> a distinction to be made between a small customary bribe to an seriously underpaid state employee, and a larcenous bribe to a high official
Not really. If normalized, it's part of their expected compensation package. Practically speaking, I think I'd suck it up and pay the bribe in the author's position. But I'd know I was doing wrong.
> If normalized, it's part of their expected compensation package.
But it already is normalised. I think this is morally difficult because it is customary, expected and if you refuse you will not get anything done but also won't change anything. So what have you gained?
I don't think you can fight corruption this way, you just can't do it alone.
Not really. If normalized, it's part of their expected compensation package. Practically speaking, I think I'd suck it up and pay the bribe in the author's position. But I'd know I was doing wrong.