Activity 1
Choose one bioethical issue. Describe and write your own opinion about it. ( 300
words).
Suicide is a deeply complex and tragic act that involves the intentional taking of one's
own life. It's a global public health concern that transcends age, gender, ethnicity, and
socio-economic status, affecting individuals and communities worldwide. The reasons
behind suicide are multifaceted, often stemming from a complex interplay of mental
health issues, social factors, trauma, and individual circumstances.
In my view, discussing suicide openly and compassionately is pivotal in addressing this
sensitive issue. It's crucial to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, allowing
individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. Encouraging conversations about
mental health struggles and offering support networks can be instrumental in preventing
suicides. Building awareness and understanding around mental health challenges are
crucial steps toward early identification, intervention, and support.
Moreover, destigmatizing mental health disorders and emphasizing the importance of
seeking professional help can save lives. Accessible mental health services, including
counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention hotlines, should be widely available to
provide timely support to individuals in distress. Creating supportive environments within
communities and fostering a culture that values mental health and well-being can serve
as protective factors against suicide.
Additionally, addressing societal factors such as social isolation, bullying, discrimination,
economic hardship, and access to lethal means is imperative in suicide prevention
efforts. Strategies aimed at reducing these risk factors and promoting resilience,
connectedness, and coping mechanisms can significantly contribute to preventing
suicides.
Ultimately, suicide prevention requires a collective effort involving governments,
healthcare systems, educational institutions, communities, families, and individuals. By
prioritizing mental health education, removing barriers to accessing mental health
services, and fostering supportive environments, we can work together to prevent
suicides and provide hope and support to those in need. Every life lost to suicide is a
tragedy, emphasizing the urgency and importance of concerted action to address this
critical issue.
Activity 2
Answer the following questions.
A. List your top 3 personal values, not in any particular order.
Equality
Loyalty
Positivity
B. Do these values make you feel good about yourself?
Yes, because these are qualities that can contribute positively to one's
sense of self and well-being.
C. Are you proud of your top three values?
Yes
D. Would you be comfortable and proud to tell your values to people you
respect and admire?
Yes
E. Do these values represent things you would support, even if your choice
isn't popular, and it puts you in the minority?
Yes, personal values often guide individuals to support certain beliefs
or principles even if those choices aren't popular or if they place
them in the minority. People may prioritize their values over popular
opinion to maintain integrity and stay true to what they believe is
right.
F. What does it mean to have values?
Having values means having a set of principles or beliefs that guide
and influence your attitudes, behaviors, and decisions in life.
G. Why are personal values important?
Personal values are important because they serve as a guiding
framework that shapes decisions, behaviors, and priorities, providing
a sense of purpose, direction, and integrity in life.
Activity 3
Case Study (Baby Theresa)
Answer:
1. How do we put a value on human life?
H. It might be difficult to value human life, particularly in complicated situations
like the one involving Baby Theresa. Given her illness, the use of her
organs for donation in this instance raised ethical questions. But because
there are different moral, legal, and cultural perspectives, determining the
ultimate value of a human life—whether it be in terms of money or ethics—
remains morally difficult and subjective. Discussions concerning the
sanctity of life, the ethical ramifications of organ donation, and the quality of
life for those with life-threatening illnesses were spurred by this instance. In
the end, establishing a precise value for a human life is difficult, and moral
conundrums such as these frequently necessitate complex debates about
many ethical precepts and unique situations.
2. What should one do when there is a conflict between the law and one's
own moral position about an issue?
I. When facing a conflict between the law and one's moral position regarding
an issue, particularly in a case like Baby Theresa's, it's essential to seek
guidance from ethical principles, professional advice, and potentially legal
counsel. Individuals may explore avenues for advocating for changes in the
law through proper channels while considering the ethical implications of
their actions. Respecting the law is crucial, but navigating such conflicts
may involve engaging in ethical discourse, seeking legal advice, and
pursuing avenues to address the issue through appropriate channels, such
as legislative processes or ethical discussions in relevant forums.
3. If you were in a position to make the final decision in this case, what
would it be and why?
J. In case like Baby Theresa’s, a well-rounded strategy might put the infant's
palliative care first while still honoring her life and dignity and taking into
account the applicable legal and ethical frameworks at the moment.
Activity 4
Case Study (Emails Exposed)
Answer
1. Should universities be allowed to monitor student email and social media
accounts? If so, under what circumstances?
K. Universities should only monitor student email and social media accounts under
specific circumstances such as ensuring campus safety, complying with the law,
investigating academic integrity violations, and adhering to clear institutional
policies. In the case study "Email Exposed," if there was a breach leading to
public access to student emails, universities should take immediate steps to
address the breach, notify affected individuals, and prevent future breaches while
respecting student privacy.
2. What crosses the line between campus safety and invasion of privacy?
L. In the case study "Emails Exposed," the line between campus safety and
invasion of privacy is crossed when monitoring extends beyond necessary
measures to protect the safety of students and the campus community, infringing
excessively on the privacy rights of individuals. This could occur if monitoring
involves unwarranted and extensive surveillance of private communications
without legitimate reasons related to safety, compliance with the law, or
addressing specific concerns related to academic integrity or policy violations.
3. Are university rules regarding email and social media monitoring too vague? If
so, how can these rules be changed for more clarity?
M. Yes, university rules regarding email and social media monitoring might be too
vague in the case study "Emails Exposed." To enhance clarity, these rules
should be revised to clearly specify the circumstances under which monitoring is
permissible, outlining precise conditions related to safety concerns, legal
compliance, academic integrity, and policy violations. Providing detailed
guidelines and examples can offer students a clearer understanding of when and
why monitoring might occur, ensuring transparency and protecting privacy rights.
4. Should Robert have been punished for cheating in class if he did not know his
email was being monitored? What about his tutor?
N. Robert's right to privacy may be violated if he was punished only for
information gleaned from unapproved monitoring, even if he was not aware
that his emails were being watched. Concerns regarding the authenticity of
the evidence and the tutor's accountability for using it may arise in relation
to the tutor's use of information gleaned via unauthorized monitoring to
report Robert.
Activity 5
Make an acrostic about the importance of Ethics
E - Elevating moral standards,
T - Thinking conscientiously,
H - Honoring values and principles,
I - Implementing fairness and integrity,
C - Cultivating a responsible society,
S - Setting ethical benchmarks.
