Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

This case revolves around an ethical dilemma where you are faced with a choice between supporting Aman, a financially and academically struggling student, and upholding the principles of integrity and academic honesty. Aman’s plan to purchase exam papers to secure placements reflects the pressures of financial hardship, an educational loan, and the fear of failure, forcing you to balance empathy with ethical responsibility.

Body:

(a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

(b) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?

The situation involves several ethical issues that require careful deliberation:

• Conflict Between Friendship and Integrity:
  • Friendship: A natural sense of loyalty and empathy may compel one to support Aman during his crisis.
  • Integrity: Assisting in an unethical act like purchasing exam papers contradicts moral principles and academic values, creating a conflict between emotional ties and ethical duties.
• Short-term Relief vs. Long-term Harm:
  • While aiding Aman might offer immediate relief, it risks severe consequences like potential expulsion, damaged reputation, and loss of trust, adversely affecting his future prospects.
• Complicity in Wrongdoing:
  • Providing financial support for an unethical act implicates you in the wrongdoing, compromising your ethical standing and setting a harmful precedent for rationalizing misconduct.
• Undermining Academic Integrity:
  • Supporting Aman’s actions undermines the credibility of educational institutions, devalues others’ hard work, and fosters a culture of dishonesty, harming the overall educational environment.
• The Ethical Principle of Justice:
  • Helping Aman circumvent legitimate processes is unjust to other students who adhere to ethical standards, thereby violating the principle of fairness and equity.

(c) What course of action would you take?

Suggested Course of Action:

• Empathize and Build Trust: Begin by listening to Aman’s concerns without judgment, acknowledging the depth of his struggles.
  • This helps build trust and shows him that you genuinely care about his well-being.
• Discourage Unethical Practices: Gently explain why purchasing exam papers is unethical and harmful.
  • Highlight the potential risks, such as disciplinary actions, loss of credibility, and damage to his career prospects.
  • Emphasize that integrity is a foundational value that cannot be compromised, regardless of the circumstances.
• Offer Ethical Alternatives: Suggest approaching the college administration or faculty for help.
  • Many institutions have provisions for students facing extraordinary challenges, such as granting academic leniency, additional time, or financial aid.
  • Help Aman focus on strategic preparation for his exams by sharing study resources, forming study groups, or providing guidance on effective study techniques.
• Provide Practical Assistance: If possible, offer financial assistance for legitimate purposes, such as tuition, study materials, or hiring a tutor.
  • This demonstrates commitment to helping him within ethical boundaries.
  • Assist Aman in exploring part-time work opportunities or scholarships to alleviate his financial burden.
• Monitor and Support: Stay actively involved to ensure Aman does not resort to unethical practices under stress.
  • Regularly check in with him to provide encouragement and reassurance.

Conclusion:

Navigating ethical dilemmas requires balancing compassion with integrity. While it is important to empathize with Aman’s struggles, supporting him in unethical behavior would compromise both his future and the values of fairness and honesty. By guiding him toward ethical alternatives and offering genuine support, you can help him overcome his challenges while upholding moral principles. This approach not only safeguards his credibility but also reinforces the importance of integrity within the academic system.