ethics6.095 min read
Addressing Wealthy Friends' Fleeing Conversations
5 months ago•Source: The New York Times
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4.495 min•2 years ago
Controversial Ivy League Professor Sparks Debate with Pro-Bestiality Study
Princeton University bioethics professor Peter Singer, a self-described animal rights activist, promoted a pro-bestiality study from the Journal of Controversial Ideas, which he co-founded. Singer called the article "thought-provoking" and argued that it challenges society's taboo against having sex with animals. The study argues for the moral permissibility of some forms of sexual contact between humans and animals, claiming that zoophilia is not inherently problematic. Singer clarified that the publication of the article does not indicate agreement with its views, but rather provides an outlet for controversial ideas. The study has sparked outrage and controversy, with critics questioning the ethics and appropriateness of promoting such research.
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Sotomayor's Staff Encouraged Book Purchases by Colleges, Report Reveals
USA TODAY•2 years ago
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Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor's Staff Promotes Book Sales and Ethical Dilemmas
Documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's staff has frequently urged public institutions, such as colleges and libraries, to purchase her books for events she attends, resulting in at least $3.7 million in earnings for her since joining the court in 2009. The documents highlight instances of taxpayer-funded court staff engaging in activities that would be prohibited for members of Congress and the executive branch, raising ethical concerns. While Sotomayor's publisher, Penguin Random House, has also played a role in organizing her book events, the Supreme Court lacks a formal code of conduct, allowing the justices to largely write and enforce their own rules. Critics argue that such promotional efforts risk overshadowing the institution itself and damaging the court's public standing.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Ticket Resale, Flubs, Surprise Songs, and Survival Guide
A reader asks if it is ethical to resell Taylor Swift concert tickets at a higher price than the original face value. The Ethicist argues that while reselling tickets at a higher price is generally allowed in the market, it becomes problematic when people abuse lower-priced tickets meant to be affordable for fans. In this case, the reader's sister acquired extra tickets and offered them at a lower price than the current market value, providing an opportunity for others to attend the concert at a discounted rate. The Ethicist suggests that if members of the Facebook group disagreed with the price, they had the choice not to purchase the tickets. In a separate question, the Ethicist advises a reader who purchased a ticket for an exchange student but later had a falling out not to replace the ticket with a worse one, as it was already paid for and belonged to the student. The Ethicist suggests responding with empathy and finding a way to enjoy the concert together.
Epstein's Financial Transactions with Chomsky and Botstein Revealed
Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, received $150,000 in consulting fees in 2016 from a foundation created by Jeffrey Epstein, which he donated to the college as part of a $1 million gift. Dr. Botstein confirmed the payment from Gratitude America and said that he did not benefit personally from it. Bard College said that Dr. Botstein gave the $150,000 as part of his annual 2016 gift to Bard, along with personal savings and the rest of his non-Bard income from honoraria and outside conducting fees. The college added that it would not have accepted Epstein's support had it known the extent and horror of his crimes.