Overview
Assignment
This assignment will ask you to apply both approaches to ethics that we have covered in a short individual reflection paper. Please complete by following the steps outlined below.
First, write up a paragraph that details a factual scenario that involves an ethical dilemma that you might face in what you hope will be your profession. For example:
“I’m an auditor; a client might ask me to fudge the numbers.”
“I’m in finance; I might have an opportunity to insider trade.”
“I’m in marketing; I’ve might have a chance to misrepresent a product and not get caught.”
Second, after laying out the scenario’s facts, write up two paragraphs in which you analyze the dilemma from both a utilitarian and a deontological perspective. In doing so, identify what each of these schools of thought would conclude is the “right” thing to do in this situation.
Third, write up two paragraphs that focus on how you would hope to act when facing this dilemma. Do not be particularly concerned about the legalities of the matter; focus just on the ethics. Like basketball players often visualize making that next free throw or kickers visualize making the game-winning field goal, I want you to visualize how you would like to think you would act when facing an ethical dilemma. If you would “take the money and run,” that’s ok. Be honest. To the degree you think you would (or even if you think you wouldn’t) deviate from what moral reasoning concludes is the right thing to do, identify at least three rationalizations/heuristics that we have discussed that might cause you to do the “wrong” thing and how they specifically apply to the dilemma you have created.
Needless to say, as this is an ethics assignment, this is to be your own work. Unlike other assignments for this class, I ask that you not use any form of A.I. or to work with any of your classmates when completing this reflection. Ultimately, I'm not looking for a right or wrong answer. A good reflection will develop a realistic ethical dilemma, will present thoughtful responses, and will be well written. I want to see that you took the assignment seriously and that you considered your ethical dilemma carefully and sincerely.
To enhance your comfort in completing this assignment, I will keep your paper confidential, and I will grade this assignment with students’ names blinded.
Formatting Guidelines, Submission, & Due Dates
Your reflection should be no more than four pages, double-spaced. Its margins should be 1 inch on all sides, and the font should be 10-12 points. There is no need to conduct any outside research, but, if you are referencing material from the course or additional reading you have done, then cite it via footnote
Rubric
Scenario definition - Ethics dilemma, including detailed background facts, clearly described
Moral reasoning discussion - Application of both utilitarian and deontological principles to the ethics dilemma, including identification of each approach’s “right” answer
Individual decision/rationalizations - Idealized decision identified; at least three rationalizations that might undercut this decision detailed in dilemma’s context
Reference to course material - Appropriate reference to lectures and readings on moral reasoning and behavioral ethics in paragraphs 3-5 of reflection
Writing quality & style - Reflection is clearly written; minimal typos/grammatical issues; demonstrates serious and thoughtful consideration; formatting guidelines adhered to
DO NOT USE AI. YOU CAN PICK WHAT PROFESSION BUT SHOULD BE IN BUSINESS. Let me know if you have questions