Apply Two Ethical Theories From The Case Study Scenario

Apply Two Ethical Theories From Thecase Study Scenario Part 3interacti

Apply two ethical theories from the Case Study Scenario Part 3 interactive in this unit's studies to the case study scenarios in Units 1 and 2. Choose which theory would help you make the most ethical decision for the issues presented in the case study scenarios. Review Part 3 Jenny: I do not know Rhonda, something about this just does not seem right to me. Should I teach the biopsych course even though I have had almost no experience? I mean, why me? Rhonda: Yeah, have you ever noticed how whenever a problem crops up at the last minute, it is always up to one of us to come in and save the day? Jenny: I just do not get it. None of the full professors ever gets overloaded like this. Why did Ben not go to Alan? Do you think it is because we are not full professors yet or maybe it is because we are women? Rhonda: I do not know. It seems like an old boys club to me. I bet if they asked Alan teach the class they would have offered to pay to pay him something extra. They did not offer to pay you something extra, did they? Jenny: No, of course not. Rhonda: See what I mean? Jenny: Yeah, (sigh) something about it just is not right. Reference Fisher, C. B. (2013). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE.

Paper For Above instruction

The case study involving Jenny and Rhonda highlights ethical issues related to fairness, gender bias, and professional integrity within an academic environment. Analyzing this scenario through the lens of two prominent ethical theories—Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism—provides insight into how to navigate the moral dilemmas involved and determine the most ethical course of action.

Kantian Ethics emphasizes duty, respect for persons, and acting according to universal moral principles. According to Kantian principles, actions are morally right if they are performed out of duty and adhere to maxims that could be universally applied. In this scenario, Jenny faces an ethical dilemma about whether to accept teaching a course with insufficient experience, compounded by gender bias and unequal treatment in workload distribution. Kantian ethics would argue that it is morally imperative for Jenny and Rhonda to act according to principles of fairness and respect for themselves as individuals deserving equitable treatment. For example, accepting workload exploitation based solely on gender or positional vulnerability violates Kant’s principle of treating individuals as ends, not merely as means to an end. Furthermore, Kantian ethics would advocate for transparency and honesty, urging the faculty to adhere to principles of fairness and equal opportunity rather than succumbing to discriminatory practices or favoritism (Fisher, 2013).

Utilitarianism, developed by philosophers such as John Stuart Mill, evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering. Applying utilitarian principles, the decision to accept or refuse the teaching assignment hinges on which choice promotes the greatest good for the greatest number. Accepting the assignment without adequate experience might initially seem beneficial for the department’s staffing needs but could lead to negative consequences, such as subpar educational outcomes, diminished morale, and unfair treatment of faculty members. Conversely, advocating for fair workload distribution and recognition of faculty rights could foster a more positive environment, enhancing job satisfaction and integrity across the department. Ultimately, utilitarian analysis would recommend actions that promote fairness, respect, and professional integrity, as these lead to greater long-term happiness and departmental cohesion (Fisher, 2013).

Choosing the Most Ethical Theory for Decision-Making: Between Kantian ethics and utilitarianism, Kantian principles provide a more robust framework for addressing the specific issues raised in this case. Kantian ethics emphasizes respecting individuals’ dignity, avoiding exploitation, and adhering to universal moral principles—factors that directly confront the gender bias and unfair treatment evident in the scenario. The emphasis on duty and respect aligns with the need to fight discriminatory practices and promote fairness regardless of consequences. While utilitarianism offers valuable insights on outcomes, its focus on overall happiness might sometimes justify unequal treatment if it benefits the majority. Therefore, Kantian ethics would likely guide faculty and administrators to act consistently with principles of fairness, equity, and respect for individual rights, fostering a more ethical academic environment.

In conclusion, applying Kantian ethics and utilitarianism to this case reveals the importance of balancing duties and outcomes in ethical decision-making. Kantian ethics emphasizes duties rooted in respect for individuals, making it particularly relevant in addressing issues of gender bias and unfair workload distribution. Utilitarianism, meanwhile, underscores the importance of positive outcomes for the broader community. For the specific issues Jenny and Rhonda face, Kantian principles offer a compelling moral compass for advocating fairness and respecting dignity, which ultimately cultivates a more just and ethical academic setting.

References

• Fisher, C. B. (2013). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Sandel, M. J. (2009). Justice: What's the right thing to do? Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals. Hackett Publishing.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Resnik, D. B. (2018). The ethics of research with human subjects: Protecting research participants. Springer.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business ethics: A textbook with cases. Cengage Learning.
• MacIntyre, A. (2007). After virtue: A study in moral theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Fisher, C. B. (2013). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.