Opposing Perspectives
Opposing Perspectives (Case Study) [WLOs: 1, 3] [CLOs: 1, 4]
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, you should read Chapter 2: Ethical Decision Making: Personal and Professional in your textbook (Hartman et al., 2021). You may wish to review The Relationship Between Self-Interest vs. Other Interest and Business Students’ Perceptions of Cheating Ethics (Links to an external site.) (Elias, 2021), and Cheating in Business: A Metaethical Perspective (Links to an external site.) (Eabrasu, 2020).
Being able to make ethical decisions is not the same thing as acting ethically, as pointed out by Hartman et al. (2021). In the section When Ethical Decision Making Fails: Why Do “Good” People Engage in “Bad” Acts? the authors reviewed many reasons why people may act unethically even if skilled at ethical decision-making. Why do people choose such actions? Hartman et al. (2021) suggested that some people protect their conscience by choosing to avoid the full consideration of an ethical dilemma. For other people, they may lack motivation, willpower, or courage that leads to unethical acts.
As an example, the authors considered studies that indicated business students were more likely to cheat on a test without ethical remorse compared to students in other disciplines (Hartman et al., 2021). What might make cheating allowable for business students? Many of the case studies we will be considering in the course will likely be outside your experience, but this example allows you to better relate to the ethical dilemma even if you have not done the unethical act yourself. Given your familiarity, you will be asked to consider the case from opposing sides in your post.
In an initial post of at least 400 words, and citing at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed resources, you should first take the perspective of a student who wishes to justify cheating on a test. What is the best argument that can be made for the action? You should attempt to make the best case for allowing cheating.
Afterward, in the same post, you should write from the opposite perspective, where you are now arguing that cheating is not justifiable. In this section of your post, you need to explain possible reasons why the argument from the first section of your post is faulty, either by not fully considering the action, ignoring the possible consequences, or a lack of motivation or willpower. As with the previous section, make your best case, clearly articulating reasons for the perspective.
The goal of this discussion is for you to thoughtfully consider multiple sides of an ethical dilemma. You do not need to state your opinion or come to a final decision about the matter. This discussion aims to build the skill of imagining and considering other opinions, even opposite opinions, to gain greater insight into ethical situations for improved ethical decision-making.
Answer preview to Opposing Perspectives
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