As college students, we all face ethical issues, some more than others. There are many ways to figure out whether or not you should or shouldn’t do something. Below is a list of some ethical examples. I will go over three of the four. Right away, you may think you know the answer, but you can never really know what you’re going to do when faced with these situations.
- Should I take a study drug that’s not proscribed to me?
- Should I cheat on a paper/exam/homework?
- Should I drink?
- Should I sleep with them?
I have personally had to deal with some of these scenarios, and these are my tips. But remember what might be right for one person might not be right for you.
1. Should I take a study drug that’s not proscribed to me?
I know there is a lot of pressure in college to get that 15-page paper done the night before it’s due, especially if you’ve put it off the whole semester. I would ask myself these questions:
A. Have I been on prescription study drugs before?
B. Is it worth harming my body?
C. Will I regret doing this?
If I answer no to question A, then I don’t move on to the next question, and then if my answer is no, I shouldn’t take a study drug that’s not proscribed to me.
2. Should I cheat on a paper/exam/homework?
A lot of times students will forget to do their homework before class. It happens a lot: With meeting friends, clubs and just general life, a homework assignment can be pushed aside. You then want to ask your friend in the class to copy their answers. I would ask myself these questions:
A. Could it hurt another peer if I get caught?
B. Is it worth failing the entire course for one homework assignment?
C. Does it feel right?
In this case, If I were to answer yes even just to question A, then I wouldn’t move on to the other questions, and my answer would be no. No, I shouldn’t cheat on a paper/exam/homework.
3. Should I drink?
One of the biggest experiences in college is being able to drink. Sure, you and your friends are getting ready to go out on a Saturday night. You heard about a friend who’s throwing a party and your friends want to go. There will be drinking there. You wonder if you should drink. I would ask myself these questions:
A. Do I have a safe drive home?
B. Is this a safe environment?
C. Will I regret it?
When it comes to drinking, safety is my number one priority. So if I answer no to question A, then my answer will be no. No I shouldn’t drink.
When it comes to ethics, you have ask yourself whether the choice is going to hurt you, hurt someone else or if you are going to regret it in the future. There are many more instances in which these questions can be applied. But if these questions don’t work for you then try making a pros and cons list and go from there. You can also ask a trusted adult or mentor. In college, there are many people you can talk to for advice, such as your dorm adviser, a guidance counselor or a professor.
