“Initial Post” Instructions: Read the following scenario and use the 5 steps to analyze ethical dilemmas (discussed in Chapter 2 and listed below) to solve the dilemma. You will be assigned one of two ethical systems to pick from to solve the dilemma (listed below). Failure to use the system assigned to you will result in a grade of “0” for this assignment. Below you will find a list of the ethical system you have been assigned for this exercise.
Please make sure you number your answers in accordance with the 5 steps and identify which ethical system you use in response to step #5.
Please note that you must post your “initial response” by 3/29 (Saturday) by 11:55pm.
Please note that you must post your “response post” by 3/30 (Sunday) by 11:55pm.
“Response Post” Instructions: Your “initial response” is your answer, in your own words, to the assignment. Your “response post” requires that you read your classmates’ posts and respond to a classmate that used a different ethical system than you to solve the dilemma presented here. In your response to your classmate, address the following questions. Your response to these questions should be in paragraph form (5-6 sentences minimum). This means do not copy/paste these questions in your response post and then answer them individually.
a) Was the conclusion you reached the same as that of your classmate who used a different ethical system than you?
b) Do you agree with the conclusion reached by your classmate? Why or why not? Be specific.
c) Which system do you think came up with the best response (the system you used or the system your classmate used)? Explain.
d) Which system would you have preferred to use to solve this dilemma if allowed to chose any of the six ethical systems?
Scenario: Defense Attorney Representing Suspected Killer
Your first big case is a multiple murder. As the defense attorney representing the killer, you have come to the realization that he really did break into a couple’s home and torture and kill them in the course of robbing them of jewelry and other valuables. He has even confessed to you that he did it. However, you are also aware that the police did not read him his Miranda warnings and that he was coerced into giving a confession without your presence. What should you do?
5 Steps to Analyze Ethical Dilemmas
- Identify the facts: Only identify the facts presented in the given scenario. Do not include any extra information or your feelings/opinions. Make sure to list all the facts mentioned in the scenario.
- Identify relevant values: List at least 3 values relevant to this case (refer to pg. 11, Box 1.3, for examples of values).
- Identify all possible ethical dilemmas for each party involved: Dilemmas refer to the possible courses of action one can take to address the situation. Examples of dilemmas include: As a police officer, do I take money in exchange for not arresting someone? As a lawyer, do I ignore the evidence in this case? The dilemmas must be written in question form.
- Decide what the most immediate ethical dilemma identified in step #3 is: You must pick only one of the dilemmas (questions) you have identified in step #3. This is the dilemma you will resolve in step #5.
- Resolve the dilemma by using one of the two ethical systems you have been assigned for the assignment (see below). In your response you need to: explicitly state the system you used, the resolution to the dilemma you picked in step #4 and explain how the ethical system you pick led you to this conclusion. Your answer should be detailed and should demonstrate your understanding of the ethical system you pick and how that ethical system results in the resolution you make. **Make sure you state your resolution clearly.
Assignment of Ethical Systems:
- Ethics of Virtue or Ethics of Care:
Last Name starts with N-Z
- Natural Law or Religion:
Last Name starts with A-G
- Ethical Formalism or Utilitarianism:
Last Name starts with H-M