Overview
Step 1: Choose a Professional Dilemma and Summarize the Context
Select one of the following scenarios that describes an ethical dilemma in a professional setting. Each case reflects a different area of applied ethics (e.g., business, medical, computer, or legal), and your analysis should draw on the ethical approaches relevant to that domain. You will explore the same scenario for the entire Touchstone.
Business Ethics Scenario
A vendor offers you front-row tickets to a major event as thanks for your “continued partnership.” Company policy prohibits accepting gifts over $100, but your manager says, “Everyone does it and it’s part of networking.” Refusing could hurt the relationship and your team’s performance metrics.
Briefly summarize the ethical dilemma in your own words:
- Who is involved or affected by this situation?
- What is the key ethical conflict?
- What are the professional ethical obligations and consequences of each possible action?
- Step 2: Compare and Contrast the Scenario Using Different Ethical Frameworks·
- Choose one ethical theory (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, or egoism).
- Name a representative associated with that framework (e.g., Mill, Kant, Aristotle, Hobbes, Rand). ·
- What would this theory and thinker recommend in this situation and why? ·
- What action produces the greatest good? ·
- What duties or moral principles apply? ·
- What kind of person would make this decision? ·
- Then choose a different ethical framework naming the thinker associated with it. ·
- How would this theory and thinker interpret the same scenario differently? Why? ·
- How might this theory/thinker lead to a different conclusion? Why? ·
- Compare and contrast the reasoning behind both approaches. ·
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches? ·
- Which provides the best understanding of your professional obligations?
- Step 3: Consider the Role of Organizational Culture and Policy·
- Think about how organizational culture, professional norms, or institutional policies can impact the scenario: ·
- How do professional standards, institutional policies, or cultural expectations influence this dilemma? ·
- Could policy improvements or cultural shifts help prevent similar issues? ·
- What would an ethical organization or profession do to prevent similar dilemmas in the future? ·
- State the metaethical stance for this policy question and name one philosopher/tradition that supports it. How does this stance justify the policy or culture recommendation in your analysis?
- Note: Steps 1–3 should be written in a professional, third-person voice. Step 4 calls for your own voice. As such, it should be written in the first person.
- Step 4: Reflect on Professional Ethics Versus Personal Moral Values ·
- Think about your personal experience and perspective: ·
- How can professional ethical obligations differ from personal moral instincts or values? ·
- What would you personally feel is the “right” thing to do in this scenario? ·
- What does this dilemma teach you about decision-making and professional ethics? ·
- How might you apply this kind of ethical reasoning in your own life?
- Step 5: Review and Submit Your Work ·
- Review your work carefully and check the rubric to make sure you have met all the requirements. ·
- Length: 1000–1200 words ·
- File type: .doc or .docx ·
- Use clear headings for each section. ·
- Proofread carefully for grammar, organization, and logic. ·
- Cite any sources used in APA format.