Will

Q3. Write up your case on your blog with the following subheadings:

• “The facts of the case.” Here is where you describe the case in your own words.


• “Analysis.” Examine the case in terms of the (i) consequentialist, (ii) deontological, and (iii) Humean (or more generally the virtue ethics) approaches. Also mention any example of a “sleazy rhetorical device” used in connection with the case that you noticed on the web or in your group discussion.


• “Conclusions.”


• “Future environment.” Describe your vision of a future in which technology is more advanced than today, or society has changed in some significant way.


• “Future scenario.” Describe how this ethical case (or an analogous one) would or should play out in the environment of the future, and give your opinions about it.

Answer:

The facts of the case

Women at Blizzard alleged that they were sexually harassed and discriminated against in many ways. It was also alleged that the executives abused their power to get HR to hide any complaints against them and reassign or fire any who filed them. It was said that they fostered a 'bro' culture that made the men at the company feel comfortable taking these actions. The outcome of the case was a settlement of $18 million as well as a pay decrease for the CEO, but that is all.

Analysis

Dentological Ethics Perspective

As a settlement was reached that implies that at least some if not all of the actions they were accused of took place. The actions taken by those who perpetrated these crimes would be seen as immoral and unethical, and those who supported them and assisted them in hiding their crimes would share in that immorality. During the course of the case the company attempted to downplay or outright deny the allegations which proved to be false leaving the company itself with a stain on its ethical well-being. Deontological ethics would see the actions taken during this case as unethical.

Utilitarian Ethics Perspective

Viewing the result of the actions taken as well as the results of the case show us that it did not end ethically as well. The result of the actions taken against the women in the company was much hardship and suffering with no recourse against those who committed them. The results of the case against them was not ethical either. Although a settlement was paid, the company itself was still able to escape much repercussion and the CEO who allowed it to happen remains in his office. Therefore, utilitarian ethics would say the result of this case was unethical.

Virtue Ethics Perspective

Examining the ethical character of those involved does not paint a pretty picture either. To be able to commit such actions and cover them up as well is an unethical act. Even in the result of the case many were not punished and no repentance for their crimes was had. Therefore virtue ethics would say that those involved are ethically corrupt.

Conclusion

The conclusion I have come to about this case is that the ruling on the case was insufficient for the crimes committed. Too many remain unpunished, but since the company has attempted to put in place provisions that would prevent such acts from reoccurring so the result is not all bad.

Future Environment

In the future I imagine the technology that allows people to govern what actions get taken against employees is more independent from those with power in the company. An independent system that cannot be bribed or used against the good of all.

Future Scenario

In the future I imagine any such transgressions that took place like the one in the present would have been punished before the need for it to come to a lawsuit. Those in place to deal with the complaints that employees have would not be subject to so much influence from those whose actions resulted in the complaints.