Analyze the 2012 Penn State scandal using ethical thinking and the Essay

Analyze the 2012 Penn State scandal using ethical thinking and the various ethical theories - Essay Example A majority of high-level university officials were charged with perjury, dismissed or suspended for covering up the activities by failing to report to the authorities. The sexual assault charges were brought onto Jerry Sandusky for sexual assaulting at least eight underage boys near or on the university property with the full knowledge of some university officials who failed to intervene or report to the appropriate authorities. The grand jury trial dropped four of the 52 charges against Jerry Sandusky who was found guilty of 45 of the 48 counts of sex assault charges, and he was sentenced to 30-60 years in prison. This paper seeks to discuss ethical thinking and ethical theories involved in the above-mentioned case. The 2012 Penn State scandal raises some very important and crucial ethical questions regarding the incident that saw top ranking university officials cover up sex assault activities of a member of staff. On their part, the members of staff who did not report Jerry Sandus ky’s activities to the authorities or take pre-emptive measures to intervene illustrate negligence. It was the responsibility and it still is for every individual in society to report sex abuse crimes to the authorities. ... Revelations that brought Jerry Sandusky’s sex abuse charges cast Joe’s ethical responsibility in a different light that negates his role as coach and protector of his charges. Many ethical issues abound regarding this case because of its multifaceted nature in terms of rationale and perspectives. It can be construed that the university’s officials failed to report on the sex abuse cases for fear of damaging the university’s reputation. On the other hand, the plight of the abused underage boys comes into sharp focus as to what was more important between the university’s reputation and their wellbeing. According to Gigerenzer, bounded rationality is an idea in decision making that stipulates the rationality behind decision making. It states that decision making in individuals is limited by the amount of information available to them with regard to the subject in question. The finite expanse of time available to them in making the decision and their co gnitive limitations are also considered in this approach towards decision-making (Gigerenzer, 2010). The theory of bonded rationality terms rationality as an optimization tool that facilitates decision making in finding an optimal solution concerning the information available. Bounded rationality provides the decision makers with the option of arriving at decisions that are viable under their presenting circumstances. In essence, this means that due to limited resources like sufficient information and time, an individual is applies their rationality only after simplifying their choices (Hinman, 2011). This means that the arrival at a decision that ensures an optimal solution is not critically considered as paramount compared to the available simplified choices. In the case of the Penn State scandal, the officials

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Reflection - Essay Example erg’s comments on sexuality and oppression are very insightful, it appears as though she can take any gesture, action, or viewpoint and show how it is literally or symbolically oppressing women. One of the most bizarre analyses that she proposes comes from the section of her chapter that touches on a man holding open the door for a women. She mentions that this is viewed positively and negatively by our culture, but that symbolically it holds completely negative meanings. Rothenberg compares this act to a slave performing for the master, and in turn, argues that it is mocking the woman’s position in society because the woman is always the one taking care of the man. Most men are not holding open a door for a lady to mock, abuse, or belittle her. This is an act out of respect that is meant to honor the presence of the woman and make sure that she knows that the man cares about her. A poll could be taken by every man in America and none of them would say that they have held open a door for a lady to intentionally oppress them or mock their existence. Rothenberg also makes reference that a woman, no matter how she dresses, behaves, or is sexually active or non-active sh e is perceived as wanting sex and, therefore, wanting to be raped. This is an absurd notion that anyone with a useful brain can understand that no person desires to be raped; and therefore, no person should believe that the woman would want to be raped regardless of any stereotypical behavior that she may or may not perform. While the author mentions many examples similar to rape and holding the door, she does provide a very strong analysis of multiple social factors all equally restricting women in her bird cage metaphor. If we look closely at just one wire on the cage, or an individual social factor, we cannot comprehend how it is being restrictive or oppressing the victim. On the other hand, if we take a few steps back and analyze all of the wires together, or all of the social factors