Institutional Corruption

How does Dennis Thompson define institutional corruption?

As political gain or benefit by a public official under conditions that promote private interests.

What is Lessig's definition of institutional corruption?

When there is a systemic and strategic influence which is legal, or even currently ethical, that undermines the institution's effectiveness by diverting it from its purpose or weakening its ability to achieve its purpose, including, weakening either the public's trust in that institution or the institution's inherent trust worthiness

What constitutes institutional corruption?

When an institution deviates from its institutional purpose.

According to Milton Friedman, what is the primary purpose of a for-profit corporation?

To maximize shareholder value.

How does Light view the deviation from Del Monte's declared mission?

As institutional corruption due to the focus on maximizing shareholder value a deviation from it's decalred societal mission

What is the "the invisible hand" in The Theory of Moral Sentiments?

The primary necessity of moral actors in the marketplace

What is the issue of funder-institution relationship?

Studies have shown that the interests of these donors quite often conflict with the desires and interests of the general population. Institutions provided a "service" in exchange for a "benefit" creating a casual connection.

What is the relationship between economic elites and U.S. government policy?

Economic elites have substantial impacts on policy, while average citizens have little influence.

What is a potential consequence of funding that undermines an institution's purpose?

It can lead to institutional corruption.

Who is to blame for institutional corruption in the pharmaceutical industry?

If that funding undermines the institutional purpose of the funder -Light would label the pharmaceutical company as institutionally corrupt (as well as the physicians), because this funding undermines its purpose of producing safe, effective drugs

What would someone who disagrees with light's POV on who is to blame for institutional corruption say?

The corruption is in the "system"—the laws or rules that enable the unhealthy relationship between funder and decision-maker to exist

What is a causal link in the context of institutional corruption?

When funding causes a shift in institutional outcomes.

What is a cause of causal links?

When there is a "reasonable belief" that an institution provided a "service" in "exchange" for a "benefit."

What does Thompson say about conduct that undermines an institution's effectiveness?

It constitutes institutional corruption.

Can institutions be corrupt while maintaining public confidence?

Yes, according to Light, institutions can be corrupt while still having public trust.

What does Lessig argue about the loss of trust in institutions?

It constitutes institutional corruption as it harms the institution's ability to achieve its purposes.

What distinguishes institutional corruption from individual corruption?

Institutional corruption is often legal and built into organizational routines, unlike illegal individual corruption.

What is an example of institutional corruption in policing?

Police militarization undermining the mission to safeguard lives and enhance public safety.

Who does Oliveira blame for institutional corruption?

Flawed institutional design rather than individuals within the system.

What do Thompson and Lessig argue about individual responsibility in corrupt systems?

Individuals should be held responsible if they fail to change the system from within.

What is the moral responsibility of individuals within a corrupt system?

They may share responsibility for outcomes if they do not act to change the corrupt system.

Should unintentional offenders be held morally responsible for institutional corruption?

This is a debated question regarding moral accountability.

What are the ongoing debates about whether unintentional offenders should be held morally responsible?

Negligence or strict liability vs people should not be held legally responsible for consequences of their actions that they did not intend or foresee.

What is the harm of institutional corruption?

It can be as—if not more—damaging to society as individual corruption. In addition to undermining an institution's purpose, it often harms the many people that rely on that institution.

What is a significant consequence of prescription drugs in America?

Prescription drugs are the fourth leading cause of death and a major cause of hospitalization.

What is the moral obligation of individuals within a corrupt institution?

Individuals may be obligated to change the system from within, comply with it, or disobey unjust laws.

What is the difference between the morals of individual and institutional corruption?

Institutional corruption is not only legal but also "built into the routines and practices of organizations" and perpetrated by individuals who often do not have corrupt motives.

What did Henry David Thoreau suggest about unjust laws?

He suggested that individuals have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws if it is believed to be the only way to rectify them.

According to Lessig and Thompson, what should individuals do in a corrupt system?

They should work to reform that system.

What was a major criticism of President Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic?

He politicized and repudiated (denyed) science, leaving the USA unprepared for the pandemic.

What were some effects of earlier neoliberal policies in the USA?

Life expectancy lagged behind other wealthy nations, substance abuse deaths increased, and income inequality widened.

What warning signs were ignored prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Warnings from SARS and MERS about the risk of new coronaviruses and government predictions from 2006 were largely ignored.

What was the impact of Trump's pandemic response team being fired in 2018?

It left the USA unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did the USA's response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak relate to its COVID-19 response?

The response to Ebola could have informed and improved the COVID-19 response.

How can we increase preparedness?

Pay attention to intrusions in nature and trade in endangered species, focus research/investment on coming coronaviruses, stock up PPE, build adequate health care systems?

What was a significant failure of the Trump administration regarding pandemic preparedness?

They failed to follow the National Security Council's pandemic playbook.

What were some consequences of the USA pulling out of the World Health Organization?

Loss of funding could be devastating for critical global health agendas.

What were some of the avoidable deaths attributed to the COVID-19 response?

130,000 to 210,000 avoidable deaths were reported.

What did the USA's inadequate health care system reveal during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Despite the Affordable Care Act, nearly 30 million people remained uninsured.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect trust in institutions?

It raised questions about trust in institutions and science, including government and pharmaceutical companies.

What is the potential long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society?

It is poised to fracture societies, increase instability, and reshape political and economic realities.

What were the implications of the neoliberal framework on health care?

Market-based reforms commercialized medical care, raised costs, and shifted care toward high-income residents.

What was the effect of welfare eligibility restrictions implemented by President Clinton?

They removed benefits from millions of people.

What did the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about the preparedness of health care systems?

It highlighted the inadequacy of health care systems to handle a pandemic effectively.

What role did the meatpacking industry play during the COVID-19 pandemic?

They drafted an executive order to keep plants open despite safety concerns.

What were the warning signs of the pandemic?

SARS and MERS gave us ample warning of the risk of new coronaviruses, but we failed to setup sufficient defences against covid-19 and other infections; Political interference and tensions with scientists preceded — and set the stage for — the disaster of 2020.

What was a consequence of the political interference with scientific advice during the pandemic?

It set the stage for the disaster of the COVID-19 response.

What does the term 'institutional corruption' refer to?

It refers to the actions of individuals within an institution that undermine its purpose, often without intent.

What is the significance of the phrase 'We're making it up as we go along' in the context of the COVID-19 response?

It reflects the chaotic and uncoordinated nature of the USA's pandemic response.

What did the Lancet report about President Trump's actions during his term?

He eviscerated environmental regulations and incited racial and religious hatred.