Question

Demario's biology class has a quiz every other Friday. This is the third time Demario has been so worried about other personal matters that he hasn’t done quite as well on the quizzes as he might have otherwise. What has Demario upset is the fact that the professor leaves the room while the students take the quiz, and over half the class is taking the opportunity to cheat. Demario knows personally several of the other students in the class, and some of the ones Demario hangout with are among those who are cheating. Demario knows that a failure to speak to the professor about the cheating will result in his own grade being lower, since the school grades on the curve system. But if Demario does say something to the professor he will be doing his friends and the others a great harm, since cheating is taken very seriously at the school and can lead to expulsion. If Demario doesn’t “turn in” the classmates, the only other alternative is he will get a worse grade than he deserves. He will also be labled as a snitch among is peers and a cheater at the school, either of which Demario has never done. Further, if the professor somehow discovers that Demario is hiding the cheating of others, Demario will be considered an accessory to the cheating, and may be reprimanded for not turning others in, since the school operates on an honor system.

Critical thinking About Ethics Right vs Wrong

What should Demario do?
Should Demario cheat?
Should Demario turn in the cheating classmates?
Should Demario say nothing and not cheat himself?
Be specific in your answer about exactly what Demario should do. (Remember to use one of the three moral theories to solve this dilemma.)

Answer 1

In this ethical dilemma, Demario is faced with conflicting choices and potential consequences. To analyze the situation and provide guidance, let's consider the three moral theories of consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

1. Consequentialism: This ethical theory focuses on actions' consequences or outcomes. Demario should evaluate the potential outcomes of each choice and choose the option that maximizes overall well-being or minimizes harm.
2. Deontology: Deontological ethics emphasizes moral duties and principles. Demario should consider whether any moral duties or rules are applicable in this situation and act accordingly, regardless of the consequences.
3. Virtue Ethics: This theory emphasizes virtuous character traits. Demario should consider what virtues, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness, would guide the right course of action in this situation.

Based on these moral theories, here are three possible approaches Demario could take:

1. Consequentialist Approach: Demario could turn in cheating classmates. By doing so, Demario would uphold academic integrity, discourage cheating, and maintain grade fairness. However, this choice may strain relationships with friends and could have negative consequences for the classmates involved.
2. Deontological Approach: Demario could choose not to cheat and maintain personal integrity by following the school's honor system. Due to others cheating, Demario may receive a lower grade than he deserves.
3. Virtue Ethics Approach: Demario could talk with the professor about the issue without directly implicating specific classmates. By discussing concerns about cheating in general, Demario upholds virtues such as honesty and fairness. This approach avoids directly harming friends, maintains personal integrity, and addresses the issue at hand.

Ultimately, the choice Demario makes depends on their values, the weight they assign to different moral theories, and their willingness to accept potential consequences. It's important for Demario to carefully consider the possible outcomes and make a decision that aligns with their moral compass.