Character Quote by Cory Doctorow
“When you teach your students that it's "economically rational" to commit crimes where the fines for misconduct are lower than the expected return on the crime, you instill a professional ethic that has no room for morals.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Ethics in Economics, 2019
Teaching students that crime is economically rational when fines are low normalizes unethical behavior and erodes moral standards
In simple terms: Economic rationality of crime undermines ethics
Key Takeaway
Avoid framing illegal acts as profit-driven decisions
Themes
ethics
economics
crime
education
Mood
critical
serious
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- law school
- business ethics courses
- policy making
Key Concepts
rational choice theory
moral hazard
professional conduct
Questions to Reflect On
- How can curricula balance economic analysis with moral responsibility?
- What safeguards prevent rationalizing unethical behavior?
A Different Perspective
Legal penalties may not deter rational actors; moral education needed
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