The Meaning of Ethics in Personal, Academic, and Professional Growth
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines how moral considerations affect human behavior. It entails consideration of the effects of beliefs and deeds. Simply said, everything that considers the effects on individuals and society as a whole, as well as the moral standards of society at a specific time, can be referred to as ethical (Gong, 2010). Being ethical in pursuing personal, academic, and professional advancement entails adhering to one’s values (Ahmad, 2013). Such a person is guided by moral principles that also help explain attitudes towards one’s behavior and that of others, how people respond to their errors and ethical transgressions, and why people resist engaging in morally challenging situations.
An ethical person can transform their life experiences into personal, spiritual, and moral precepts to bring good to society. Such a person will use the results of their labor to help people around them rather than harming others in the pursuit of their objectives. Morals and ethics govern people’s behavior in society throughout their lives; they direct individuals toward the actions and decisions that are deemed to be most appropriate. People frequently encounter circumstances where they are unsure of what to do, making it more difficult because both options have advantages and disadvantages. The principles that direct them in life clash in this situation.
An Ethical Dilemma and Its Resolution
When a person must choose between two morally virtuous options that may violate corporate policies, governmental regulations, or the law, this results in an ethical conundrum. To solve a dilemma, a difficult decision must be made between two contradictions. In a typical circumstance, a person decides based on their values and interests or chooses the best course for them. Following the truth or remaining loyal to a friend are just a few examples of ethical conundrums. Others include abiding by laws or norms instead of showing compassion for the misfortune of others and weighing the needs of one person against those of the community as a whole.
A moral dilemma differs from an ethical problem in that the focus is primarily on upholding the law rather than one’s conscience. However, the latter can undoubtedly make one consider breaking the law. An example of an ethical dilemma I encountered is an incident that happened to me recently.
During his studies, an acquaintance of mine informed me that he had stolen the answers to a test from a teacher and used them for his purposes. On the one hand, I did not want to betray my fellow students, but his actions were unfair to the other students. That is why I chose the principle of resolving an ethical dilemma, which is why I chose the option where more people would benefit. I had to tell the teacher his answers had been stolen, but I did not betray my acquaintance. Thus, the teacher changed the test, and all students got fair scores.
The Influence of General Education Courses on Ethical Values
General education courses have undoubtedly influenced my ethical values. I revised many of my actions and beliefs and created new values. It is now very important for me to serve society, and I realized this is my vocation. I realized that my skills could help me achieve all my goals, advance my career, and benefit those around me. It is worth mentioning that I have revised my social circle to include only those who share my point of view and are willing to sacrifice anything for the good of society. I have also learned to deal with ethical dilemmas during my academic and professional career.
References
Ahmad, A. (2013). A global ethics for a globalized world. Policy Perspectives, 63-77. Web.
Gong, Q. (2010). Virtue ethics and modern society—A response to the thesis of the modern predicament of virtue ethics. Frontiers of Philosophy in China, 5, 255-265. Web.