Some people believe that you can tell who a person is by what they do when no one is looking. Let’s look at the following case. John Doe, a nurse, has downloaded an application to her phone that allows him to download copyrighted textbooks for a nursing course (that Doe is going to take) without his Internet Service Provider knowing it. The application is called “Cloak” as in cloak of invisibility (a hooded coat one wears to make it so others cannot see you). The application disguises his phone and makes it so the information on it is inaccessible. John is aware that other people who are of a lower socio-economic status (like him) also use this software program for the same reason (and to save money). John Doe knows that his religion forbids him from using this application to download in this manner. John Doe is focused on his own economic situation and does not consider the publisher, author, and others involved in the books. Think about a course of social action; what social values should be used to address this moral issue and conflict.
Create a personal ethical philosophy and explain from which philosophy or philosophies (it must include at least one of the following: virtue ethics, Kantian ethics, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, or social contract ethics) you created it and why the contents are important and meaningful for you. List its precepts.
Take your personal ethical philosophy statement and use it to work through John Doe’s case. What is moral and immoral per your theory?
How would the veil of ignorance or a different theory of justice address John Doe’s case?
Sample Solution
My personal ethical philosophy is based around the concept of Utilitarianism, with an additional focus on social contract ethics. Utilitarianism places emphasis on the well-being of others and takes into account both short and long-term consequences when making decisions regarding moral dilemmas in order to promote overall happiness or pleasure for as many people as possible without causing undue harm or distress. Additionally I believe that adhering to social contract theory can help ensure that each individual has equal rights while being responsible for their actions – allowing us create a more collaborative & harmonious society.
These two principles form a core part of my ethical belief system, which includes several precepts:
1. Respect autonomy & dignity of all individuals regardless gender, race, religion etc.
2. Support freedom choice in speech/expression but remain mindful not use language meant cause hurtful harm others
3. Promote fairness & justice within any given situation via impartial decision making processes
4. Lead by example when it comes upholding standards honesty & integrity within self & amongst peers
5. Do what’s necessary ensure wellbeing safety for oneself as well those around them unless otherwise requested by legal means
Applying this framework to John Doe’s case we find that his decision to lie about having prior convictions was morally wrong according my ethical beliefs due fact that he did so detriment another applicant while simultaneously taking away opportunity from them pursue career they were qualified for – thus showing lack respect autonomy of potential co-worker alongside disregard justice in favor own selfish desires.
Therefore we can see how my personal ethical philosophy applies directly this scenario helping me make right choices even amidst difficult times!
Sample Solution
My personal ethical philosophy is based around the concept of Utilitarianism, with an additional focus on social contract ethics. Utilitarianism places emphasis on the well-being of others and takes into account both short and long-term consequences when making decisions regarding moral dilemmas in order to promote overall happiness or pleasure for as many people as possible without causing undue harm or distress. Additionally I believe that adhering to social contract theory can help ensure that each individual has equal rights while being responsible for their actions – allowing us create a more collaborative & harmonious society.
These two principles form a core part of my ethical belief system, which includes several precepts:
1. Respect autonomy & dignity of all individuals regardless gender, race, religion etc.
2. Support freedom choice in speech/expression but remain mindful not use language meant cause hurtful harm others
3. Promote fairness & justice within any given situation via impartial decision making processes
4. Lead by example when it comes upholding standards honesty & integrity within self & amongst peers
5. Do what’s necessary ensure wellbeing safety for oneself as well those around them unless otherwise requested by legal means
Applying this framework to John Doe’s case we find that his decision to lie about having prior convictions was morally wrong according my ethical beliefs due fact that he did so detriment another applicant while simultaneously taking away opportunity from them pursue career they were qualified for – thus showing lack respect autonomy of potential co-worker alongside disregard justice in favor own selfish desires.
Therefore we can see how my personal ethical philosophy applies directly this scenario helping me make right choices even amidst difficult times!
