Ethical Dilemma

Ethical Dilemma 1

Ethical Dilemma Essay- Week 1 Assignment

Baker College of Owosso

Sociology

February 22nd, 2017

Ethical Dilemma 2

Judging by the facts presented in this scenario, Robert is faced with a real dilemma. On one hand, he has to protect the burglars privacy because he informed him that all information provided will be confidential, on the other hand, it is unethical to have knowledge about a crime about to be committed and not disclose it. In this case, Robert must find a way to stand by his guarantee that he has given the burglar justice by upholding the code of ethics, standards of conduct, and applicable law (ASA Membership, 2005).

At this point, Roberts first duty as an ethical human being should be to protect the people that are about to get burglarized and potentially harmed. He should contact the authorities regardless of the code of ethics and standards of conduct. Even though by making this choice Robert would go against the American Sociological Association Code of Ethics, he would be following the law (ASA Membership, 2005). Therefore, not only does the sociologist have to comply with the American Sociological Association Code of Ethics, it is his “civic duty” to uphold the current law.

Robert should have been upfront with the burglar when he initiated the interview. He should’ve explained the code of ethics and the potential consequences. Sociologist follow the code of “Confidentiality and Its Limits”. The burglar should