Environment is the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded (Dictionary, 2007). Dealing with ethical morals within the academic setting becomes more apparent in keeping our focus on our end results. As a student Of any institution and having assignments or tests to complete, the role you play in ethics is very important. Living in today’s society, we make decisions for everything we do. In dealing with the environment and different daily tasks, we often make decisions that we sometimes regret. Those decisions are based on the situations we are involved in at that particular time.
This paper will explain different reasons why and how Ethics in an Academic Environment plays a part in the collegiate learning environment. Ethics in an Academic Environment We live in a fast paced world. In our quest for success, we seek the quickest and easiest way to get what we want. Most of the time, we never give any real thought to the role of ethics in our decision making. We want results and we want them now. When we take the time to consider what really matters in this world, our lives, and the lives we share with friends and family; it’s the title things that make the biggest difference.
Michael Josephs outlines the pillars of Character as follows; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. (Josephs M. S. , 2007) We agree that these are the essential ingredients necessary for an individual to develop integrity and a willingness to apply them to every purpose they undertake. We need to prioritize our decisions and base them on whether our desired outcome is ethically and morally right, even if this method of thinking and problem solving takes longer and delays the immediate results people love so such.
For this reason, colleges and universities as well as other institutions of learning, should address and incorporate into their curriculums classes that teach individuals the practices of commonsense, building character, and ethics. Michael Josephs further discusses that, “ The entire learning environment should advocate and inspire students to do the right thing. ” (Josephs M. S. , 2007) It is not enough to tell someone about ethics, but also support the individual for any effort they put forth to display the good qualities Of having morals, integrity, and a sense Of fairness.
Equally important is to be an example in our characteristics and values so that we can build trusting and lasting relationships with our classmates, instructors, and colleagues. In this way, we can shape the values and attitudes of others in a way that will be a benefit to all. It is important to be satisfied with your work and efforts. Cheating robs the individual of the satisfaction given from doing your best work. We would all do well to remember the rule of keeping promises. Herein lie’s another good character trait that helps to build trust.
We all are dependent on each other to a certain extent. We depend on the President and politicians to make laws that help and protect us. When ill, we depend on doctors to diagnose and treat us. We rely on all the various entities to have integrity, morals, ethics, and a culture of respect for themselves and others. They are in positions where compromising their standards and ethics could have disastrous results. Conversely, a college student is also faced with the choice of upholding these values and knowledge of any consequences both positive and negative.
Hopefully, they ill choose the answer that inspires them to enjoy the vigorous pursuits of knowledge and study, and the treasure of rewards that go along with them. One of the challenging aspects of ethics in an academic forum is academic dishonesty. Studies have shown that students are more accepting of cheating (Josephs M. S. , 2007). Most feel the pressure to succeed, so they will do things that they know are not always ethically correct. Socrates believed that this form of ethics, “ Knowing what we ought to do,” can be taught (Carroll, A).
Others feel academic dishonesty is a mind-set and that mind-set creates the preference between being taught and actually learning. According to The Journal of College Character, the aid of modern technology makes academic dishonesty easier than ever to get away with (Bernhard, D. , 2006). Websites, cell phones, laptops, and Pods are some of the tools enabling students to cheat and even plagiarism. “ The rational incentives to cheat have grown dramatically. “(Slater J. D. , 2006) Whatever the reason, the perception of academic dishonesty is receiving more and more attention especially on the college level.
This puts teachers in a dilemma to thwart attempts by banning ell phones, disabling the internet in classrooms, or even developing ways to check for plagiarism. Until we come up with a no tolerance attitude about academic dishonesty, students will continue to use it as a way to get ahead. All it take is the will to be ethically dishonest. Teams need to have trust in what they do and communicate with one another. Every team member has different talents. We must learn to accept diversity so that we can be enriched with the different talents, values, and mind sets that create that diversity into our everyday culture.
Individuals must also be open minded in order to establish communication. This concept is necessary to succeed and progress. You need various levels of communication so that an understanding can be reached to avoid possible conflicts. In this research paper, decisions play a big role in our daily activities. Ethics in an academic environment becomes essential to guide our thoughts processes and character. You often decide on things before you even realize how it will affect you in the future or in the next moment.
