preview

Is it Ethical? Essay

Better Essays

From a young age, individuals learn about what is right and what is wrong. According to Sandra Crosser, Ph.D., many young children do not have a clear understanding of right and wrong. As children grow, their views on the world develop. Many will argue that children gain their morals from their parents; others say that children get their morals from the people that they interact with. The development of morals is a topic of controversy in both the scientific and philosophical/ethical communities. When thinking about higher education and the role ethics play on the individuals, many psychologists and other professions have considered whether or not universities are capable of creating ethical individuals, or if students develop their ethics …show more content…

Chen, Dalton, and Crosby begin by discussing how, “moral and religious values were a centerpiece of institutional mission” (Chen). But these authors discuss as years pass, the value of ethical/moral education has changed. Chen, Dalton, and Crosby state, “By the 1960s, most colleges and universities in the United States, including many historically faith oriented institutions, had adopted a secular orientation that relegated matters of faith and religion to the private realm of students’ lives and increasingly to the periphery of academic life” (Chen). In the 1960s, ethics and morals were not as prominent in students’ education, as it had been in earlier years. “Over the past twenty years, concern has grown that American higher education is failing its legacy and responsibility for encouraging moral and civic capacities so critical in a democratic society”(Chen). Chen, Dalton, and Crosby are demonstrating why they believe that schools are responsible for creating ethical individuals. Chen, Dalton, and Crosby have heard “College officials [from schools where ethics courses are not required] are now reporting greater student interest and participation in campus organizations and activities that have a spiritual and ethical focus” (Chen). This example demonstrates that ethics are acquired before the individual enters a college and

Get Access