Assignment: Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Reasoning.
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Overview
This assignment invites you to engage deeply with ethical theories and apply them to real-world scenarios. You will examine dilemmas through one of the following ethical theories: Contractualism, Virtue Ethics, the Ethics of Care or the Future of Applied Ethics, with the opportunity to consider counter-arguments from any of the theories we have studied including Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.
Learning Outcomes:
#Professionalism: Communicate your arguments coherently, adhering to established guidelines, and undertake a meticulous editing process.
#Thesis: Construct a clear thesis statement that presents a firm stance on the given ethical dilemma and organizes your analysis.
#Ethical Conflicts: Address and propose resolutions to conflicts among competing ethical claims.
#Ethical Framing: Effectively frame ethical problems to facilitate their resolution.
#Ethical Theory: identify the main claims, concepts , criticisms and justifications of an ethical theory.
Instructions:
1. Selection: Choose “one scenario” from the list provided. You must select one appropriate Ethical theory from Contractualism, Virtue Ethics, Ethics of Care or the Future of Applied Ethics to analyze the situation. Include potential counter-arguments or perspectives from another theory including Utilitarianism or Kant’s Formulations of Humanity and/or Universalizability if you wish.
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2. Essay Structure:
For each scenario, follow the structure below (Introduction, body, and conclusion).
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Introduction____: Briefly introduce the scenario and your chosen ethical theory. End with your thesis statement.
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Body paragraphs:
o Discuss the ethical dilemma, applying your primary ethical theory. Address the moral status of stakeholders where appropriate and propose a course of action.
o Counter-Argument: Present a counter-argument using a different ethical theory. How might this perspective challenge or enrich your analysis?
o Resolution: Propose a resolution to the ethical conflict, justifying your proposal based on the ethical considerations identified.
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Conclusion____: Summarize your findings and reflect on the ethical complexities of the scenario.
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3. Scenario Selections – Choose ONE from the following list:
**Scenario 1: Students’ Voluntary Work During Ramadan vs. Completing Their Academic Work
In the context of Ramadan, university students in the UAE volunteer at a charity to distribute iftar meals, facing a dilemma between serving the community and meeting a crucial deadline for their capstone project. Analyze the ethical implications of prioritizing community service over personal academic achievements and explore arguments that favor individual success. Propose a balanced resolution addressing the importance of community welfare and personal growth.
**Scenario 2: Gas-guzzling SUV vs. Taking the Fast-Train Ride
Imagine there is a high-speed, comfortable train link between the center of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. If this were the case, and given the crisis of global heating, would it be morally unacceptable to drive your gas-guzzling SUV from Abu Dhabi to Dubai for a return day trip?
**Scenario 3: **_Migrant Workers in the UAE_
Ali’s family hires a migrant worker who seems sad, especially when talking to her children back home. The family considers ways to make her feel more supported and less isolated. Analyze the ethical theorythat emphasizes empathy and taking action to support those in vulnerable positions. How does recognizing and addressing the emotional and practical needs of others guide ethical behavior?
**Scenario 4: **_A corporation adopts sustainable practices with high costs vs. High Profits and Environmentally Harmful Operations_
A corporation faces a decision between adopting sustainable practices with high costs or continuing profitable but environmentally harmful operations. What does ethics say about balancing economic success with responsibility towards nature? Examine how virtues like integrity and respect for the environment can guide business decisions.
**Scenario 5: **_Access to AI vs. Personal Privacy_
A tech company develops an AI system that can greatly improve user experience but requires access to a lot of personal data, raising privacy concerns. How should the company balance the benefits of innovation with the need to protect individual rights? Dive into the ethical considerations of using AI responsibly.
**Scenario 6: **_Global Warming and Future Generations vs. Economic Development_
The global community debates whether to invest significantly in reducing carbon emissions, considering the impact on future generations against the current economic development. Explore the ethical duty to protect the environment for those who will live after us versus focusing on today’s economic growth.​
**Scenario 7: **_Labor Rights vs. Economic Growth_
In the UAE, the rapid economic development owes much to the labor force, which includes many foreign workers. How do we balance the workers’ rights for fair pay and safe conditions with the goals of economic growth and development? Discuss the ethical considerations of ensuring labor rights in a growing economy.
**Scenario 8: **_Environmental Sustainability vs. Urban Development_
As cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi expand rapidly, they face the challenge of balancing infrastructural and economic growth with the need to protect the environment. What are the ethical considerations in promoting development while ensuring environmental health and sustainability?
**Scenario 9: **_Tourism vs. Social Norms_
The UAE’s booming tourism industry introduces diverse cultures and lifestyles, sometimes contradicting with local norms and traditions. How should the tourism industry accommodate international visitors while respecting the ethical boundaries of local customs and laws?
**Scenario 10: **_Child Marriage_
You are hired by UNICEF to advise on their campaign to end child marriage around the world. They see child marriage as a harmful practice that threatens the lives, well-being, and future of girls. But they want to avoid accusations of imposing their values and norms on non-Western societies and disrespecting other peoples’ cultural traditions. How would you solve the dilemma using appropriate ethical theories?
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IMPORTANT NOTES:
Citations: Use at least** three** scholarly sources to support your analysis. Cite these sources according to the APA style.
Do not write about a dilemma that you have written about previously.
Follow your instructor’s guidelines on using AI tools – If your instructor allows using Grammarly or Quillbot, then if you use them, you MUST acknowledge where and how they were used.
Remember to use Footnotes to help you focus on the LO’s.
Extensions cannot be used for this assignment – so the Lateness Penalty will start as soon as the deadline is passed. For the first 48 hours late, you will not be able to receive a grade higher than a 3 for any LO. Then a 2 for the next 48 hours etc.
Length and Format: The scenario analysis should be** 1000 – 1,200 words** for the assignment. Use [Times New Roman/Arial] font, size 12, double-spaced.
Please include a **Cover page **with name, ID, Name of Course, Instructor, and scenario selected.
Write the word count at the end of the essay.