Ethics in Finance: Exploring Market Morality

This module explores the ethical implications of paying others to stand in line for you. Students will examine the concept of time as a commodity and discuss the fairness and social consequences of this practice.

This module addresses the ethics of raising prices during emergencies or disasters. Students will analyze arguments for and against price gouging, considering concepts of fairness, market efficiency, and social responsibility.

This module examines the ethics of environmental conservation through the lens of walrus hunting quotas. Students will explore the balance between cultural practices, economic interests, and wildlife protection.

This module discusses the ethical considerations surrounding organ sales and dangerous occupations. Students will examine issues of personal autonomy, exploitation, and the limits of consent in economic transactions.

This module explores the ethical implications of life insurance. Students will analyze the moral aspects of commodifying human life and death, and discuss the social and economic functions of insurance.

This module examines the ethics of betting on when someone will die. Students will discuss the moral boundaries of gambling, respect for human life, and the social implications of such practices.

This module analyzes the ethics of speculative practices in the housing market. Students will explore the tension between free market principles and social responsibilities in relation to housing as a basic need.

This module discusses the ethical implications of buying and selling votes. Students will examine the principles of democracy, political equality, and the potential consequences of treating votes as commodities.

This module explores the ethics of market-based approaches to refugee resettlement and immigration. Students will analyze the moral considerations of treating human movement as an economic commodity.

This module examines the ethics of appearance-based discrimination in employment. Students will discuss the tension between personal freedom, market forces, and principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

This module addresses the ethics of racial discrimination and catering to prejudiced preferences in employment. Students will explore the moral and legal aspects of discriminatory practices in the workplace.

This final module synthesizes the course themes, examining the broader relationship between market mechanisms, social incentives, and moral norms. Students will reflect on the ethical boundaries of market logic in various aspects of society.