Question

A colleague of yours frequently takes for his own personal use small amounts of office supplies, noting that the loss to the company is minimal. You counter that if everyone were to take the office supplies, the loss would no longer be minimal. Your rationale expresses which historical ethical principle

Answer 1

The ethical principle expressed is the tragedy of the commons, which explains the depletion of shared resources when individuals act in their own self-interest without considering the long-term consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principle expressed in your rationale is the tragedy of the commons.

The tragedy of the commons is an economic theory that explains the depletion of shared resources when individuals act in their own self-interest without considering the long-term consequences. If your colleague continues to take office supplies for personal use, others may also follow suit, resulting in a significant loss to the company.

An example of the tragedy of the commons can be seen in overfishing. If each fisherman decides to catch as many fish as they can without considering sustainable practices, the fish population will decline, affecting everyone's ability to fish in the future.

To avoid the tragedy of the commons, it is important for individuals to consider the collective impact of their actions and act responsibly to preserve shared resources.

Answer 2

Answer: Kant’s Categorical Imperative

Step-by-step explanation:

Kant's categorical imperative expresses that there is an inner force within the human being that is capable of governing his behaviors, that is, that the person can decide which behaviors are moral and which are not. This concept was the basis for the creation of various theories about morality. This concept of Kant falls within the framework of a global law since it understands that regardless of history, morality must be present.

As for the taking of small amounts of office supply, even these not representing a loss for the company are not correct to take them. If these were not given by the company itself, the person should not take them as doing so could be labeled as stealing. Stealing is taking the belongings of a person without their consent and even the object has taken does not represent any importance for a person, it should not be taken without their authorization.