Ethical Dilemmas in Human Services Case Studies

Human Services -
Case Studies

Table of Contents
TITLE: “No-one has the right to intervene when they see someone else has done something
morally wrong”................................................................................................................................1
Case study 1: Michael.................................................................................................................1
Case study 2: Maria.....................................................................................................................2
Case study 3: Julia.......................................................................................................................3
Case study 4: Madeleine.............................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

TITLE: “No-one has the right to intervene when they see someone else has
done something morally wrong”
Case study 1: Michael
The temptation faced by Michael was in relation to the assignment. He could not
comprehends the assignment requirements properly and was very hesitant to enquire about the
same from his lecturer taking into account the premise that it may be considered his weakness.
Keeping into mind the consideration that he would fail his degree, he considered to pass the unit
in any manner possible so that he could get a good job. When he discussed the same matter with
his girlfriend, Maria, she agreed to help him. So, she did the whole assignment on his behalf. She
usually helped him with the assignments. However, when Michael received the work done by
Maria, he did not change anything in the assignment and submitted the same like his own by
signing the plagiarism declaration while being tempted by the thought that this would get him
access to a good job. The whole case indicates that he was tempted by the thought that the
submission of work done by Maria would make him achieve good grades and consequently get
him job in a reputed company. The choice made by Michael to sign the plagiarism declaration
but submit Maria's work as his own violated the ethics but he justified the same by stating that it
would get him a good job and had he not done so, he would have failed the degree. In this
relation, it has been identified that Michael justified his choices by stressing upon the Virtue
Theory. This theory focuses upon the role of virtue as well as character within moral philosophy
instead of either carrying out one's duty or acting in accordance with bringing good
consequences (Newton, 2017). Now, the application of Virtue theory of ethics is justified here
because Michael had often taken Maria's help in doing the assignments and not given her any
credit and called the same as his own. In this relation, virtue theory emphasizes upon good
consequences. This was ultimately reflected in the situation as Michael attained good grades and
on the basis of his academic records, got access to a job as manager in a reputed company.
However, it can be said that had Michael applied Kant theory, it would have implied different
ethical choice being made by Michael. This theory emphasizes upon the consideration of moral
principles while making a particular decision (Reamer, 2019). Now, the application of Kant
theory would have implied that Michael would either had not submitted the assignment as his
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