This week we explored the idea corporate moral accountability – with two contrasting views (i.e, corporations to be moral agents and arguments against that position). You were also presented information about how businesses engage in political processes, including why and at what scale.
Concerning the Case of the Big Oil Spills, BP has made financial reparations for Deepwater Horizon to the tune of $16 billion. However, in 2015 manslaughter charges for two managers were dropped. No individual has faced accountability for the disaster. Since the corporation can only face reparations financially, it is likely no further accountability will be assigned as a result of the incident.
Suggested discussion post options:
Are the financial reparations paid by the company sufficient to atone for the disaster? Using reasoning tools from this week’s material explain your position.
Using aprefered view of corproate moral accountability, how might the blame for the global state of carbon pollution be on a corporate moral agent. You may use either French’s position (that it could be a corporation) or Danley’s position..
Do you believe corporations have sufficient status (morally not legally) to exert such a great influence on the political process in the pursuit of profits? Defend your position.
If the impacts of effective lobbying and campaign funding diminish governments role as a corporate enforcer, how might corporations be held accountable?
If you are in a corporation engaging in or heading toward unethical acts, what would you do (be sure to include course content)?.
If the oil industry and environment case persectives do not suit your inerst, feel free to engage this week’s theoretical content on last week’s Facebook case scenario.
Any other take-aways or learning you gained from this week’s readying/content.
Discussion Board Assignments:
Our weekly discussion posts are considered an academic forum. Submissions should be between 300-600 words. Keep in mind you are playing the role of educator in your posts.
Case sources
https://lawaspect.com/ethical-dilemma-bp-oil-spill/ (Links to an external site.)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/04/how-is-wildlife-doing-now–ten-years-after-the-deepwater-horizon/ (Links to an external site.)
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change (Links to an external site.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/03/25/oil-and-gas-giants-spend-millions-lobbying-to-block-climate-change-policies-infographic/?sh=58a95bf97c4f (Links to an external site.)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-12-07/exxon-s-xom-carbon-capture-project-stalled-by-covid-19 (Links to an external site.)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/sep/19/shell-and-exxons-secret-1980s-climate-change-warnings (Links to an external site.)
Texas City Refinery explosion – Wikipedia
