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Ethical Dilemma Proposal

Ethical Dilemma Proposal

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Running Head: ETHICAL DILEMMA PROPOSAL 1

Ethical Dilemma Proposal

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ETHICAL DILEMMA PROPOSAL 2

Ethical Dilemma Proposal

1. Problem Statement

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which involves a lack of a clear action to take due to

conflicting values. Solving this kind of dilemmas requires an individual to have a high moral

intelligence. Even though ethical dilemmas are challenging, having a clear decision making

framework can improve the decision making process. There are several advantages of

establishing a decision-making framework. First, it helps to make decisions quickly thereby

improving efficiency. Second, it improves the confidence to handle challenging decisions. Third,

it increases self-respect (Roberts, 2013).

2. Outcome and Performance

I first encountered an ethical dilemma in high school when my best friend decided to cheat in the

exam. To make it even more challenging for me, he asked if he could copy my research project

that I had done the previous year. He grew up in, and an orphanage after his parents passed away

when he was a young boy. He was also a beneficiary of a government sponsorship program. I

was in a dilemma because I valued my friendship with him while at the same time, I knew that it

was unethical. If I allowed him to copy my research, this would constitute to breaking the rules

and regulations of the school. Nevertheless, it this cheating would not present any harm to

anyone including myself.

3. Structure

Cheating is a general problem in many educational institutions all over the world. This is despite

the existence of very strict rules and regulations (Johnson, 2009). As such, many students do not

see any harm in engaging in this practice. Are they right? From an ethical standpoint, how does

cheating measure up? Is it right or wrong?

4. Representation of Data

Let us illustrate this with an example. Two friends, John and James are studying together. They

are in the same school and the same class, but they have different strengths in different subjects.

John is good in mathematics, computers and science. James is good in history, languages and

philosophy. They care a lot about each other and wish each other the best in life. They study

together and help each other to improve each other’s weaknesses. John improves James’ science

papers by rewriting them. In return, James will copy John’s mathematics homework. When both

are taking exams, they position each other so that each can easily copy answers from the other

one’s work. They do this so that they can improve each other’s weakness. It is a perfect

arrangement. Both are getting good grades which none can achieve solely. On one, hand, this

looks like a good friendship because they are helping each other. On the other hand, they are

engaging in a massive cheating scandal. What is unethical about this?

5. Theoretical Evidence

One of the primary functions of ethics is to evaluate a particular action against a primary

standard of a person’s well being, satisfaction, and happiness in life. Ethical issues arise when we

need these things. These needs fall into two categories, i.e. particular material conditions and the

condition and manner of our treatment. We evaluate to see which is on the line. Once we see a

threat to any of the needs, we resort to dismissing the ethical standards and plan how to satisfy

our lives (Gates, 2013).

6. Empirical Evidence

Going back to our example, we can see several reasons why this is an ethical problem. One can

conclude that there is deception because one student is claiming the other’s work as his own,

which is also manipulating the professor and breaking an agreement. This also brings inequality

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Ethical Dilemma Proposal Name Professor Institution Course Date Ethical Dilemma Proposal 1. Problem Statement An ethical dilemma is a situation in which involves a lack of a clear action to take due to conflicting values. Solving this kind of dilemmas requires an individual to have a high moral intelligence. Even though ethical dilemmas are challenging, having a clear decision making framework can improve the decision making process. There are several advantages of establishing a decision-making framework. First, it helps to make decisions quickly thereby improving efficiency. Second, it improves the confidence to handle challenging decisions. Third, it increases self-respect (Roberts, 2013). 2. Outcome and Performance I first encountered an ethical dilemma in high school when my best friend decided to cheat in the exam. To make it even more challenging for me, he asked if he could copy my research project that I had done the previous year. He grew up in, and an orphanage after his parents passed away when he was a young boy. He was also a beneficiary of a government sponsorship program. I was in a dilemma because I valued my friendship with him while at the same time, I knew that it was unethical. If I allowed him to copy my research, this would constitute to breaking the rules and regulations of the school. Nevertheless, it this cheating would not present any harm to anyone including myself. 3. Structure Cheating is a general problem in many educational ins ...
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