1. Explain the actions of each character using one of the ethical theories discussed in the textbook. How would you have behaved if you were in the same position as Jean Grey in this case?
On the basis of common morality, the characters in the book can be understood to have made their own decisions towards what they perceived to be the general principles by which people should live and interact with one another. Professor Xavier's concern for Jean Grey's problems seems evident in his valuation of her issues and desire to listen to her problems. These concerns underlie a deeper commitment to a common good. This commitment is an indication of his own moral framework, which is based on the need to establish a common doctrine of personal responsibility. For this reason, his focus should be largely on ensuring that Scott understands the ramifications of his actions and the impact that this will have on the larger organization that he belongs to. Understanding this is important in relation to his personal position regarding the actions of both Jean Grey and Scott. These actions can be considered in light of the personal commitment towards ethical action that can be viewed in their characters and actions (Harris).
Jean Grey expresses a similar aspect of common morality in her desire to commit towards an ethical and equal based classroom. Her view of Scott's cheating seems to indicate that she sees a level of corruption in his actions and sees them as being a degradation to the common good. For this reason, when seeing that Professor Osterman did nothing to specifically punish Scott for his actions, she decided to take it up with the professor. Her personal moral framework of common cause seems to underlie a need for justice that is indicated in her valuation of the actions of Scott. Rather than going to him herself she took it up with the relevant authorities, indicating a strong aversion to personal bias in regards to the systems of justice to which she ascribes. These principles are demonstrated in her activity within the text and her personal application of will in relation to the issue. In exposing the actions of Scott, her personal ethical position becomes evident (Harris).
Scott Summers is, finally, the underlying character of ethical question involved in the case. In this sense, his view that cheating could be justified for the intent of doing well on the test seems to indicate a strong aversion to the practices of moral consideration. For this reason, it is evident that there is a variety of personal consideration that can be seen to go into the generalization of moral reasoning. This indicates a strong personal commitment to doing well which is in itself an important concept. However, his private actions seem to be at odds with his public ones and this exhibits the personal bias that has been directed at him by Jean. For this reason, there is an important consideration of the basic way in which these ideas have been presented by the actors within the text (Harris).
2. According to the NSPE code of ethics, what is Professor Xavier’s ethical obligation in this scenario?
According to the NSPE it is necessary to not only avoid harmful actions and uphold the integrity of clients, but it is also necessary to not be deceptive. For this reason, Professor Xavier has the ethical obligation to ensure that either Scott is terminated or he is no longer going to cheat on his exams. This is essential in order to ensure that he is maintaining the best practices of the ethical organization to which he belongs. It is necessary to ensure that he commits to the best practices outlined by the organization as a whole. These practices are evident in the primary responsibility that is assessed in regards to these ideas. In doing so their personal obligations should be considered towards the public interest. This interest is essential to maintain in respect to dignity of the organization's larger values. For this reason, it seems that the obligation of Xavier is primarily to the greater good. It would seem that Jean's actions might have pointed out a moral dilemma in relation to the values of Scott and Osterman.
In helping him understand that self-interest is a primary impediment to ethical action, Scott can be better informed regarding the consequences of his actions. This dictates that he should consider the possibility that cheating on the test could result in actual real-world dangers to those that are being serviced by his work. The fact that engineers are people too should be considered in relation to the overall capacity of their organization to prevent the use of unethical methods in order to succeed. This can have drastic and lasting impacts on not only the individual's career but on public safety as well. For this reason, it is essential to develop a framework by which the actions of Scott can be delineated from the basic principles of the organization as a whole. While it may have only been a single action, his decision demonstrates a more profound lack of consideration for his moral and ethical duties. This would indicate that Xavier has the duty to discipline Scott in the way that he sees most fit in order to ensure that the actions will not continue.
3. Do Professor Xavier and Professor Osterman have the same ethical obligation in this scenario? Use the line drawing method to explain your answer to this question.
While Professor Xavier has the obligation to uphold the integrity of the organization as a whole, Profssor Osterman has the need to ensure that he is providing his students with the most effective education. In counseling Scott, Osterman was presumably attempting to convey the importance of the things that were taught. In contrast, Xavier has a commitment to the general success of the school. This seems to indicate that they do not necessarily have the same obligations. The values that they present seem to dictate a basic contrast in relation to the importance of upholding a strict moral framework. This is evident when viewing their specific perspectives in relation to one another. In order to do so it is necessary to create a specific scenario in which the basic lines that are presented can be better understood. In this sense, it is necessary to consider the primary doctrines of preparedness for the eventual isolation of certain criteria for the objectification of these ideas.
This problem can be resolved by having these individuals agree on specific terms and concepts related to the moral good. In pursuing this distinction it is necessary to establish a strong commitment to the basic premise upon which these ideas are built. In relation to Xavier, it would seem that the line that must be drawn is when a student profoundly disrespects the moral fabric of the larger organization. On the other hand, Osterman must maintain respect within his classroom and this can only be considered in relation to the objective sense of value that is placed on his capacity to teach. The premises by which these ideas seem to be challenged in a moral sense are an essential characteristic of these findings. In establishing the underlying relationship between these ideas it is necessary to consider the basic requirements of ethical modeling. This can help to maintain a deeper sense of purpose when pursuing the framework upon which these notions can be built.
While it is evident that sometimes agreement is impossible in this sense, it is also necessary to challenge the principles by which these ethical ideas are expressed. This seems to indicate that, while Xavier espouses a moral need to establish objective doctrines of moral action it is also the case that Osterman is dedicated towards the level of dignity and presumptive bias that can be seen in the actions of his student. The actions of both Scott and Jean can be understood in relation to their specific moral outlooks, which maintain a basic desire to accommodate the activities that they live by. In this sense, it is necessary to consider the underlying principles that they have demonstrated in their actions and purpose. This will, it seems help to demonstrate the level of commitment that both Xavier and Osterman have to the principles of ethical action that they are obligated to. In doing so, a more considerable amount of objective and rational intelligence can help to influence a more profound distinction among these two individuals.
Works Cited
Harris, Charles E. Engineering Ethics. 2009. Print.
