Question

Volkswagen Emission Scandal

What moral principles did they violate (respond in full)?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Volkswagen Group had violated Clean Air Act in US, the company had intentionally programmed turbocharged direct injection diesel engines which had controlled emission in laboratory testing of that engines to pass the engines standards of United States. That engine in reality was emitting 40 times NOx. These engines were in US market during period of 2009 to 2015 and Volkswagen deployed that programming software in 500000 cars.

This scandal violated the moral principle of nonmaleficence, as this principle explains about do not harm other intentionally. Volkswagen intentionally harmed the environment and other people by emitting more NOx in environment in this particular scandal.

Answer 2

The Volkswagen emission scandal, also known as "Dieselgate," involved the deliberate manipulation of emission control systems in Volkswagen (VW) diesel engines to pass regulatory emissions tests while emitting pollutants far above legal limits during real-world driving. The scandal came to light in 2015 and had significant ethical implications. Several moral principles were violated in this scandal:

1. Honesty and Integrity: VW violated the principle of honesty and integrity by intentionally installing "defeat devices" in their vehicles to deceive regulators and customers about the true emissions levels. This deception was a breach of trust and integrity, as it involved deliberately misleading the public and regulatory authorities.

2. Environmental Responsibility: VW's actions showed a lack of environmental responsibility and stewardship. By intentionally producing vehicles that emitted pollutants well beyond legal limits, the company disregarded its responsibility to protect the environment and public health.

3. Fairness and Justice: The use of defeat devices gave VW an unfair advantage over other automakers who complied with emission standards. This unfairness violated the principles of fairness and justice, as it created an uneven playing field in the automotive industry.

4. Corporate Social Responsibility: Volkswagen's actions demonstrated a failure to uphold its corporate social responsibility. As a large corporation, VW had a responsibility to act in the best interest of society and adhere to ethical standards.

5. Accountability and Transparency: VW's lack of transparency in disclosing the use of defeat devices and taking responsibility for the violations undermined the principles of accountability and transparency. Companies should be open and accountable for their actions and their impact on society.

6. Public Safety: The intentional manipulation of emissions led to increased air pollution, which poses risks to public health and safety. VW's actions showed a disregard for the well-being of consumers and the general public.

7. Consumer Trust: The scandal eroded consumer trust in the automotive industry and VW as a brand. Companies have an ethical duty to maintain the trust of their customers by providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and compliance of their products.

Overall, the Volkswagen emission scandal was a clear violation of various moral principles, ranging from honesty and integrity to environmental responsibility and corporate social responsibility. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in business and the potential consequences of failing to uphold these principles.