write a capstone paper covering an issue of your choice from the field of business ethics.
Your paper should include the following:
Opposing ethical points of view on Topic: US Bank Fraud
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Ethical Perspectives on US Bank Fraud
Introduction:
Business ethics plays a crucial role in shaping the conduct, decision-making, and reputation of organizations. One prevalent issue within the field of business ethics is bank fraud. In the United States, bank fraud has had significant implications for financial institutions, customers, and society as a whole. This paper will explore opposing ethical points of view on US bank fraud, examining the perspectives of those who engage in fraudulent activities and those who advocate for ethical business practices.
Ethical Point of View: Engaging in Bank Fraud
Rationalizations and Motivations:
From the perspective of individuals or groups engaging in bank fraud, several rationalizations and motivations may arise.
Financial Gain: One common rationale is the desire for personal financial gain. Fraudsters may seek to enrich themselves at the expense of financial institutions or customers, driven by greed or a desire for an extravagant lifestyle.
Systemic Faults: Some individuals may argue that engaging in bank fraud is a response to perceived systemic faults within the banking industry. They may believe that banks are already engaging in unethical practices, and their fraudulent actions are a form of retribution or leveling the playing field.
Lack of Alternatives: In certain cases, individuals may see bank fraud as their only means to overcome financial difficulties or desperate circumstances. They may justify their actions by claiming they had no other viable options.
Ethical Point of View: Advocating Ethical Business Practices
Upholding Ethical Standards:
On the other hand, there are strong arguments in favor of ethical business practices and against bank fraud.
Honesty and Integrity: Advocates for ethical business practices emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and transparency in all financial transactions. They believe that organizations should act in accordance with legal and moral principles to foster trust and maintain the stability of the banking system.
Protecting Stakeholders: Ethical business practices prioritize the protection of stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, and employees. Fraudulent activities can lead to financial losses, erosion of trust, and harm to innocent individuals who rely on the integrity of the banking system.
Social Responsibility: Businesses have a social responsibility to contribute positively to society. Engaging in bank fraud undermines this responsibility, as it perpetuates a culture of deceit, erodes public trust, and ultimately harms the economy as a whole.
Balancing Ethical Perspectives:
Legal Consequences:
From a legal standpoint, engaging in bank fraud is unequivocally unethical as it involves illegal activities such as forging documents, identity theft, or embezzlement. The legal system imposes severe penalties to deter individuals from committing bank fraud. These penalties include fines, imprisonment, and damage to one’s reputation.
Corporate Culture:
Organizations play a crucial role in preventing bank fraud by fostering a culture of integrity and ethical behavior. Implementing robust internal controls, promoting transparency, and conducting regular audits are essential steps for deterring fraudulent activities within financial institutions. By establishing and enforcing strict ethical standards, banks can create an environment that discourages fraud and encourages responsible financial practices.
Education and Awareness:
Another important aspect in addressing bank fraud is raising awareness among individuals and organizations about its consequences. Educating employees about ethical business practices, providing whistleblowing mechanisms, and encouraging a culture of accountability can help prevent fraudulent activities.
Conclusion:
US bank fraud presents conflicting ethical perspectives that highlight the tension between personal gain and societal well-being. While some individuals may rationalize their involvement in fraudulent activities, it is clear that advocating for ethical business practices is crucial for maintaining trust in the banking system and protecting stakeholders. The legal consequences, corporate culture, and education play significant roles in preventing bank fraud. By upholding ethical standards and fostering a culture of integrity within financial institutions, society can mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent activities and promote a more transparent and trustworthy banking industry.
