This lesson explores how codes of ethics guide conduct in businesses and professional fields, including technology. Codes can turn broad values into practical expectations, but applying them often requires judgment.
A business is an organization that sells goods or services with the intention of making a profit. Governments regulate business through laws, but organizations also create codes of ethics to guide the conduct of the organization and its members. These codes identify actions that are permissible or impermissible and express values that may go beyond legal requirements.
All flashcards
Code of ethics
A set of principles and rules that guides an organization’s conduct and that of its members.
Stakeholder theory
The view that managers should balance the interests of all groups with a stake in the business.
Meaningful work
Work that supports basic needs, autonomy, rational and moral development, and workers’ pursuit of happiness.
Affirmative action
Positive steps intended to increase representation for groups historically excluded from particular opportunities.
AI alignment concern
The risk that a powerful system’s objectives or behavior may not serve human well-being.
Quiz questions
What can a business code of ethics do beyond stating legal requirements?Answer: Set shared expectations for conduct and responsibilities that may exceed the law.
How does stakeholder theory guide managers’ decisions?Answer: It asks them to balance the interests of groups affected by the business.
What stigma concern do critics of affirmative action raise?Answer: Others may unfairly assume beneficiaries were selected because of preference rather than merit.
What does John Searle argue about computers and intentionality?Answer: Intelligent-looking outputs do not show that computers have human-like intentionality.
What is the central alignment concern associated with powerful AI?Answer: Its objectives or behavior may fail to remain compatible with human values and safety.