University of Pittsburgh, Summer 1999

Philosophy 1380: Business Ethics

C.L. G13—Mondays, 6 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.

Ben Eggleston—egglestn@pitt.edu

Reaction paper assignment no. 3

Bok discusses three requirements—accuracy and judgment in dissent, exploring alternative ways to cope with improprieties that minimize the breach of loyalty, and fairness in accusation—that an act of whistleblowing must meet in order to be justifiable (p. 332a). Now consider the whistleblowing acts of Dale Potter, as described in the court decision Potter v. Village Bank of New Jersey. Do Potter’s acts meet Bok’s requirements?

Answer this question in a paper of 300–500 words. Make sure (1) that the point you want your paper to convey (i.e., your answer to the question) is clearly stated and (2) that you provide support for your answer with some reasons that show why your answer is the correct one. Be brief: your response should not exceed 500 words.