Essay Sample on Ethics

Q1: How would you relate this behavior to Deontological theories?

Deontological ethics is a school of thought that views morality from the perspective of duty. The term is a derivation from two Greek words, Deon, and logos, which stand for duty and science respectively (Trevino & Nelson, 2016). In deontology, the action is considered morally okay due to the causal factors and not the outcome. This view finds specific actions to be obligatory despite their adverse consequences to human welfare. According to deontologists, a situation is right or wrong depending on the effect that brought it about. In this case, the students are using advanced technology to copy and gain unfair advantaged in their studies (Young, n.d.). Deontologists will look at the activity of copying and not the result of achieving success in exams. Therefore, deontological ethics finds the act of the students as immoral and unethical. No matter how good the consequences of copying may be to the students, the process that leads there is what matters to the deontological thinker. The process should be fair if the success of the students is to receive the validation of deontologists.

Q2: How do you relate this behavior to ethics from the Islamic perspective?

The Muslim behavior finds guidance from the principle of Al Amal Assalih which means virtuous deeds (Davids & Waghid, 2016). The term covers all aspects of Islam life and not just worship. Some of the common character traits studied under Islamic faith include humility, piety, and profound accountability to Allah, the creator of life. Islam stresses upon its adherents to exercise a high level of restraint in their activities, and avoid the tendency to act on materialistic tendencies. Morality in Islam is explained by the concept of Jihad al-nafs which refers to struggling against the self (Davids & Waghid, 2016). People should focus on acting on obligations and not inclinations. In the context of our story, it would be immoral under Islamic law since copying is not a duty but an urge. It is not a necessity to copy to complete a test hence people who respond to the temptation are performing an unethical act. Muslim morality ideas are against the glorification of materialistic things. Most student copy in school since there is a lot of pressure to succeed in getting a good job in future. Success is directly proportional to material wealth, and it is the main reason why people cheat in exams. Copying gives the perpetrators an unfair advantage over other students, and Islam is against benefitting at the expense of other people.

Q3: In chapter 3: The Author assumed a linear & systematic way to explain the relationship between ethical awareness, Ethical Judgment and Ethical action. How would you apply these three steps process to the case?

The three-step process of ethical decision making is applicable in this situation. Ethical awareness, judgment, and action. People are alive to a moral issue when about their peers perspective or any expected potential for harm (Trevino & Nelson, 2016). Students are aware of the malpractice that is cheating, but the reward is worth the risk. Since other students engage in the vice, most students will not view it as a dangerous thing. The internal influences tell the students that cheating is wrong, but the external pressure is overpowering. Students make their moral justification based on this demanding pressure. The high competition and demand from parents leads to the ethical judgment stage. People make judgments based on certain intrinsic qualities, and in the case of our students, it is Machiavellianism. Everybody is looking out for their advantage, and therefore willing to use any means to get there. Once students make an ethical judgment, it leads to the action of copying. The students' judgment results in a cost-benefit analysis, which weighs the advantages against disadvantages to inform the decision maker (Trevino & Nelson, 2016). The benefits of passing the exam outweigh the minimal risk of getting caught.

Q4: What lessons have you learned from the case? Has learning about this case inspired you to make changes in your own life?

One of the first things I have learned from this case is the dual impact of technology in our society. On the one hand, it helps to increase convenience to our daily lives while on the other hand, it is encouraging unethical behavior in schools. Students are using the various features to gain an unfair advantage in the class by copying and sharing exam answers. I have also learned that it is very challenging to crack down on cheating students since there are numerous avenues that re almost impossible to regulate. When people use Google, the software cannot differentiate between exam cheaters and genuine researchers of information. Students are fond of cheating in school since there is immense pressure to perform well. High school grades are the ticket to a better life that everyone is envisaging. Due to the high competition amongst students, some will choose to copy to gain the upper hand and the peace of mind that comes with assured success. This case has inspired me to consider the reasons for everything I do in life. It is wrong to seek out ways of gaining an unfair advantage over our peers. The case has strengthened my resolve to walk the straight path and hold myself to a high ethical standard.

Q5: Why do students cheat? What can be done to address cheating in schools?

Students cheat because it is easy to do it and get away unscathed and most importantly to get high grades in exams. Every student is in a race to land a great job after graduating from university, but that is only made possible by high classes in school. The proliferation of digital devices has made it possible for advanced methods of cheating to take center stage. Graphical calculators and iPhones are some of these devices that are common among students in school today (Young, n.d.). Solving the issue of cheating in schools is not a one-time solution because the problem is widespread in society. People everywhere are looking for ways to cut corners and advance at the expense of other people. Education is the first tool that could help to eradicate cheating. Teachers, parents, the government and other stakeholders must come together to formulate ways to sensitize the students on the disadvantages of cheating. The government ought to be at the forefront in creating an enabling environment for investment, which leads to job creation. The inadequate employment opportunities are the primary reason why competition among students has skyrocketed in the past decade. School administrations should require students to produce some form of identification before entering the exam room to curb the issue of false representation. Minimize the technology and accessibility of these devices in schools.

References

Davids, N., & Waghid, Y. (2016). Ethical dimensions of Muslim education. New York: Springer.

Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. Managing business ethics. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Young, J. R. (nd). Reading Case: Cheating and Technology.