2. Analytical skill building In this section I will attempt to show how this course has affected my reading, writing, and thinking skills. During the duration of this course, we have had different types of assignments to accomplish. Consensus reports- where students discuss issues of ethics and write a report specifically listing the opinion of the issue. Reflection paper- Critically examining the issues, each student was required to submit a summarized analysis.
3. Consensus report My first attempt at this was ok, but it could have been better. For example here is an excerpt from my first Consensus report: “…Mr. Lopez, we as a class generally agree that the company did not violate Mr. Lopez’s civil rights. We feel that due to the damaging statements…” The problem I had, being unfamiliar with this type of writing, was being specific enough. In future reports I avoided such phrases as “we as a class” and kept a better focus.
4. Reflection paper With this type of paper, I was able to implement scientific writing, keeping the point as simple as I could. With scientific writing, the goal is to state the purpose of the topic as close to the point as possible. Most of my classes at Kaplan University do not allow this type of writing and it was interesting using it for the complex topics this class involves. Looking back, both types of assignment had interesting challenges.
5. Knowledge Acquisition I have spent many years studying various philosophical and religious views on many of the topics covered in this class. Though familiar with these topics reviewing the material in the textbook offered modern arguments and breakdowns of all sides. However, there is still much for me to learn.
6. Thinking Clearly Going through the material, the textbook did a great job of exposing the various sides of each argument. Having a knowledge of an opposing point of view is crucial in understanding the importance of your own views. Also, more modern concepts like cloning, environmental issues, and affirmative action gave the entire class a great opportunity to examine their own beliefs.
7. Practical Application Studying any subject is great, but it is more important when we can apply it to our lives. Many times, we don’t even think of the ethical connection to our actions. During the course of this class, we studied the deeper implications and analyzed the ramifications.
8. A Little Taste To show how we can apply our studies to our everyday lives. In our first discussion we looked at freedom of speech vs. rights an employer has over an employee. This is an issue that I think everyone needs to consider. That although we do have rights, when we agree to work for certain companies or organizations, they can dictate our actions to an extent.
9. Lying/Cheating Another example comes with our examination of ethical results of lying and cheating. Cheating may have many forms but in the larger scale of the issue, it is the same as lying. My conclusion is that when we lie or cheat we actually weaken ourselves and gain false glory.
10. Assisted Suicide When we examined this subject, we observed the importance of human life and some of the important ethical issues in the medical fields. We considered the feelings of both the families and the patients and discussed the role of doctors involved in the situation as well. This was an especially hard subject for me, as personal experience from the recent passing of my Grandfather had involved such consideration.
11. Cloning We examined the bioethical responsibilities of science and the possible political outcomes of the issue of cloning. We examined some of the material involved and considered our own connection in the future if this science advances in our lifetime. I have always been fascinated with science and personally, I think this is an amazing field of study, but I believe that just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should.
12. Affirmative Action We approached the difficult subject of affirmative action and how it applies to us in today’s world. As this affects everyone who applies for a job, we discussed how it should be used, and if we could make it better. With this one, I’m not sure there is an answer that could make everyone happy, and improve our society.
13. Capital Punishment As I have stated earlier, we examined the value of human life but in this topic we expounded on the issue by looking at the ethical treatment of those of us who have committed extreme violent crimes. We considered what possible alternatives were available and if they were suitable to meet the demands of justice and vindication for society. I understand how important life is, but for us to live with a sense of justice, this may be a necessary evil.
14. Animal Rights In this, we reflected on the value of animal life, and the ethical responsibilities we have on their treatment. When we examine the way society treats these animals we must ask once again if there is a better way to accomplish the enormous task of feeding our population. I admit I like a good steak, but I also recognize the responsibility we have as the caretakers of this world. There is no excuse for our mistreatment of our planet and those we share it with.
15. Conclusion While there were many topics we examined, each challenged us to better define our beliefs and understand those in which we do not believe. We may not always make the best choice, but when we approach these issues, we look at both sides, weigh the facts, opinions, and possibilities and make our best judgment. While ethics will continue to be debated long after we are gone, it is important to factor the right and wrong of our actions, and make the outcome of our choices the most ethical ones. This class has given me a chance to refine my writing skills, focus my observation, and approach modern topics from different views from my own. The End
