Category: Ethics

Topic #2
The movie The Insider tells the story of Jeffrey Wigand’s Whistle Blowing on his former employer Brown
& Williamson and their six largest competitors in the tobacco industry.
Write an essay in which you discuss the moral problem raised by Jeffrey Wigand’s contacting the CBS
News program 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman about his former employer and his telling his story
to 60 Minutes. Your essay should explain (and will be graded on):
Final Exam Essay Questions
PHI 6800 – Ethical Problems in Business and Society ©2020 Richard Legum, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
1. The moral problems raised by Jeffrey Wigand’s telling the story to Lowell Bergman’s team at 60
minutes.
2. The moral importance of Trust and Truth in business and hence in the moral problems identified
above.
3. What make an action right according to the version of moral objectivism known as
Utilitarianism/Consequentialism and how the defenders of this theory would judge the morality
of incidents described above.
4. What make an action right according to the version of moral objectivism that is Kant’s
Deontology (Duty/Rule Based Moral Theory) and how defenders of this theory would judge the
morality of the incidents described above.
5. What you think is the correct moral evaluation of these incidents and how you would defend
this position.
General Directions:
Makes sure your essay reflects the concepts that were discussed in class and in the readings assign in
both classes (which will serve as the basis of you grade on the essay). Your essay should reflect your
understanding of the points made that we discussed in class. Before submitting your essay, make sure
you have discussed all five (5) items!
WARNING: Do NOT assume that the reader knows what you are talking about. Make sure to explain all
of your points.
Submission Details:
 The essay is to be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
 The essay should be done in 12 point Times New Roman or Cambria font and should be DOUBLE
SPACED.
***LINK TO VIDEO***
https://kingsborough.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1119690&node=4185362&a=917168839&autoplay=1

Part 2 – Critical Application Questions
Read the following scenario:
The local community has received grant money to rejuvenate a city park that has fallen into disrepair. This park rejuvenation falls under the policy for parks and recreation for the city government. The park area is the size of two city blocks. The city council has asked the nurse to serve as the leader of the park committee. The concept of health is a major vision for the park’s development and is to be included in all aspects of the rejuvenation plan. Other committee members include a playground designer, two parents in the community, two elderly community members, and a master gardener. The organization providing the grant money states they “wish to use the opportunity to improve the community’s health.” The city council has indicated a preference to prioritize funding toward new play equipment, green space, and community vegetable gardens. Currently, the space is filled with broken play equipment, trash and construction debris, and fallen trees from an earlier storm. The area is not considered safe. Minor drug use and sales activity are known to occur in this area, usually after dark. The neighborhood has lower-income families living in mostly single-family homes and some multi-family units. Rates of key health indicators are the following (per 100,000 population): obesity 37.8%, substance abuse 12.3%, diabetes and endocrine disorders 67.8%, heart disease 128.9%, and smoking 28.5%.
Create a Microsoft Word document and respond to the following questions:
What health-related concerns do you see in the current condition of the city park?
How can the renovation of the city park contribute to equity, as described in the five key elements of HiAP?
Identify one aspect of the park renovation that is a win-win (addressing public health and other agency goals).
What positive health impacts could this park renovation have on the community members? Consider the current health indicators in the community in your response.

Instructions
Find a local editorial or article online that demonstrates politics affecting nurses. Then, write a 1- to 2-page paper summarizing the editorial or article.
Address the following in the paper, using the editorial or article as a reference:
Provide a summary of the article and how it impacts nursing practice.
Provide two scenarios or examples of why nurses feel they are too busy to worry about politics.
Discuss your perspective on why you think politics may not interest some nurses.
Identify one argument persuading new nurses to become politically active.
Be sure to cite your resource using APA (7th ed.) format.

please read the article/commentary by David Brooks entitled “How Would Jesus drive?”  
https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/how-would-jesus-drive/docview/1984645505/se-2?accountid=32521Links to an external site. 
Note that despite its title, this article isn’t primarily about Jesus or religion, but about the relation between everyday habits and choices (like those that affect the way one drives) and broader virtues, values, ideas about what is good and worthwhile, etc., which can apply to many areas of life, including personal ethical beliefs on divisive social issues.
In your initial post:
Summarize the article then answer the following two questions:
Do Brook’s views confirm Aristotle’s claim that virtues manifest themselves across one’s life as a whole? 
To what extent do you think views about the aim of a good and worthwhile life find their way into everyday attitudes and behavior? 
As we’ve seen throughout this course, ethical beliefs, especially on divisive ethical issues, can vary quite a bit from person to person.  While a virtue is not the same thing as a belief, what we hold as virtuous is likely related to other things we value.  
Provide an example of an ethical issue and discuss how someone’s particular belief about this issue is influenced by his or her virtues.  You can choose any issue you want – gun rights, abortion, the right to refuse services based on religious beliefs, the death penalty, etc. — including the issue in your ethical question, any issue from the text book, or any issue you have ethical positions on.   The key thing here is to identify how the position on this issue is connected to the virtues and values a person holds.

This assignment is the first step in a three part project. You only need to focus on part one at this point. Each step will build on earlier steps. However, it is not a matter of providing a rough draft of all or even part of the entire project here in week three. That is, further steps might require completely new and original text.  At the same time, completing each step will aid you in completing a future step or future steps. And, you should use the same topic in all steps.
First, select a topic of moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute, Examples of such topics are euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, cloning, etc. You can pick any such topic. It need not be listed here.
Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate. Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.
Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week:
* What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
* What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.
Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.
Requirements
* Length: 3-4pages (not including title page or references page)
* 1-inch margins
* Double spaced
* 12-point Times New Roman font
* Title page
* References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbook)

Please compose a 4-5 page essay in response to this topics:
Compare and contrast utilitarianism and Kantianism. Be sure to discuss the central
objections of each theory. Which, if either, theory do you think is the most plausible?
Defend your answer
Essays must be written in MLA format—double spaced with one-
inch margins using a standard 12-point font. Note that MLA format does not use a cover sheet.
Your works cited page does not count toward the minimum of four full pages. Do not place
blank lines between paragraphs in order to make your essay appear longer than it actually is.

Instructions
PHIL 200 – Moral Compass Paper Assignment
Using the material you’ve read so far in the course, write a textbook researched argumentative paper of 600-800 words in which you accomplish the following:
Part I – Identify a Normative Ethical Theory
(i) Identify one moral theory (e.g. deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, etc.) you plan to learn more about in this course to help guide and reinforce your developing moral value system, and (ii) provide a brief but thorough explanation of that theory drawn from the course readings.
Be sure to include pertinent MLA inline citations of the Ethics textbook to help you accomplish this (this may involve briefly skimming ahead a little bit in the textbook to find out more about the particular theory you are most interested in [at this point]), and explain the main theoretical strengths that draw you to this particular theory.
Then (iii) point to at least one strong objection that this theory sometimes runs into (this can also be found in your textbook), stating whether you see such an objection as seriously damaging to the viability of the theory or not, or whether it is possible to still salvage the most desirable elements of the theory in spite of this particular objection.
Part II – Apply Your Chosen Normative Ethical Theory to an Ethical Dilemma
(i) Identify a contemporary ethical dilemma (this can be either a general humanitarian crisis, or even a personal situation from your own life) and analyze it along the lines of your chosen moral theory from Part I.
If you need some ideas for cases, you may refer to the Markula Center for Applied Ethics for a list of possible cases to analyze. https://www.scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/
(ii) Identify what you take to be the main parties (groups, persons) involved in the dilemma, and then (iii) suggest an ethical resolution to the problem that is in line with what that particular moral theory would advise in this specific situation.
Lastly, (iv) assess whether the end result of applying this particular moral theory to this particular moral issue, is morally satisfactory and praiseworthy or not, and explain why that is.
Include a works cited page at the end of your paper. 
Criteria
Exemplary
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Follows Directions
10 points
The student clearly uses one of the templates and either the Markkula or Brown sites OR formats a personal paper to match one of the templates.
6.5 points
The student does not use the templates OR submits a personal paper that does not contain most of the components displayed on the template.
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Follows Directions,
/ 10
Criteria
Exemplary
Accomplished
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Theory identification
10 points
The student clearly defines 1-3 theories in their own words with sources properly identified and documented (citation/references)
8.5 points
The student defines 1-3 theories but uses mostly quotations. The definitions are still clearly documented (citations/references)
7.5 points
The student defined 1-3 theories but has no documentation and the definitions may be inadequate or incorrect. 
6.5 points
The student presents 1-3 moral theories, but the information does not represent a definition. 
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Theory identification,
/ 10
Criteria
Exemplary
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Theory Explanation
20 points
The student clearly explains how each theory is identified in terms of how it can/will be used to identify the “right” thing to do in various situations. 
15 points
The student explains how each theory may be used in different situations but neglects details on how the theory can be used to justify actions.
13 points
The student offers an explanation, but it is inadequate or does not address justification for actions.
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Theory Explanation,
/ 20
Criteria
Exemplary
Accomplished
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Compass Applied
50 points
The student clearly used the template and addressed all components and sub-components in addressing a topic from Markkula OR a legitimate pressing ethical situation.
42.5 points
The student clearly used the template and addressed most components addressing a topic from Markkula or a legitimate pressing ethical situation, but is incomplete, neglecting some components. 
37.5 points
The student did not use a template and did not address most of the components OR chose a situation that is not clearly an ethical one. The student does not appear to understand the goal of this assignment but needs some recognition for effort. 
32.5 points
The student did not use a template and clearly chose to use some other guide or model to address a nonethical situation. An attempt was made, but did not accomplish what was intended.
0 points
Did Not Attempt or the paper is clearly unrelated to the assignment. 
Score of Compass Applied,
/ 50
Writing and Grammar
10 points
The student uses language consistent with at least sophomore-level writing, almost error-free with proper formatting per MLA or APA.
8.5 points
The student uses language consistent with at least sophomore-level writing but contains between 2 and 6 grammatical errors and/or is inconsistent with standard MLA or APA formatting
7.5 points
The student uses language that is less than consistent with sophomore-level writing and/or contains more than 6 grammatical and formatting errors. 
6.5 points
The student uses English, but the writing is fraught with grammatical, style, and formatting errors. 
0 points
Did Not Attempt or the paper is unreadable.
Score of Writing and Grammar,
/ 10

Part 1 (pick a prompt)
Having delved into the realm of personality assessments, which aspects of these tools do you find most intriguing or challenging? How do you believe understanding personality traits contributes to more effective counseling practices?
Reflecting on the various personality assessments discussed, how might cultural factors influence the interpretation and application of these tools in counseling? In what ways can we ensure a culturally sensitive approach to personality assessment?
Considering the dynamic nature of personality, how do you think personality assessments contribute to ongoing self-discovery and personal growth? Are there specific types of personality assessments you find more suited for fostering insight and development?
part 2 (To prepare for this discussion, review the case vignette attached)
Select one of the following prompts as the starting point for your post:
Discuss your reaction to Ricardo’s approach to counseling and the decisions he has made to provide services to lower-income adolescents and families. Are his actions legal and/or ethical?
Discuss your reaction to Ricardo’s approach to recruiting clients from his colleague. Were his actions of your colleague legal and/or ethical?
Explore what you would do as Ricardo’s colleague. What recommendations might you make in terms of the approach he is taking in his counseling practice?
What about this week’s content did you find to be of most interest or most applicable to your own counseling practice within your specialization, to your personal or professional life, and/or your academic journey?

Instructions:
Using the material on moral compasses from weeks 1 and 2, write a paper of no less than 600 words that accomplishes the following:
Choose one of the four templates, Markkula- APA or MLA, or Brown – APA or MLA, and follow directions. The information below offers an elaboration on these directions.
In a section titled “Theories” identify between 1 and 3 moral theories you will use to build your compass (deontological, utilitarian, common good, virtue, etc.) along with a short, documented definition for each theory. The definition should be in your own words. As citations are NOT just for quotations, be sure to give your resources proper credit with citations.
In a section titled “Explanation” explain for each theory how it would help you make what you feel would be the right decision and in what situations (e.g. Using deontology at work to ensure the company’s policies are kept and its reputation is upheld; Using care ethics at home as a way to be equitable with the kids, etc.).
In a third section titled “Compass Applied” choose one topic from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (under “Ethics Spotlight”) or another pressing ethical situation you or others you know are facing at the moment. It must be a legitimate moral conundrum like keeping a secret about a cheating spouse, cheating on a spouse or being an accessory to a crime. You can also pick a current event like the possibility of electing a convicted felon as president, busing illegal immigrants from Texas to other states without their permission, or passing laws that allow teens to work longer hours and in dangerous situations. Then using either Framework for Ethical Decision Making (Markkula or Brown), walk through the steps to make an ethical decision and justify what you decide is the moral action to take in this situation. USE the template and DO NOT delete the section headings.
Be sure to be clear on which of the two frameworks you are using (which is easy if you use a template). Be sure you are clear on what you are doing. Use the attached templates to address this assignment. The content is the same, but the formatting on each is different.
Note that all papers must be double-spaced and follow either APA or MLA formatting.
Attachments
APA Moral Compass Template – Markkula.docx
(21.11 KB)
MLA Moral Compass Template – Markkula.docx
(18.19 KB)

Final Reflection Prompt:
Based on your understanding of the discussions, readings and videos, films, and documentaries since the start of the semester, and a particular emphasis on the final 2 modules, address the following questions in your response:
Overarching question: What will you do with the knowledge you have gained in this class? 
Consider & Discuss:
1. Consider and discuss, to some extent, specific ways that you will apply what you have learned in your own personal life and, why?
2. Consider and discuss, to some extent, ways in which you can apply your knowledge within your own family, social circles and/or community.
3. Consider and discuss, to some extent, ways in which you can apply what you have learned in this class to your educational and/or careers.
4. Consider and discuss, to some extent, the ways in which your consumption of popular culture may change or be influenced by the knowledge gained in this course.  
Short Essay Paper Requirements:
This essay should be a minimum of 3 pages. 
Please make sure to have clearly responded to the entire prompt. 
Please format your essay with: 12-point font, double-spaced and with 1-inch margins.
Please use the MLA citation format and include a Works Cited Page.
Use MLA Header – Only on the first page
Example:
Name
Professor Name
Course Name & Number
Due Date
Title of Essay 
**** Avoid using “Short Essay 3”; “Paper 3”; “Ethnic Studies Essay” or similar generic titles
Create and Use your own original title
This is a critical reflection paper 
I am more concerned with what you have to say about what you have learned and how you will apply it moving forward. 
You are not required to cite any course-assigned or independently researched materials, but you are held accountable to write based on the scholarship, evidence, and facts that has been shared in this class. Opinions must be supported by the reality that has been shared in the readings, videos, discussions and lectures of this class. 
Please do not simply type in a conversational manner or as if you were simply texting and/or posting in social media. Type/write as is commonly expected in an academic paper.
Please make sure to PROOFREAD, EDIT and SPELL CHECK.
My strategy is to read the essay out loud to myself or to someone else. This really helps to spot errors in my writing.
Cite any sources that you are directly quoting or are borrowing a bulk of ideas, statistics, definitions, etc. from. You are asked to write about your understanding, perspective and arguments related to the topic. Your use of course materials should be used as supporting evidence and reveal synthesis and connections between them. Please make sure to cite the work of others. Proper citation avoids any confusion about suspected plagiarism. If you cite others, be sure to include a Works Cited page. 
Basic Rubric for Success:
Essay presents clearly articulated and organized responses to all parts of the prompt above.
Essay has proper citations, and appropriate integration and synthesis of course materials. (if/when relevant and necessary)
Essay follows MLA format.
Essay meets and/or exceeds the minimum page requirement (3 pages).
Essay meets the assignment submission requirements and deadline.
Essay cites, references or draws connections to at least 4 course readings and 4 course videos
Write in first-person; make “I” statements; this is to express and highlight your own understanding, analysis, and arguments based on what you have learned in this class. You are just asked/required to use course reading and audio/visual materials to help you do so and provide supporting evidence.