number by promoting a healthier population (Bentham, 1789). From a deontological perspective, Kantian ethics argue that healthcare is a moral duty owed to all, rooted in the respect for human dignity and the intrinsic worth of every individual (Kant, 1785). Public health initiatives exemplify how providing healthcare aligns with both utilitarian benefits and Kantian duties.

4. The Right to Time on Television for Candidates

This right involves balancing freedom of speech with fairness. Utilitarianism supports equitable access to broadcast time as it promotes informed voting and social stability (Mill, 1863). Kantian ethics would emphasize that providing equal opportunity for all candidates respects democratic principles grounded in universal moral duties, ensuring fairness and respect for individual rights (Kant, 1785).

Ethical Challenge in International Acquisition

An ethical challenge commonly encountered when a U.S.-based company seeks to acquire a non-U.S. company is navigating differences in regulatory standards and cultural practices. For instance, non-compliance with local labor laws or environmental standards could lead to ethical dilemmas about corporate social responsibility. Such issues can tarnish the company's reputation, lead to legal repercussions, or cause social harm, conflicting with the international corporation’s commitment to ethical standards.

Addressing this challenge requires balancing profit motives with responsible corporate behavior. Understanding and respecting local regulations and cultural norms while complying with international ethical standards is vital. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the acquisition but also risks exacerbating disparities and violating the ethical principles of respect, fairness, and responsibility (Crane et al., 2014).

Overall, aligning corporate strategy with ethical principles enhances long-term sustainability, fosters trust, and supports global social responsibility.

References

  • Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Clarendon Press.
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
  • Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2014). Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts, Strategy, and Governance. Cambridge University Press.
  • Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
  • Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Held, V. (2006). The Ethics of Care: Personal, Political, and Global. Oxford University Press.
  • Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business Ethics: A Text and Cases with Local Themes. Cengage Learning.
  • Höfler, A. (2014). Ethical Challenges in International Business. Journal of Business Ethics, 122(3), 517–529.
  • Reynolds, J. M. (2019). Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility: The New Paradigm. Routledge.

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