Identify and briefly describe an ethical issue that you are facing now in your own life. If you are not
facing an ethical issue now, choose one you have faced within the last year. It can be related to your
employment, a class situation, organized sports, a religious organization, etc. Be clear about the facts of
the situation but keep your description of the dilemma brief. Your score is based largely on your
analysis, not your story telling. Use the limited space you have to analyze your dilemma based on the
material you read and listened to for this assignment. (Note: If your dilemma is unrelated to white collar
crime, you do not need to reference the audio you listened to in your assignment.)
Using what you learned from the reading and audio, analyze your situation and dilemma. For example,
consider the following:
Are you facing an ethical dilemma or a moral temptation? If it is a moral temptation, find an
ethical dilemma to analyze.
Are you using rationalizations in dealing with the ethical issue you are facing?
Full Answer Section
Analysis:
In this scenario, the data scientist is faced with a
moral temptation. While it might be tempting to prioritize job security and avoid confrontation, the potential harm caused by the software's discriminatory use outweighs these concerns.
The data scientist could be using
rationalizations to justify inaction, such as:
- "It's not my job to get involved in company policy." This rationalization shifts responsibility onto others and avoids addressing the ethical implications.
- "I'm just one person; I can't make a difference." This rationalization downplays the potential impact of reporting the issue.
To address this ethical dilemma, the data scientist should consider the following:
- The potential consequences of inaction: The discriminatory use of the software could lead to wrongful arrests, imprisonment, and other harms.
- The company's values and ethics: If the company claims to prioritize fairness and equality, the data scientist can argue that their actions align with these values.
- The potential legal implications: The company could face legal action if it is found to be complicit in discriminatory practices.
By carefully considering these factors, the data scientist can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Sample Answer
Hypothetical Ethical Dilemma:
Scenario: A data scientist working for a large tech company discovers that the company's facial recognition software is being used by law enforcement agencies to disproportionately target and arrest individuals from marginalized communities.
Dilemma: The data scientist faces an ethical dilemma: whether to report the issue to the company's management or to remain silent and keep their job.