Ethics Discussion 1: Product Recalls Essay Assignment

Question

Ethics Discussion 1 Product Recalls Essay Discussion Assignment

Carefully read the articles which follow the instructions. Write a WORD response to the reading selections and post your response (1) to the “Ethics” discussion board; and, (2) to the Products Recall Dropbox (located under Assessments). Insert a word count at the end of your initial post (xxx words). Your response should be an exploration of one or more of the suggested discussion questions included in this assignment. Regardless of what you choose to write about, be sure to support your position with specific examples and quotes from the text. If you choose to write on a topic that another student has already written on, say something new about the subject.

If you agree with another student, provide additional reasons to support your position. If you disagree with another student, be respectful in your response, and be clear about why you disagree.

Suggested discussion questions:

1) How serious does a risk have to be (how many reports of what kinds of harms must a company know about) in order for it to be ethically appropriate to recall a product? Should Dell have recalled four million batteries at the first whiff of smoke? Should Dell have waited longer? How (and when) should Ford have responded to the Pinto’s safety problems? Explain.

2) What are some of the obvious and less obvious ethical issues involved in product recalls? How might these ethical issues come into conflict with a particular company’s economic concerns? Given these issues, did Dell respond adequately to the known problems with their batteries? What explains the difference between Dell’s response in the case of their laptop batteries and Ford’s response in the case of the Pinto?

3) What are the various pros and cons of using cost-benefit analyses as a way of measuring whether safety measures are worthwhile? Can cost-benefits analyses be implemented ethically? Explain.

Important notes:

- I don’t make detailed grading comments on discussion assignments, but I am happy to discuss grades individually.

- I do read all discussion posts carefully and will comment as appropriate.

- Be respectful of other members of the class—disagree politely.

- In your answers, feel free to bring in examples from readings, current events, or personal experience.

- The grading will focus on the originality, clarity, and complexity of ideas.

- The articles provided include information on Dell’s battery recall, a CPSC press release, and Ford Pinto safety issues, which should inform your response.

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

Ethics Discussion 1 Product Recalls Essay Discussion Assignment

Carefully read the articles which follow the instructions. Write a WORD response to the reading selections and post your response (1) to the “Ethics” discussion board; and, (2) to the Products Recall Dropbox (located under Assessments). Insert a word count at the end of your initial post (xxx words). Your response should be an exploration of one or more of the suggested discussion questions included in this assignment. Regardless of what you choose to write about, be sure to support your position with specific examples and quotes from the text. If you choose to write on a topic that another student has already written on, say something new about the subject.

If you agree with another student, provide additional reasons to support your position. If you disagree with another student, be respectful in your response, and be clear about why you disagree.

Suggested discussion questions:

1) How serious does a risk have to be (how many reports of what kinds of harms must a company know about) in order for it to be ethically appropriate to recall a product? Should Dell have recalled four million batteries at the first whiff of smoke? Should Dell have waited longer? How (and when) should Ford have responded to the Pinto’s safety problems? Explain.

2) What are some of the obvious and less obvious ethical issues involved in product recalls? How might these ethical issues come into conflict with a particular company’s economic concerns? Given these issues, did Dell respond adequately to the known problems with their batteries? What explains the difference between Dell’s response in the case of their laptop batteries and Ford’s response in the case of the Pinto?

3) What are the various pros and cons of using cost-benefit analyses as a way of measuring whether safety measures are worthwhile? Can cost-benefits analyses be implemented ethically? Explain.

Important notes:

- I don’t make detailed grading comments on discussion assignments, but I am happy to discuss grades individually.

- I do read all discussion posts carefully and will comment as appropriate.

- Be respectful of other members of the class—disagree politely.

- In your answers, feel free to bring in examples from readings, current events, or personal experience.

- The grading will focus on the originality, clarity, and complexity of ideas.

- The articles provided include information on Dell’s battery recall, a CPSC press release, and Ford Pinto safety issues, which should inform your response.

Ethics Discussion 1 Product Recalls Essay Discussion Assignment

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