NRI Institute of Medical Sciences Ethical Dilemmas Discussion

250 words only each 

1. Discussion Board Topic:  Using your text and the materials we have reviewed so far, and then doing online research to help formulate your answer (please use citations), create a process for identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas.

You can use a mashup of various ideas, or make your own entirely.  An example can be found at this link: http://www.acping.net/resources/articles/resolving-ethical-dilemmas-workplace.  Please do not not directly and do not use an idea without citing your work. 

Discussion Board Guidelines:  After answering these questions, using the materials and ideas we reviewed up until this point, please review your classmates’ answers and respond to at least two.  In your responses, please add to the conversation – add a new thought, point out something that is missing, ask a relevant question, reflect on an interesting thought, etc.

A rubric has been provided. 

2. Discussion Board Topic: After reading the text and listening to This American Life, answer the following:  what was happening in Trenton?  How are the decisions being made, such as should we pay more or less taxes or should we remove more government, actually ethical decisions?  What “blueprint” can you use to make these determinations and what is the analysis you would follow?  How would the concept of utilitarianism be applicable to the situation in Trenton?

Discussion Board Guidelines:  After answering these questions, using the materials and ideas we reviewed up until this point, please review your classmates’ answers and respond to at least two.  In your responses, please add to the conversation – add a new thought, point out something that is missing, ask a relevant question, reflect on an interesting thought, etc.

3. Discussion Board Topic:  Law enforcement agencies often set up sobriety checkpoints on major roadways and highways – especially on weekends, holidays, and other times when people are more likely to be drinking.  In theory, checkpoints can get unsafe drivers off the road, as well as deter would-be drunk drivers from getting on the roads.  At the same time, some argue that checkpoints are not only inconveniences, but serious infringements on privacy rights.  Who is affected by these checkpoints?  For all affected, what good comes from checkpoints?  What harms?  Are there long-term consequences?  Are there indirect or unintended consequences?  Do the overall good effects outweigh the overall harm caused?

4. Discussion Board Topic: Undercover police work necessarily requires that officers of the law participate in activities that would, under most circumstances, be deemed illegal.  For example, police have been noted to transport drugs into prisons, launder drug money, fence stolen goods, and print counterfeit money.  These and many other examples involve law enforcement officers’ willingly and knowingly engaging in behaviors that are legally prohibited for the sake of gathering evidence against other criminals.  Except in cases in which officer behavior goes well beyond what is necessary for their role, they are immune from prosecution.  Relying on one or more of the normative theories outlined in the text above, what moral issues are presented by undercover police work?  Do the ends justify the means?  Where might be draw the line between moral and immoral.