BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS

BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

Name of student: Vương Tấn Đạt

Roll Number: CS161064
Class: BA1604

Topic 4 “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge

without integrity is dangerous and dreadful” - Samuel Johnson. Write an
essay/ or IA to comment on this statement.

Can Tho, 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENT
BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS
1
I. ABSTRACT
3
II. INTRODUCTION
3
III. INTEGRITY AND KNOWLEDGE 4
A. The Importance of Knowledge 4
B. The importance of integrity. 6
C. The relationship between integrity and knowledge 7
1. Interaction between Integrity and Knowledge: A Mutual Relationship 7
2. Risk of Lack of Balance 7
3. Straightforward consequences without knowledge 8
4. The danger of dishonest knowledge
9
IV. ISSUES IN MODERN BUSINESS 10
A. Corruption 10
B. Cyber security and intellectual property 11
C. Fraud 11
D. Poor Business Decisions
11
V. INTEGRATE INTEGRITY AND KNOWLEDGE 12
A. Balanced Approach: Integrating Integrity and Knowledge: 12
B. The role of enhancing integrity and knowledge
12
VI. CONCLUSION 13

VII. REFERENCES 14

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I. ABSTRACT
Samuel Johnson's assertion, "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and
knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful," underscores the profound
interplay between integrity and knowledge. This individual assignment scrutinizes
Johnson's statement, delving into the intricate relationship between these two pillars of
character.

II. INTRODUCTION
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was one of the most famous writers, editors, and
lexicographers in English literature. He is considered one of the important authors of the
18th century and has left a major mark on many fields of literature and linguistics.
Samuel Johnson's notable contributions include: The first English-English dictionary
(1755). Author of "The Rambler" and "The Idler", the novel "Rasselas” (1759).

Samuel Johnson offered insight into the intertwined relationship between integrity and
knowledge when he declared: “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and
knowledge without integrity is weak and useless. dangerous and scary.” summarizes a
basic truth about the relationship between these two qualities. Integrity is the quality of
being honest and having strong moral principles. It is not only concerned with honesty
but encompasses the whole range of moral values and also includes the strength to stand
firm in defense of these values, ethics and principles. However, as soon as we are born,
the first thing we acquire is knowledge, not integrity. We exist based on knowledge and
its application. But as the quote suggests, what good is it to possess something that has no
virtue? Integrity and knowledge are often seen as separate qualities, but they are
inextricably linked and their interaction is important for personal and social development.
This essay aims to explore the importance of ethics and knowledge, how they
complement each other, and the consequences of their absence.

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III. INTEGRITY AND KNOWLEDGE

A. The Importance of Knowledge

Knowledge is the foundation of human progress, the acquisition of information, facts

and skills that help people understand the world, solve problems and make informed
decisions. Knowledge empowers people, promoting personal growth, innovation and
progress. It is the foundation of education, science and technology, promoting the
development of society. Simply put, knowledge is the key to human development and
insight. And through knowledge we understand the world, its complexity and its
potential.

Knowledge equips individuals with the tools to make informed decisions, solve
problems, and navigate through the complex aspects of life. It encourages critical
thinking, creativity and flexibility. As we accumulate knowledge, we have the ability to
shape our environment, overcome challenges, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Knowledge - The Empowerment of Understanding:

Knowledge, as we have discussed, plays an important role in providing knowledge and

information necessary for personal and social development. Knowledge carries with it the
ability to know, understand and evaluate a wide range of information, from scientific
knowledge to culture and history. This provides the ability for individuals to better
understand the world and make informed decisions.

A good example of the power of knowledge can be seen in solving the problem of
climate change. Scientific knowledge about climate change provides the data and

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theoretical basis for understanding why and how climate change is occurring. Thanks to
this knowledge, governments, NGOs and individuals can make smart decisions about
how to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the environment.

A person with knowledge and integrity can make a positive impact on society. For
example, a doctor with integrity and knowledge can provide excellent medical care to
patients, while a journalist with integrity and knowledge can provide accurate news.

Integrity refers to having strong moral principles and being honest and having integrity
in one's actions. However, without knowledge, integrity alone may not be enough to make
informed decisions or contribute effectively. It implies that integrity needs to be
supported by knowledge to be truly valuable.

B. The importance of integrity.

In contrast, integrity involves moral values and ethics that guide an individual's actions.
Ethics include honesty, fairness and commitment to principles and values, even when it is
uncomfortable or difficult. Ethics builds trust and encourages positive relationships, both
in personal and professional contexts. Ethics are the foundation of a just and ethical
society.

And ethics is the map of our conscience that guides our actions. It is the quality of
being honest, principled and ethical. Ethics is not just about following a set of rules; it
demonstrates an individual's commitment to ethical behavior even in the absence of
external oversight. Ethics is the foundation for building trust and reputation.

Integrity - The Moral Compass

Integrity, a fundamental aspect of personal ethics, plays an important role in

determining where one stands in the moral world. It is the moral example within each
individual, guiding them through ethical decisions in life. Integrity not only refers to
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doing the right thing but also involves knowing what is right and wrong. This requires a
deep understanding and awareness of ethical and social issues.

A concrete example of the importance of integrity can be seen in the business sector. A
businessman with strong ethics will always adhere to etic rules in business transactions,
leading to respect and trust of partners and customers. They will not engage in fraudulent
or deceptive practices and will always promote the importance of honesty and
transparency in business. However, when morality exists without knowledge, the person
can become naive and easily taken advantage of. This individual may rely on ethics
without a clear understanding of the long-term consequences of his or her actions, and
this may lead to unrealistic or failed business decisions.

On the other hand, knowledge without integrity can be dangerous and terrible.
Knowledge without ethical principles or ethical considerations can lead to misuse or
harm. It highlights the potential negative consequences of possessing knowledge without
a sense of responsibility or ethical behavior.

C. The relationship between integrity and knowledge

1. Interaction between Integrity and Knowledge: A Mutual Relationship

Integrity and knowledge are not independent qualities; they are closely related. A
person may possess knowledge, but if they lack integrity, they may misuse that
knowledge for personal gain or harmful purposes. This highlights the dangers of
knowledge without moral guidance. Conversely, integrity without the knowledge to shape
their decisions can lead to actions that are well-intentioned but not grounded in
knowledge.

People with both knowledge and integrity have the tools to make wise and ethical
decisions, applying an understanding of truth and principle to act for the good of society.
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They are ready to solve complex problems, face challenges, and contribute positively to
their communities.

2. Risk of Lack of Balance

When integrity and knowledge are asymmetrical, the consequences can be very
serious. Unethical knowledge can lead to misuse of technology, abuse of power or
passivity of harmful ideas. History has seen individuals use their knowledge to hurt
others, from unethical scientific experimentation to the development of devastating
weapons.

On the other hand, integrity lacking knowledge can lead to well-intentioned decisions
without the knowledge to form them. This can lead to fixation on beliefs, prejudices and
resistance to change. Without the clarity of knowledge, individuals can easily be
influenced and misinformed.

3. Straightforward consequences without knowledge

Ignorance is one of the main limitations of relying on ethics without a foundation of

knowledge. Strong ethics cannot replace rigorous knowledge of the issues facing the
individual. For example, a person of strong integrity but lacking legal knowledge may fail
to recognize the legal aspects of a situation. This can lead to making decisions that are
ethical but not legal, with all the negative consequences that entails.

Additionally, when integrity exists without a deep understanding of society and culture,
it can lead to ignorance and pressure in dealing with complex situations. Individuals may
be limited in how they perceive and interact with the world around them, due to not
having the knowledge to deeply understand social diversity, cultures and different
perspectives. The result may be that solidarity in facing social challenges and decisions
will be limited and may even cause conflict.
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In an increasingly complex and diverse world, a balance between ethics and knowledge
becomes essential to ensure that individuals not only make ethical decisions, but also
have knowledge and understanding. enough to understand the consequences and
importance of those decisions. This demonstrates once again that integrity and knowledge
cannot exist independently and need to merge harmoniously to ensure personal growth
and the betterment of society.

For example, a person with integrity may be honest, but without knowledge, they
cannot make informed decisions. A politician with integrity but no knowledge of
economics can introduce policies that are detrimental to the country's economy.

4. The danger of dishonest knowledge

However, the need for integrity cannot be overlooked in the application of knowledge.
One of the best examples of the need for integrity when using knowledge is the use of
personal information in the digital environment. Technology companies have knowledge
of users' personal information, but if they lack ethics, they can use this information
improperly, violating privacy rights and causing harm to individuals.

Furthermore, knowledge has no limits and can be applied for many different purposes,
including non-moral purposes. It can be clearly seen in the field of military technology,
where the knowledge of creating powerful weapons can lead to terrible consequences if
not accompanied by the right ethics in deciding to use that knowledge.

Knowledge, when divorced from integrity, can become a dangerous tool. Individuals
who possess knowledge without a strong sense of ethical principles may be susceptible to
misuse or abuse of their intellectual abilities. They may manipulate information, deceive
others, or engage in unethical activities for personal gain or to further their own agendas.

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Misuse of this knowledge can have far-reaching consequences, eroding trust, damaging
and destroying the social fabric.

Furthermore, knowledge without integrity can lead to a lack of critical thinking and
ethical analysis. When individuals prioritize the pursuit of knowledge without considering
the ethical implications, they risk becoming disconnected from the consequences of their
actions. This separation can lead to a disregard for social values, leading to the promotion
of harmful ideologies or the perpetuation of injustices.

For example, scientists and researchers must have integrity when conducting their
research. They must be honest in their findings and not manipulate the data to get the
desired results. However, when knowledge is used to deceive people, it can be very
dangerous.

An example is the case of Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos. She claims to

have developed a device that can diagnose many diseases with just a drop of blood. Her
claims were based on false data and her lack of integrity led to the company's collapse
and criminal charges.

IV. ISSUES IN MODERN BUSINESS

Modern business always has many unpredictable problems, so having both knowledge
and ethics will be the foundation to solve all problems in the most effective way. And
knowledge and ethics cannot be overlooked. Knowledge is the foundation for
understanding markets, industries, and business rules. It helps businesses create good
products and services, make smart decisions, and meet customer needs. However, ethics
sets a correct and transparent working framework. It ensures that business decisions and
conduct are carried out fairly, honestly and lawfully. Combining knowledge and ethics,
businesses can make profits transparently, build reputation and credit in the market,

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improve performance and innovation, as well as contribute to sustainable development of

society. society and the environment.

However, as Samuel Johnson stated, lack of either morality or knowledge will cause
serious consequences.

A. Corruption

Having business knowledge can enable individuals or businesses to recognize and take
advantage of corruption opportunities. For example, they may know how to use power or
money to obtain illegal favors from government officials or business partners.

Corruption often leads to injustice, undermines healthy competition, and can have
negative consequences for society and business, including loss of reputation, financial
impact, and interference. under the law. To prevent corruption, it is necessary to promote
ethical standards, increase transparency and oversight, and promote social responsibility
in business.

B. Cyber security and intellectual property

Having knowledge but lacking ethics in modern business can lead to many
cybersecurity problems. A lack of ethics can lead to the collection and use of users'
personal information illegally or without their consent, violating their privacy rights.
They can also use bad strategies for creating and spreading false or malicious information
online, causing harm to customers or competitors. Or using technical knowledge to attack
or penetrate a competitor's network, causing harm cause damage and violate the law.

C. Fraud

Integrity alone is not enough for the development and smooth operation of a business.
In the modern context too, we can see that there are always problems that always force us.
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to choose, there Honest and highly integrated businessmen are used by dishonest
businessmen to use their knowledge to deceive them, play dirty games through
unprofitable agreements or transactions, and violate copyrights, causing consequences for
their customers. enterprise. Their integrity and honesty without knowledge come at a very
high cost.

A knowledgeable but unethical business may violate the copyright or intellectual

property of others by copying, reusing, or using without permission. This can lead to legal
problems and loss of reputation. Lack of ethics can lead to improper or unauthorized use
of a customer's or partner's intellectual property information, harming relationships and
causing loss of trust. Protection is not guaranteed. intellectual property of the business,
leading to loss of profits or being copied by competitors and unfair competition.

D. Poor Business Decisions

Knowledge never slows down processes or decisions. But integrity could cause delays
during times of crisis in business, especially if the approach adopted to resolve the crisis
risks becoming unethical. Sometimes harsh decisions yield perfect results but require
compromise on integrity. But compromising on knowledge never brings the best results.

V. INTEGRATE INTEGRITY AND KNOWLEDGE

The perfect combination of knowledge and integrity is essential to deliver good and
effective results. Integrity in one's character helps give direction to the use of knowledge
and knowledge, which in turn gives strength to face challenges and solve real problems.
So, the qualities of the brain expressed through knowledge and the qualities of the inner
mind expressed through integrity together help bring about meaningful contributions,
which would otherwise have consequences. deadly or will appear weak.

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A. Balanced Approach: Integrating Integrity and Knowledge:

To maximize the positive impact of knowledge and minimize its potential dangers, a
balanced approach integrating integrity and knowledge is vital. This approach requires
individuals to cultivate self-awareness, continually reflect on their values, and align their
actions with ethical principles.

Integrating integrity with knowledge helps individuals make informed decisions, rooted
in a strong ethical foundation. It encourages them to critically evaluate the sources and
value of information, seek diverse perspectives, and consider the broader implications of
their actions. By adopting this balanced approach, individuals can overcome complex
challenges and contribute to the betterment of society.

B. The role of enhancing integrity and knowledge

Integrity serves as a guiding principle in the acquisition, assimilation and use of

knowledge. When individuals approach the pursuit of knowledge with integrity, they
demonstrate a commitment to intellectual honesty and trustworthiness. They engage in
thorough research, diligently cite sources, and acknowledge the work of others, thereby
upholding the principles of academic and professional integrity.

Furthermore, integrity ensures that knowledge is applied responsibly and ethically. It

instills a sense of responsibility, requiring individuals to consider the potential
consequences of their actions and decisions. By aligning their knowledge with integrity,
individuals can navigate the complexities of their field with a strong moral compass,
making choices that benefit not only themselves but also for others.

Integrity also promotes trust and credibility in the dissemination of knowledge. In

academic and professional settings, individuals who demonstrate integrity are more likely
to be respected and trusted by their friends and colleagues. Their insights and
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contributions are valuable because they are based on a foundation of ethical behavior and
honest intentions.

Enhancing knowledge is also important, as learning helps individuals understand the

value of integrity in the study and use of knowledge. Promoting thinking that helps
consider decisions and behavior considering ethical perspective and ensure that they are
consistent with these values.

VI. CONCLUSION
President Ho Chi Minh once taught that "having talent without virtue is a useless
person; having virtue without talent makes it difficult to do anything" combined with
Samuel Johnson's perspective emphasized the importance of combining integrity and
knowledge. It suggests that integrity without knowledge is ineffective, while knowledge
without integrity can be harmful. Both qualities are necessary to make meaningful
contributions and act responsibly.

The important thing is that both morality and knowledge need each other and need to
be harmoniously integrated. Only when the balance between ethics and knowledge is
maintained, individuals are capable of making intelligent and ethical decisions,
contributing positively to the development of society, while avoiding the risks of poverty.
knowledge or using knowledge unethically.

Integrity provides a moral compass that instills purposeful knowledge and ensures its
constructive application. Conversely, knowledge without integrity can lead to unethical
behavior and dangerous consequences. By integrating integrity with knowledge,
individuals can navigate the complexity of their field, make informed decisions, and
contribute positively to society.

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Ultimately, this IA serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge must always be
accompanied by a steadfast commitment to integrity. When integrity and knowledge are
in harmony, individuals have the tools to make meaningful contributions and create a
better world.

VII. REFERENCES

1.Anushka. (2015, January 30). General Studies Mains-2014 Paper-4 (Ethics and Integrity)

Answer : Q-3-A. GKToday.https://www.gktoday.in/general-studies-mains-2014-paper-4-

ethics-and-integrity-answer-q-3-a/

2.T, G. (n.d.). Knowledge and Integrity must go together.

www.linkedin.com.https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/knowledge-integrity-must-go-together-

gus-t

3.Gupta, S. (n.d.). Knowledge and Integrity must go together. CAclubindia.

https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/knowledge-and-integrity-must-go-together-33527.asp

4.Academy, B. I. (2023, May 10). Model Question and Answers for APSC | Ethics model

questions. BHADRA IAS ACADEMY. https://www.bhadraiasacademy.in/blog/model-

question-and-answers-for-apsc-ethics-model-questions

5.Integrity or Knowledge - what is more important? (n.d.).

https://www.careerride.com/view/integrity-or-knowledge-what-is-more-important-25535.aspx

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