PADM 6620

Public Administration and Ethics

Fall 2008

Midterm Essay Exam

You may use any material presented in this class as well as outside sources to answer the following questions.  It is expected that you will conduct additional research or study outside the class to help answer the questions. 

 

Write a short essay (200 to 500 words) addressing each question below.  A complete answer will include a clear definition of theory as well as citation to proper academic source.  The complete answer will also include a clearly defined discussion and analysis section.  In the discussion and analysis section you should prove your knowledge of the subject as well as ability to apply it within the problem presented. 

 

Question 1:

 

Socratic philosophy is often cited as the source for modern ethics training.  We know much about Socrates from the writings of Plato. In Book I of Plato's Republic, Cephalus defines “justice” as speaking the truth and paying one's debts.  Socrates refutes this definition and suggests that not all debts should be repaid.  Some debts will have a higher cost when repaid than if not repaid.  Socrates gives the example that one who borrows a weapon from a neighbor may have an obligation not to return the weapon if the neighbor is now “not in his right mind?”

 

Using this approach, are there actions that a public administrator might be required to take in order to fulfill his/her duty but that completing the action would actually cause a greater harm?  Give an example of such an action and explain how the Socratic approach would be applied.

 

Question 2: 

 

Use Moral Relativism to address the need for a financial “rescue” of Wall Street.

 

Question 3:

 

You are the city manager for a small community in southern Utah.  Your community does not have a hospital.  Using the concepts of Consequentialism explain how a bond initiative in the community will address public need.

 

Question 4:

 

Read chapter 3 in Ethics in City Hall (Thompson & Leidlein) and answer questions 1, 3, 7, and 9.

 

Question 5:

 

What is the difference between Egoism and Altruism?  Do you see yourself as following an Egoist or Altruistic path?  Define the measurements you have used to measure your own standing.

 

Question 6:

 

Using the White Paper (link below) on Creating an Ethical Workplace, produced by the Commission on Ethics in Aging Services, identify the “ethical principles related to the long-term care workforce.”  What ethical theory have we discussed that would support some or all of these principles?  Why do you believe the theory you have chosen supports these principles.

 

http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2007/07/pdf/imperative.pdf

 

Question 7:

 

Explain how Kant’s theory of duty applies in today’s public administration position. 

 

Question 8:

 

Are there absolute truths in public administration?  Why or why not?

 

Question 9:

 

Explain the different between knowledge and belief.  Using this definition select a common problem in public administration today and explain how the distinction between knowledge and belief can help the public administrator make the right choice.

 

Question 10:

 

Explain how Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development can be best applied in public administration.