Introduction
The common belief that personal ethics stem solely from one’s upbringing is not entirely accurate. As we mature, our ethical framework is also significantly sculpted by our experiences in educational institutions, religious and community involvement, and business environments. This paper will delve into four distinct cases that present ethical dilemmas, providing a comprehensive analysis of each.
Do We Lie or Not About Our Work Progress?
Project delays in business are commonplace, often due to misaligned priorities, a lack of project comprehension, or underestimation of the required efforts. When confronted with an impending delay, it is our duty to notify our superiors, allowing them to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. If the project is not time-critical and can be postponed without disrupting organizational processes, a deadline extension may be granted. Conversely, for time-sensitive projects, additional resources are typically deployed to meet the deadline. Honesty in these situations not only upholds integrity but also allows for necessary assistance to ensure project completion.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Generated Assignments
The advancement of technology has brought us to a point where AI can craft the content of papers or theses. However, the ethical question arises when students submit AI-generated work as their own. Such dependence on AI impedes our learning and critical thinking development. Moreover, it brings the authenticity and factual accuracy of the paper into question. Educational institutions, like MacEwan University, view the submission of AI-generated assignments as plagiarism. As a result, creating papers through AI is deemed unethical, potentially diminishing the value of one’s academic credentials and may lead to severe academic repercussions.
Cheating on Licensing Exams
Licensing exams are regulatory requirements for professionals and skilled workers to demonstrate their competency. The thought of someone who cheated on such an exam practicing their profession, like an aircraft mechanic repairing a plane, is alarming. If there is evidence of cheating, it is incumbent upon us to report it, as it may constitute a legal infraction.
Character Reference
We all may have engaged in regrettable actions during our youth, but time can change a person. When considering a character reference for someone with a history of misconduct, it is essential to engage in a candid conversation to assess their current character. If an old friend’s values and behavior have not evolved, it would be irresponsible to vouch for them. Providing a character reference is a grave responsibility, and a misjudgment could jeopardize our reputation and employment.
Conclusion
Ethical decision-making is influenced by our upbringing, life experiences, and comprehension of legal standards. When faced with ethical dilemmas, particularly in the workplace, we must contemplate the ramifications of our actions and lean towards caution to mitigate exposure to professional, legal, and ethical conflicts.
References
Fowler, G. (2023, August 14). How to prove your innocence after a false positive from Turnitin. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/14/prove-false-positive-ai-detection-turnitin-gptzero/
Allan Mangune 