CASE A: Identify 2 most relevant Obligations and Moral deals (underline them), then discuss

each of them in 1-2 sentences. Discuss 2 most plausible courses of action (1-2 sentences
only); then discuss 1 positive and 1 negative consequence for each course of action (1-2
sentences only). Lastly, defend your proposed best course of action for the indicated person
(3-6 sentences only) by clearly stating the fulfilled obligation/s, honored moral ideal/s, and
favorable consequence/s.
There are students who do not cheat on their online work but know that others do despite the
Academic Integrity Pledge they signed. In fact, Jim knows that his groupmate, Ann, cheats.
Ann knows that Jim is aware of it. They are friends. Several of their classmates are known to
do the same and continue to do so, thinking their Ethics professor is clueless. Jim’s
conscience is bothering him. Should he report his classmates, including Ann?
RELEVANT Obligations:
As a fellow student and a friend, it is Jim’s responsibility to help and guide Ann to properly
observe academic integrity and honesty in order to truly gain the benefits of education in her
overall development. Although it is also Ann’s utmost obligation to be aware of this, perhaps
her conscience is very weak to the point that she is failing to restrain her inclination to do an
evil act. Therefore, a helpful hand from Jim may be necessary in order to redirect her
motivations and actions toward the right path. Not only is it harmful for Ann and her
classmates, but the same goes for the professor as well. Aside from hindering the students
from further achieving intellectual flourishment, which is necessary for self-perfection,
academic dishonesty also violates the right of the professor as someone in such a field for
he deserves proper student behavior necessary for maintaining proper learning
environments through which all its members could benefit from.

RELEVANT Moral Ideal/s:

Given that Jim’s conscience is bothering him, such an occurrence implies that he puts great
value to honoring the truth and justice that his professor deserves as a human being and as a
person in the field. It also shows how much he values academic integrity and understands the
significance of it in one's life.
Plausible Course of Action 1:
Jim has the option to inform his professor directly about the numerous incidents in order to
help him understand the circumstances and develop ways to properly discipline his students
and correct their mistakes.
Positive Consequence 1a: Negative Consequence 1b:
His professor could possibly feel grateful Some of his classmates including Ann, his
for it and return the favor by providing Jim friend, may develop varying degrees of
academic incentives that could improve contempt and annoyance for him for being a
his grades in the course. It may also help “snitch” and for indirectly removing their ability
the professor understand the to cheat and ace the course easily. This may
circumstances and develop ways to also eventually cause Ann to decide to break off
properly discipline his students and correct their friendship in case her emotions go out of
their mistakes in order to achieve honest hand. Additionally, it is also a possibility for the
 academic excellence and benefit from the professor to take it very negatively and too
practice of integrity in the long run. seriously which may lead to the provision of
strict disciplinary measures and heavy
academic punishments that could, in worst case
scenarios, lead to suspensions, expulsions etc.
Possible Course of Action 2:
Jim has the option to gently and properly confront Ann and their classmates about the evil
nature and possible repercussions of their doings and educate them about the importance of
academic integrity.
Positive Consequence 2a: Negative Consequence 2b:
It is a possibility that Anne and her It is a possibility that Ann and their classmates
classmates’ conscience have grown weak are deliberately doing the bad act due to
and frail, hence opening the opportunity of laziness and convenience. With this, some may
redirecting their actions towards the good. listen to Jim, while some may also intentionally
With a proper explanation of the ignore it or react negatively to it which may
significance of academic integrity including hinder them from properly utilizing the true
the act of weighing the pros and cons, Ann purpose of education. This could also
and their classmates might as well eventually lead to the development of a gap
consider making changes and eventually between Jim and his classmates (including
start observing honesty and diligence. Ann) relationship.

Proposed Course of Action (Best Course of Action):

As we carefully analyze the 2 proposed options, perhaps it is safe to say that the second
course of action, which is to personally confront Ann and their classmates, is more favorable
than the other. Although some may disagree with Jim's remarks and see them in a negative
light, it will nonetheless give them, both those who are unaware of its gravity and are
deliberately doing it, the chance to realize the evil nature of the act and eventually make
corrections to their decisions while it is not yet too late. Although informing their professor
would also be plausible, it is however a risky 50-50% decision to make as it could either
imply the development of fair disciplinary measures to help the students improve or create
significant damage to their academic statuses which may range from failing the course to
being expelled. Although the damages may have already been done, a personal
confrontation provides at least the opportunity for the students to repair them and make up
for their mistakes by studying diligently and observing academic integrity to fully benefit from
the education given to them. This will in turn result to the observation of proper student
behavior, therefore allowing their professor to achieve his goal as an educator. Likewise, as
a friend, it is also Jim’s obligation to help Ann towards her own path to perfection. No man is
an island, for he is social by nature, therefore making this journey collaborative. Although it is
a possibility for Jim to receive negative reactions, his conscious and honest efforts may
eventually register with Ann and their classmates in the future and will help them develop
properly.