Title For Ethical Dilemma Case Study ✓ Solved

Title For Ethical Dilemma Case Study

Overview

Provide the briefest possible narrative description of the case situation here. Additional supporting details and references to evidence can be added in the notes section below. Review the instructions in the courseroom for more information.

Ethical Concerns

Bullet point the three or more ethical concerns in the case. Apply ethical standards to each concern. Provide any supporting details and references to evidence here.

Comparison of Ethical Theory 1 & Ethical Theory 2

Compare and contrast features of two ethical theories. Justify why a particular ethical theory is most appropriate in resolving the ethical dilemma in the case study.

Ethical Decision Making with the [Name of Model] Model

Briefly describe each step of the decision-making model. Incorporate multicultural issues. Apply each step to your specific case.

Proposed Resolution

Summarize your proposed resolution to the ethical dilemmas in the case. Justify your resolution. Elaborate details as needed.

References

Include at least three scholarly research references for this assignment. Websites, books, textbooks, and assigned resources may be used but do not count toward the three required references. You must find research articles. Remember to use APA formatting throughout your notes sections.

Paper For Above Instructions

In academic settings, ethical dilemmas can arise from various situations, particularly in professions such as counseling and education. The case study surrounding the request for Jenny to teach biopsychology exemplifies a challenging scenario that underscores several ethical concerns including professional competence, gender dynamics, and the responsibility of educators to their students. This paper will outline the case's overview, ethical concerns, compare ethical theories, and propose a resolution based on a structured decision-making model.

Case Overview

In the scenario, Jenny is approached by Ben, the department chair, after Stan can no longer teach due to his wife's medical emergency. Ben pressures Jenny, who has limited experience in the subject matter, to take over the course. The urgency of the situation and the lack of alternatives highlight the ethical implications surrounding Professor Jenny's potential decision.

Identifying Ethical Concerns

The ethical concerns arising from this case can be outlined as follows:

  • Professional Competence: Jenny's apprehension about her qualifications raises questions regarding her capability to provide quality education in biopsychology.
  • Gender Dynamics: The interaction between Ben and Jenny hints at institutional biases, particularly regarding gender roles, as Jenny speculates whether Ben would have offered the opportunity to a male colleague instead.
  • Responsibility to Students: There is a moral obligation to ensure that students receive a well-qualified instructor, especially since their educational outcomes are at stake.

Ethical Theories Comparison

To understand the ethical implications of this scenario, we can compare two significant ethical theories: deontology and utilitarianism.

Deontology

Deontological ethics, primarily outlined by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the importance of following rules and fulfilling duties without regard to consequences. In this situation, Jenny has a professional obligation to consider her capacity to effectively teach the course. From a deontological perspective, it would be unethical for Jenny to agree to teach the course based purely on Ben’s insistence, as it would violate her responsibility to provide proper education to students.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism, articulated by philosophers like John Stuart Mill, argues that actions are justified if they produce the greatest good for the greatest number. In this case, while taking the course may benefit the 15 students waiting to graduate, the potential negative outcomes of inadequate teaching could outweigh the benefits. A utilitarian approach might sway Jenny to consider the broader consequences of her decision on both her students and her own professional integrity.

Ethical Decision-Making Model

Applying a decision-making model helps clarify the conundrum Jenny faces. Steps include: identifying the ethical issues, considering the stakeholders (students, faculty, and herself), evaluating alternative actions, and making a choice.

1. Identify the Ethical Issues: The first step is to acknowledge the pressing ethical dilemmas, including professional inadequacy and potential bias.

2. Consider the Stakeholders: This involves assessing the interests of her students, herself, and the academic institution.

3. Evaluate Alternatives: Preparing to decline the offer or seek additional support to enhance her qualifications are potential paths for Jenny.

4. Make a Decision: Jenny should strive to ensure the best educational experience for her students while reflecting on her professional integrity.

Proposed Resolution

In conclusion, Jenny should politely decline the request while expressing empathy for Stan’s situation. She could suggest alternative solutions, such as organizing for a qualified substitute instructor or collaborating with experienced colleagues to devise a temporary course plan. By doing so, she fulfills her responsibilities toward the students and maintains ethical standards without compromising her professional integrity. This approach upholds deontological ethics by adhering to her duty and responsibility to provide quality education and respects the principles of utilitarianism by considering the greater good of all stakeholders.

References

  • Fisher, C. B. (2013). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE.
  • Kant, I. (1959). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. New York, NY: Harper and Row.
  • Mill, J. S. (1957). A System of Logic. New York, NY: Harper & Row.
  • MacIntyre, A. (1989). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press.
  • Steinbock, F., et al. (2003). The ethics of research with human subjects. In APA Code of Ethics.
  • Baier, A. (1985). Postures of the Mind: A Theory of Ethical Discourse. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
  • Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
  • Fisher, C. (1999). Ethics in Psychology: Professional Standards and Cases. New York, NY: Wiley.
  • Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects. Washington, DC: HHS.
  • Scarr, S. (1988). Race, Culture, and Ethnicity in Psychology: A New Look. In Psychological Science.

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