Ethics In Practice: Whistleblower Ethical Dilemma

Question

Ethics In Practice Whistleblower An Ethical Dilemmaa Whistleblower

Ethics in practice often presents complex dilemmas, especially when individuals such as whistleblowers risk their personal and professional lives to expose unethical or illegal activities. A whistleblower is someone who reveals misconduct, often facing significant repercussions, including threats, social ostracism, and personal danger. This paper examines the ethical dilemma faced by whistleblowers through the case of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, who exposed the tobacco industry’s practices related to nicotine enhancement.

Dr. Jeffrey Wigand became widely recognized after his story was depicted in the film The Insider. He revealed that tobacco companies deliberately increased nicotine levels to make cigarettes more addictive, knowingly endangering public health. By doing so, Wigand demonstrated moral intelligence—an understanding and application of moral principles—by prioritizing public health over financial stability and personal safety. His actions reflect core ethical values such as integrity, honesty, and social responsibility, despite facing severe personal risks such as threats to his life, professional ostracism, and emotional stress (Ravishankar, 2003).

Wigand’s decision to blow the whistle exemplifies the ethical principle of moral courage, demonstrating a commitment to truthfulness despite adverse consequences. He grappled with conflicting duties: loyalty to his employer and colleagues versus his obligation to society’s well-being. His moral reasoning aligns with the concept of moral intelligence, which involves understanding moral issues, applying ethical standards, and acting in accordance with moral values (Ravishankar, 2003). His willingness to risk personal safety highlights his ethical integrity and sense of civic duty.

Would I have done the same thing? Personally, I believe that moral courage is essential for fostering transparency and accountability. While the potential risks to personal safety are significant, exposing unethical practices is vital for societal progress and preventing harm. The example of Wigand underscores that moral actions often come with sacrifices, but they uphold the integrity of ethical standards and serve the greater good (Government Accountability Project, n.d.). Ultimately, whistleblowing aligns with the ethical duty to promote honesty and prevent harm, illustrating that moral intelligence encompasses the moral strength to do what is right in challenging circumstances.

References

Government Accountability Project. (n.d.). What is a whistleblower? Retrieved from https://whistleblower.org
Ravishankar, L. (2003, February 4). Encouraging Internal Whistleblowing in Organizations. Retrieved from https://knowledge.economist.com

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

Ethics In Practice Whistleblower An Ethical Dilemmaa Whistleblower

Ethics in practice often presents complex dilemmas, especially when individuals such as whistleblowers risk their personal and professional lives to expose unethical or illegal activities. A whistleblower is someone who reveals misconduct, often facing significant repercussions, including threats, social ostracism, and personal danger. This paper examines the ethical dilemma faced by whistleblowers through the case of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, who exposed the tobacco industry’s practices related to nicotine enhancement.

Dr. Jeffrey Wigand became widely recognized after his story was depicted in the film The Insider. He revealed that tobacco companies deliberately increased nicotine levels to make cigarettes more addictive, knowingly endangering public health. By doing so, Wigand demonstrated moral intelligence—an understanding and application of moral principles—by prioritizing public health over financial stability and personal safety. His actions reflect core ethical values such as integrity, honesty, and social responsibility, despite facing severe personal risks such as threats to his life, professional ostracism, and emotional stress (Ravishankar, 2003).

Wigand’s decision to blow the whistle exemplifies the ethical principle of moral courage, demonstrating a commitment to truthfulness despite adverse consequences. He grappled with conflicting duties: loyalty to his employer and colleagues versus his obligation to society’s well-being. His moral reasoning aligns with the concept of moral intelligence, which involves understanding moral issues, applying ethical standards, and acting in accordance with moral values (Ravishankar, 2003). His willingness to risk personal safety highlights his ethical integrity and sense of civic duty.

Would I have done the same thing? Personally, I believe that moral courage is essential for fostering transparency and accountability. While the potential risks to personal safety are significant, exposing unethical practices is vital for societal progress and preventing harm. The example of Wigand underscores that moral actions often come with sacrifices, but they uphold the integrity of ethical standards and serve the greater good (Government Accountability Project, n.d.). Ultimately, whistleblowing aligns with the ethical duty to promote honesty and prevent harm, illustrating that moral intelligence encompasses the moral strength to do what is right in challenging circumstances.

References

Government Accountability Project. (n.d.). What is a whistleblower? Retrieved from https://whistleblower.org
Ravishankar, L. (2003, February 4). Encouraging Internal Whistleblowing in Organizations. Retrieved from https://knowledge.economist.com

Ethics In Practice Whistleblower An Ethical Dilemmaa Whistleblower

References

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