Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Career Choices and Literary Enjoyment

Ethical Dilemma in Career Choices

I have been unemployed for six months, a challenging period during which I have encountered a tough job market with limited interview opportunities and no job offers. Recently, I received an offer for a senior executive position in an industry that, while legal, is notorious for exploiting financially vulnerable individuals through predatory practices. This role comes with a significantly higher salary compared to my previous positions, which could provide much-needed relief for my family; we are currently accruing debt to keep up with our mortgage payments. However, the company’s ownership structure means that, even at a senior level, I would have minimal opportunity to implement positive changes from within.

Is it ethically wrong for me to accept this position, knowing that my compensation would come from taking advantage of those already in financial distress? Given that I have no other job offers and that my family’s financial stability is at stake, does that justify taking a job in an industry I know to be predatory? — Name Withheld

From the Ethicist:

You clearly possess a decent moral compass; you do not wish to profit from the suffering of the vulnerable. For instance, payday loan companies often lend money at interest rates that many would consider exploitative. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has reported that a typical payday loan, which may involve a $15 fee for every $100 borrowed, effectively translates to an annual interest rate of nearly 400 percent. Yet, even in a predatory industry, not all companies are created equal. The administrative costs associated with small loans are substantial, and the average payday loan recipient typically has poor credit; some companies in this sector may even enjoy a relatively positive reputation among their customers. It is conceivable that, in the absence of payday loan services, certain individuals could find themselves in a worse predicament.

However, let’s assume that your situation is precisely as you have described it. By accepting this role, you would indeed be complicit in actions that many would deem morally objectionable—engaging in commercial practices that, in an ideal world, would be eliminated through regulation. Nonetheless, it is both reasonable and just to prioritize the needs of your family. While you may find the work disheartening, it is important to recognize that you would not be exacerbating the situation. You cannot be faulted for determining that your dependents’ well-being takes precedence over your own peace of mind. After all, that company likely has a pool of candidates to choose from; your family, however, relies solely on you.

A Thoughtful Exploration of Literary Enjoyment

I recently delved into a novel set in France during World War II. The narrative features various clichés (such as strikingly beautiful heroines, British airmen with distinct accents, and loud, boisterous Americans) alongside numerous historical inaccuracies (like the use of antibiotics before they were commonly available). Despite these flaws, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the read. This leads me to my question: the most significant catastrophes often make for the most compelling stories. Is it ethical to find enjoyment in the suffering of others, or does this constitute exploitation? Additionally, does the literary quality of the work matter? For instance, would it be more acceptable to appreciate the suffering depicted in “War and Peace” or “The Grapes of Wrath” compared to less esteemed works? — Bernard Hirschel

From the Ethicist:

There are various theories regarding our responses to fiction, but I have long been captivated by the perspective offered by philosopher Kendall Walton. He suggests that our engagement with fictional narratives resembles an adult version of the imaginative play seen in children. When children pretend to bake pies in a sandbox, they are aware that they aren’t actually creating a real pie. They engage with the scenario in ways that reflect how they would react to a genuine pie while also demonstrating an understanding that it is merely make-believe. Similarly, adults can be deeply moved by the portrayals of cruelty and suffering on stage, yet they do not rush to intervene in the fictional events. Apart from participatory forms of fiction—like cosplay—the appropriate response to these narratives resides in the realm of thought and emotion rather than action.

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