Week 8 Assignment: Your Personal Moral Theory ✓ Solved

Week 8 Assignment: Your Personal Moral Theory

In this assignment, create a reflective assessment of your learning experience and the collaborations you engaged in throughout this session. You will submit both a written reflection and an oral presentation using a PowerPoint narrated slide show.

For the written reflection, address Jane Doe's case and respond to the following:

• Articulate your moral theory from week eight discussion (you can revise it if you wish).
• What two ethical theories best apply to it? Why those two?
• Apply your personal moral philosophy to determine if Jane Doe's actions were ethical or unethical. Consider whether some examples are more grave instances of ethical transgressions than others.
• Propose a course of social action and a solution using the ethics of egoism, utilitarianism, the "veil of ignorance" method, deontological principles, and/or a theory of justice to deal with students like Jane. Consider social values concerning ways of life while appraising the interests of diverse populations.

For the oral presentation, summarize your feelings about taking a course in Ethics and explore your process of transformation. Discuss your experiences in the course, your beginnings, and where you are now, as well as your interactions in discussions. Should health care workers be required to take a course in Ethics? Why or why not?

Paper For Above Instructions

Ethics and morality are integral to the foundation of personal decision-making and professional practice, especially in the field of health care. Through my reflective assessment on the moral dilemmas faced by Jane Doe, whose academic misconduct highlights important ethical issues, I intend to articulate my personal moral theory developed through the course and analyze its implications in this context.

Articulating My Moral Theory

My personal moral theory aligns closely with virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of character and the cultivation of moral virtues. Virtue ethics focuses on the integrity of the individual and their motivations rather than merely the adherence to rules or the consequences of actions. I believe that moral actions stem from virtuous character traits such as honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

Applicable Ethical Theories

Two ethical theories that best apply to my moral theory are deontological ethics and utilitarianism. Deontological ethics, primarily associated with Immanuel Kant, posits that actions are morally right based on their adherence to rules or duties, regardless of the outcomes. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, seeks to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering irrespective of the means employed to achieve these ends. Both theories are significant as they encompass essential aspects of moral reasoning—rules and outcomes—which can help contextualize Jane Doe's actions.

Analysis of Jane Doe's Actions

Applying my personal moral philosophy, Jane Doe's actions can be deemed unethical for several reasons. Firstly, Jane knowingly engaged in academic dishonesty, which violates both her university's policies and the ethical principles of integrity. Each instance of misconduct represents a failure to embody virtues associated with responsibility and honesty. Secondly, while Jane might perceive her situation as justified due to her economic pressures and perceived lack of time, her actions are ultimately detrimental not only to her character but to her peers and the integrity of the academic system as a whole.

Grave Instances of Ethical Transgressions

Some of Jane's actions may be considered more grave than others. For instance, her initial act of copying John's work represents a blatant disregard for academic integrity, whereas later actions, such as submitting a blank paper, reflect a deeper lack of accountability. The severity of these transgressions can be evaluated in context, as continuous deception and violation of ethical standards form a troubling pattern of behavior that undermines genuine learning and personal development.

Proposing a Course of Social Action

To address issues like those exhibited by Jane, a multi-faceted approach to ethical education in academic institutions is paramount. The ethics of egoism, which focuses on individual self-interest, suggests that students may need incentives to adhere to ethical standards. Conversely, utilitarianism could promote an academic environment aimed at fostering collective well-being. Implementing clear and accessible guidelines against academic misconduct, along with educational workshops, could enhance understanding and accountability.

Utilizing the "veil of ignorance" method, future policies must consider the diverse economic, social, and religious backgrounds of students. This framework aids in making ethical decisions that reflect an understanding of diverse perspectives while promoting equity among students facing different challenges. Deontological principles should underpin institutional responses, ensuring actions are guided by duty to uphold integrity, regardless of individual interests.

Reflection on the Ethical Course Experience

Participating in this Ethics course has been transformative, prompting me to reflect deeply on my personal beliefs and moral framework. Initially, my understanding of ethics was limited, but through engagement with various ethical theories and dilemmas, I realized the complexity and nuances in moral decision-making. The class discussions offered diverse perspectives that enriched my comprehension and challenged my preconceptions.

Assessing Jane Doe’s actions through this enriched lens reinforces the necessity of ethics education, particularly for healthcare workers. As future practitioners, understanding ethical frameworks is crucial for making informed, moral decisions that impact patient care and professional integrity. The profession demands a commitment to ethical conduct, ensuring patient trust and societal well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my exploration of ethics has not only clarified my personal moral theory but has also highlighted the pressing need for continued discourse on ethical conduct in academia and beyond. Jane Doe's case serves as a powerful reminder of the implications of moral decisions and the importance of fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

References

• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Hursthouse, R. (1999). On Virtue Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Gert, B. (2004). Common Morality: Deciding What to Do. Oxford University Press.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Singer, P. (1975). Animal Liberation. HarperCollins.
• Frankena, W. K. (1973). Ethics. Prentice-Hall.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2014). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Ethical Theory: An Anthology. Wiley-Blackwell.