Ethics in an Academic Environment

Abstract

Attending The University of Phoenix, we are required in Gen 300 to write a research paper on Ethics in an Academic Environment. In this research paper, you will be able to surmise the ideologies of ethics in an Academic environment and how they both play a vital role in our everyday surroundings. We will also explain how Ethics in an Academic Environment affects everyone on a day-to-day basis whether positive or negative. These ethics play a vital role in our daily development. Ethics is the discipline of dealing with what is the right thing to do and practicing the Golden Rule. 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 little things that make the biggest difference. Michael Josephson outlines the pillars of Character as follows; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. (Josephson 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 much. 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 Josephson further discusses that, "The entire learning environment should advocate and inspire students to do the right thing." (Josephson 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 will 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 (Josephson 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