Case Study Number 2

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Point Park University *

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234

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Philosophy

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Apr 3, 2024

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1. Did McCoy do anything wrong? If so, what and why? Many would argue that McCoy committed a mistake in the Parable of the Sadhu case study. The main reason for this is his unethical actions. McCoy's resoluteness to adhere to his initial ideas despite the sadhu's suffering exposes his lack of compassion and disregard for human life. In addition to acting unethically by prioritizing his personal interests and those of his firm over the wellbeing of the sadhu, McCoy had a moral duty to help the sadhu. The cultural differences between McCoy and the sadhu may be the cause of his insensitive actions and his failure to see the need of helping people in need. 2. What can we say in McCoy’s defense? How might you construct a defense of his actions and argue he either did the right thing, or at least nothing bad? To McCoy's credit, he was dealing with difficult conditions involving several factors. The conditions and tools at McCoy's disposal restricted him. Given the difficult and inaccessible mountainous terrain and the pressing need to complete the mission and return safely, it's possible that he was unable to provide the Sadhu with any meaningful assistance. Furthermore, one may argue that McCoy's choice to take charge was influenced by the attitudes and actions of the other group members, who may have prioritized the mission and their own safety over the Sadh's demands. Finally, but just as importantly, it's possible that McCoy acted out of fear or concern for his own safety 3. If the Sadhu had been a child, or a beautiful Western woman, do you think McCoy would have gone to the top or stopped and helped? Why or why not? Should that matter? Had the Sadhu been younger or closer to today's beauty standards, McCoy very likely would have provided some assistance. People usually feel a stronger emotional connection to others who are weaker or in need of help, such women or children. Additionally, McCoy can feel compelled to assist a stunning western woman since he might be attracted to her. Consequently, I believe McCoy's response would have been very different if the Sadhu had been a young girl or a stunning western lady. The decision of whether to provide aid should be based on considering the welfare of all parties concerned as well as the values of morals and ethics, irrespective of the individual in need. When deciding whether to help someone in need, one
should take other factors into account besides their identity, such as their age, gender, or appearance. 4. How much should context matter in our analysis? a. Should our standards be different at 15-20,000 feet above sea level on a mountaintop in freezing cold temperatures? Our ethical standards shouldn't vary in these situations. I acknowledge that there may have been unique challenges and limitations brought on by the hash mountain environment, and it is imperative that McCoy consider these challenges and limitations. But in the end, moral and ethical principles should take precedence over the welfare of all parties involved when determining whether to provide help. But moral standards must always stay the same, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. b. How about when other individuals and groups are present? Does that make us more or less responsible? Although the existence of other individuals or organizations might affect our feeling of accountability in this situation, it does not necessarily relieve us of our own ethical duties, this may be the case with McCoy. However, social interaction may also increase our feeling of duty and spur us to action, particularly if we are a part of a larger group or team that shares our goals and values. c. What needs to change to shift the dynamic and create better outcomes for all stakeholders? Under situations such as the one described in the Parable of the Sadhu, it is imperative to modify the dynamics and provide improved outcomes for all parties concerned. To do this, moral conduct in communities and organizations must be given more priority. This may be made easier by putting in place unambiguous ethical guidelines and encouraging openness and responsibility. Rewarding ethical behavior is another way to strengthen a culture that supports moral behavior. To provide individuals with the information and inspiration they need to make moral decisions and take the appropriate action, more resources are also required. 5. McCoy seems to regret his decision to leave the Sadhu. It is a decision he made in just a few moments with little reflection, yet it has had a profound impact on the next 20-30 years of his life. What does this tell you about the challenge of living a good life? If moral dilemmas don’t come before us and
announce themselves, how can we do a better job of seeing them coming? What can be learned from moral mistakes? The Sadhu Parable illustrates the challenges and complexities of living a moral life. Under duress and with limited information, snap judgments can have far-reaching and permanent effects. This emphasizes how important it is to anticipate ethical dilemmas and take the initiative to recognize and address them. To better comprehend their ethical responsibilities, people should educate themselves on ethical ideas, take part in and engage in ethical debates, and develop the skills necessary to negotiate ethical challenges to better predict moral quandaries. Finding opportunities for development and implementing adjustments to promote ethical results. 6. How, if at all, does your view of other moral mistakes you read about (e.g. Enron, Bernie Madoff, the financial crisis) change in the wake of considering this case? Like several other parables, the Sadhu case parable highlights moral conduct and immorality's importance. In instances of other moral blunders, like Enron, the harm to society is even more severe and pervasive. Fundamentally, the principle remains the same which is maintaining confidence and trust in individuals, groups, and the community at large requires ethical behavior. Ethical conduct may have serious consequences for the individuals involved as well as for society at large, regardless of whether it stems from a quick judgment, as was the case with the Sadhu or from a widespread systemic issue.
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