1-27-89 . . . During my three-day visit to Delaware last [sic; should be “this past”] week, I took two taxicabs and two shuttle vans. The first cab ride cost $7.20, counting the tip. I asked the driver for a receipt so that I can be reimbursed, and to my surprise he gave me one for eight dollars. In Newark, Delaware, the driver of the first shuttle van gave me two receipts—one for the correct amount and another that was blank. “Use this one or fill that one in yourself”, he said, smiling. Back in College Station, a different cab driver gave me a partially completed receipt. The fare part was left blank, presumably for me to complete. See the pattern? Cab drivers conspire with their patrons to defraud universities and other organizations of money. It must be pervasive, if it happened to me three of the four times on one visit. On one view, this shows the fundamental immorality of our society. People do not respect basic moral principles such as “Do not steal”. On another view, this shows that the business world is gamelike. It’s a Rawlsian practice, with moves, entitlements, defenses, and goals. Perhaps, given the practice of “defrauding” organizations, it would be foolhardy to refuse to participate. It would be like refusing to move a rook straight across the board, even though it’s permitted by the rules of chess. If I ever teach a course in business ethics, I’ll be sure to discuss this issue with the students.
Twenty Years Ago
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