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Case Study: Ethics

      The moral principle that governs people’s behaviors or how they conduct themselves during their engagement is crucial. Ethics is an important virtue that enables individuals to make the right decisions. Additionally, it allows people to find auspicious solutions to any identified problems that are impartial to all the affected parties. For instance, Midshipman X being unable to decide between saying the truth, which would mean giving his best friend out Midshipman Y or Lying to protect his long-term friend Midshipman Y. Therefore, this case study identifies the specific problem faced by Midshipman X that needs a decision and, subsequently, provides its solution. Additionally, it provides a detailed case scenario that links to the issue and the solution. Moreover, it gives any probable potential risks to the given answer.

      Section 1: Specification of the Problem and Solution

      The main and specific problem is Midshipman’s inability, to tell the truth, which in turn might affect his long-term friendship with Midshipman Y; and lying to protect his friend, which could, in turn, lead to his expulsion from the Academy. Consequently, the solution to the problem is a deontological theoretical approach in handling ethical issues. The approach dictates that an action might be right with a contradicting outcome – which could be either wrong or unjust. Similarly, an action might also be wrong, but with a just or right outcome. Therefore, the outcome does not determine the action. Hence, Midshipman X should focus on taking the right action – which is saying the truth – as a solution to the dilemma – without considering how it will affect their friendship.  

      Section 2: Details of the Case of Study

      The midshipman dilemma comes into play when Midshipman X is waiting outside the office of the Inspector general of Naval Academy. Being that he was unsure of whether his friend Midshipman Y cheated in the test or not was even more confusing. To make it worse, considering that the three honor concept principles were very clear on unethical behaviors. Therefore, the Midshipman X was confused between saying the truth, which could compromise his friendship with Midshipman Y. Consequently, lying to the inspector general would be against the honor concept principles of Midshipmen. Therefore, the only solution that serves justice to the parties involved in describing the occurrence of events, truthfully. The proposed solution will be the right course of action in which the outcome will serve justice.

      Section 3: Specific Action Plan and Potential Risk.

      The specific action plan for the solution is that Midshipman X should make his friend Midshipman Y aware of his decision at the inspector general’s office. Additionally, he should describe the happenings of the events into details for justice. Notably, the most feasible potential risk of this solution is that his best friend and a long-term colleague might be expelled or be forced to pay the fine of equivalent to the tuition fee. Additionally, the inspector general might ask him why he failed to report such malicious activity. Therefore, the potential risk is a result of the failure of the solution to consider the outcome to make an action.