Infusing Ethics and Ethical Decision Making into the Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract This chapter argues that education in ethics, in particular ethical decision- making, is urgently needed as a positive approach to academic and professional integrity. Stand-alone courses on ethics should be offered, and content dealing with universal standards and discipline-specific ethical dilemmas should be appropriately embedded within multiple courses, across the curriculum. In this way, students can be better prepared for the types of ethical situations they will undoubtedly encounter and hopefully be inspired to lead lives characterized by integrity. Fortunately, opportunities for ethics education are growing with indi- vidual courses, full programs, and even ethics-focused centers, now available on many university campuses. Such programs may be particularly important in professional programs (such as business), where unethical behavior can have particularly serious social consequences. In order to be fully effective, it is impor- tant that such opportunities employ active learning pedagogies, so that students are not only exposed to ethical philosophies and frameworks, but additionally have the opportunity to debate, apply, and internalize context-specific lessons, in order to develop essential skills and attitudes. Universities should also work to ensure that such courses are offered within a broader context of integrity; when faculty and administrators do not themselves uphold ethical standards of behavior, the legitimacy and effectiveness of educational offerings are jeopardized.