Ethics in an Academic Environment

Ethics In An Academic Environment

Attending The University of Phoenix, we are required in Gen 300 to write a research paper on Ethics In An Academic Environment. In this research paper, you will be able to understand the ethics and environment and how they both are in our everyday surroundings. We will also explain how Ethics in an Environment affects everyone on a day-to-day basis whether good or bad. Ethics in an Academic Environment plays a very important part of our lives. Ethics is the discipline dealing with what is good and bad, and with moral duty and obligation. Environment is the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded. (Dictionary, ). Dealing with morals can be reflected if you are making the right decisions or not. As a student of any institution and having assignments or tests to complete, the role you play in ethics is very important. Living in today’s society, we make decisions for everything we do. In dealing with the environment and different daily tasks, we often make decisions that we sometimes regret. Sometimes, those decisions are based on the situations we are involved in at that particular time. This paper will explain different reasons why and how Ethics in an Academic Environment reflects your life.

We live in a fast paced world. In our quest for success, we seek the quickest and easiest way to get what we want. Most of the time, we never give any real thought to the role of ethics in our decision making. We want results and we want them right now. When we take the time to consider what really matters in this world, our lives, and the lives we share with friends and family; it’s the little things that enrich our lives and create memories that last a lifetime. Michael Josephson outlines the pillars of Character as follows; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. (Character Counts, 2007) We agree that these are the essential ingredients necessary for an individual to develop integrity and a willingness to apply them to every purpose they undertake.

We need to prioritize our decisions and base them on whether our desired outcome is ethically and morally right, even if this method of thinking and problem solving takes longer and delays the immediate results people love so much. For this reason, Colleges and Universities as well as other institutions of learning, should address and incorporate into their course schedules classes that teach young minds the practices of commonsense, building character, and ethics. Furthermore, the entire learning environment should advocate and inspire students to do the right thing. (Josephson, 20007) It is not enough to tell someone about ethics, but also support the individual for any effort they put forth to display the good qualities of having morals, integrity, and a sense of fairness. Equally important is to be a walking billboard displaying the character traits that you want to see in those subject to your influence. In this way, we can shape the values and attitudes of others in a way that will be a benefit to all. It is important to be satisfied with your work and efforts. Cheating robs young minds of the satisfaction given from doing your best work.

We would all do well to remember the rule of keeping promises. Herein lies another good character trait that helps to build trust. We all are dependent on each other to a certain extent. We depend on the President and politicians to make laws that help and protect us. When ill, we depend on doctors to diagnose and treat us. In the night, we rely on nuclear inspectors to regulate and monitor the nuclear reactors that keep us safe and warm. We rely on all the individuals listed here to have integrity, morals, ethics, and to respect themselves and others. They are in positions where compromising their standards could have disastrous results. Conversely, a college student is also faced with a choice, to cheat, or not to cheat (Shakespeare). Hopefully, they will choose the answer that inspires them to enjoy the vigorous pursuits of knowledge and study, and the treasure of rewards that go along with them.

One aspect of Ethics in Academics is academic dishonesty, or cheating. Studies have shown that students are more accepting of cheating. Most feel the pressure to succeed, so they will do things that they know should not be done. Socrates believed that this form of ethics, “knowing what we ought to do,” can be taught. ( Carroll, A.) Today’s society is teaching children that the need to get ahead is greater than character development. Others feel cheating is a mind-set and that mind-set makes a difference between being taught and actually learning.

With the aid of modern technology, cheating is easier to get away with. (Eberhardt, 1) Camera cell phones,