Principles of Ethics Essay Example
Principles of Ethics Essay Example

Principles of Ethics Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (669 words)
  • Published: October 27, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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Scenario 1

In this scenario, the Mayor of a big city was given a free membership to an exclusive golf club by people who have secured many contracts with the city. Furthermore, the Mayor also received gifts from organizations that haven't done business with the City yet but might in the future. These presents ranged from $200 tickets to sporting events to high-end designer watches and jewelry.

The mayor can face severe consequences, including potential loss of position and federal charges for coercion and bribery, if caught accepting bribes or "hush money/gifts" in exchange for approving contracts with organizations. His actions are deceptive as he knowingly accepts lavish gifts from organizations that have current or future contracts with the city, in return for granting them city contracts. The extent of the benefits received depends on how profitab

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le these businesses are for the city.

If all parties involved – the city, the mayor, and the contract holders – benefit from this situation, it has potential. Nevertheless, there is a downside too; if these contracts attract crime or undesirable business to the city, then no one benefits. This scenario is ethically unjustifiable as accepting bribes for any reason is never ethical, particularly when appointed by the people to represent them. In accordance with Locke's philosophy, everyone possesses a conscience that directs them towards moral correctness. Locke would concur that the mayor acted unethically by accepting bribes from these organizations.

Locke desires the removal of the Mayor from his position.

Scenario 2

A college instructor attending night school for her doctorate wants to have more time for personal studies. As a result, she repeatedl

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teaches the same lectures, assignments, and exams each semester without improving them. This compromises the integrity of her tasks and exams and leaves students without benefits because they receive outdated lectures and assignments. Although her intentions may be good, her actions do not serve a greater purpose as she is simply slacking off or trying to reduce her workload by not changing the content in the lectures, assignments, and exams.

No one benefits from the instructor's actions in this scenario. The students are not gaining much knowledge from an instructor who lacks interaction with them. The consequences in this case are unjust because the instructor has a responsibility to provide her students with every opportunity to expand their knowledge. If she continues to use the same information, she is not fulfilling her commitment to her students and is essentially cheating them. Locke would likely disagree in this case and argue that the instructor is fulfilling her ethical duties by still offering her students the chance to excel while pursuing her own studies.

Scenario 3

Todd and Edna have been married for three years and have encountered significant personal issues.

Edna is a heavy drinker and Todd is unemployed. They have been constantly arguing since their marriage. They believe that having a child will solve their issues, so they stop using birth control and Edna gets pregnant. Both Todd and Edna have acted irresponsibly by not using birth control and now they are expecting. They are incapable of providing for the unborn child as Todd cannot keep a job and Edna's drinking puts the baby's life in danger. The baby may suffer from birth defects due to Edna's

excessive drinking or lack of proper care in an unstable environment.

Their actions are not in the best interest of everyone, as the current environment they find themselves in is unstable for raising a family. Seeking treatment for Edna's alcohol abuse during pregnancy and participating in marriage counseling could have a positive outcome. However, these actions would result in negative consequences for all parties involved, making them ethically unjustifiable. They would likely cause more harm than good for Todd, Edna, and their unborn child. Locke would agree that before potentially having a child when they can adequately provide for it, Todd and Edna should first address their personal issues and work on strengthening their relationship.

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