Granted internet access to confidential personnel data.

      You've just loaded a cart full of groceries from the shopping cart into the trunk of your car. It's raining, and your toddler is throwing a tantrum. There's an empty parking space beside you, but the 'return shopping cart' corral is 20 yards away. Do you return the cart to the corral? You’re at work, and you realize you've somehow been granted internet access to confidential personnel data. You find out that the person who gave you that access is a work friend, but they weren't supposed to have access to that information either. Do you tell anyone? Your apartment was burglarized, and many things were stolen, including a television in your living room. That television, however, had been broken down, irreparably, and was worthless—you just haven’t had the time or money to replace it. Luckily you have renter’s insurance to cover your losses. Do you include the television in your insurance claim? Second: Explain how you would respond in that scenario and why. Your response should clearly connect to one of the 5 Main Ethical Frameworks below. Don't stop at "because that's what I think." Why is that what you think? Remember: to critically evaluate your understanding. Explain what your ethical framework is all about and how that informs how you act in ethically tricky situations. (I would do.... because my ethical framework is ___virtue ethics___ which says that.....) Divine-Command Ethics Consquentialism / Utilitarianism Deontological Ethics Virtue Ethics Relativism

Sample Solution

     

Scenario 1: Shopping Cart in the Rain

Response: I would return the shopping cart to the corral, even though it's raining and my toddler is throwing a tantrum.

Ethical Framework: Deontological Ethics

Explanation: Deontological ethics, as articulated by Immanuel Kant, focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, independent of their consequences. In this case, returning the cart is the right thing to do. It shows respect for others (shoppers and store employees) and contributes to a well-functioning society. Leaving the cart could damage it, inconvenience others, and make the store look messy. It's a small act of duty and consideration for the greater good.

Full Answer Section

      While the rain and tantrum present challenges, they don't change the underlying principle. Deontology encourages us to act according to universal moral laws, even when inconvenient.

Scenario 2: Confidential Personnel Data

Response: I would tell someone about the unauthorized access to confidential data, even though it means my friend might get in trouble.

Ethical Framework: Utilitarianism

Explanation: Utilitarianism, championed by John Stuart Mill, focuses on maximizing overall happiness and well-being. Here, confidentiality of personnel data is crucial for employee privacy and trust within the company. A data breach could have severe consequences for employees and the organization. While my friend might face repercussions, revealing the issue helps prevent potential harm to a larger group and protects the integrity of the system.

Utilitarianism advocates for actions that bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. In this case, disclosing the access issue, although uncomfortable, promotes long-term safety and trust within the company.

Scenario 3: Broken Television and Insurance Claim

Response: I would not include the broken television in the insurance claim, despite having renter's insurance.

Ethical Framework: Virtue Ethics

Explanation: Virtue ethics, as described by Aristotle, emphasizes developing good character traits for ethical behavior. Honesty is a key virtue. Here, the television has no value, and claiming it would be dishonest.

Virtue ethics teaches us to act in accordance with our values and strive to be a good person. Filing a false claim undermines honesty and could potentially harm the insurance system designed to protect people from genuine losses. It's important to act with integrity, even when the situation might seem advantageous.

 

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