Ethical Dilemma: Edward Snowden's Actions and Whistle-blowing

Case Study

Table of Contents
1. What values are in conflict in this case? What harm did Snowden cause? What benefits did
his actions bring?.........................................................................................................................3
2. Do you agree that Snowden's actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited?
Why or why not? Make an argument by weighting the competing values in this case?.............3
3. If you were in Snowden's position, what would you have done and why?.............................3
4. Would you change your position if you knew that Snowden's leak would leads to a loss of
life among CIA operatives? What about if it would save lives?..................................................4
5. Is there a circumstances in which you think whistle-blowing would be ethically ideal? How
about ethically prohibited?...........................................................................................................4