Ethics Course Assignment Instructions: Applying Ethical Principles to Real-Life Dilemmas
Assignment Overview
Ethical dilemmas are often complex, and in real-world situations, we may not always have the knowledge or confidence to make the best decisions. This assignment is an opportunity for you to critically reflect on a challenging ethical situation from your own experience and analyze how applying ethical principles could have led to a better outcome.
Assignment Requirements
1. Choose a real-life ethical dilemma:
Select a situation where you faced a difficult ethical decision, whether due to uncertainty, external pressures, or lack of knowledge at the time.
This should be a case where, in hindsight, you recognize that your actions could have been different or more ethically sound.
2. Describe the ethical challenge:
Provide a detailed account of the situation, including the context, key stakeholders involved, and the specific ethical dilemma you faced.
Explain why it was challenging and any constraints that influenced your decision-making process.
3. Apply five ethical principles or concepts from the course:
Identify and explain five key ethical principles or concepts that you have learned.
These may include principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, informed consent, confidentiality, or ethical decision-making models.
4. Analyze how these principles could have changed your approach:
Reflect on how applying each of these ethical principles would have altered your response to the situation.
Discuss how your decision-making could have been improved and the impact it might have had on the outcome.
5. Provide a revised ethical approach:
Based on your analysis, outline how you would approach the situation differently if faced with it today.
Describe the steps you would take to act more ethically and how this aligns with professional or personal ethical standards.
Assignment Format & Submission Guidelines
• Word count: 1,500–2,500 words
• Structure:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the dilemma and its significance.
• Case Description: Provide a detailed account of the scenario and challenges.
• Ethical Concepts: Explain the five ethical principles and their relevance.
• Analysis & Reflection: Discuss how these principles could have changed your approach.
• Conclusion: Summarize key learnings and how this experience will shape your ethical decision-making in the future.
• Referencing: If referring to course materials or external sources, cite appropriately.
• Submission Format: Submit a PDF document via the designated portal.
Evaluation Criteria
The assignment will be assessed for reflection and growth more than for the structure, grammar or spelling. Share something real and thoughtful!
This assignment is not about judging past decisions harshly but rather about demonstrating growth in ethical reasoning. Use this as an opportunity to deepen your understanding and develop a stronger ethical framework for future challenges.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
