Why Cheating Is Unethical

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When referring to the concept of cheating, there are many definitions that a person may think of. According to Dictionary.com, there are three ways of viewing the term and thus three corresponding definitions. Nevertheless, the unified theme in the idea of cheating is the use of fraud, deception, and dishonesty (Random House Dictionary). Unfortunately, this is a notion that is continually acknowledged as acceptable. One scenario that is commonly concentrated on is the act of cheating in education.

Louise asked:

What I regard as cheating is considered OK by many American university students — one survey revealed that as many as 75% of the interviewed students had purchased essays, term papers or even their masters theses from other writers, usually through online "paper mills", instead of doing their own work. One student responded to the question Why do you cheat? by saying "If you're not cheating, you're not trying." I am bitter and struggling for my grades and wish I could find a way to rationalize cheating, because it seems I am being a sucker by not doing it. Is there a new philosophy that makes cheating laudable because it is so prevalent and because there is no benefit to not doing it except a feeling (useless) of virtue?

(Klempner).

Although the thought of cheating is largely considered an acceptable practice, it is completely unethical in various principles. In this essay, my goal is to convey the principle that cheating is unethical according to virtue, deontological, consequential/utilitarianism ethics and moral relativism. Moreover, I will explain why everyone should agree that cheating is a detrimental action that should not be encouraged.

In order to achieve this lofty goal, my paper has been arranged int...

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...erent basis, each basis depends on rational decision-making skills. Those who do not employ rationality should not be applauded for using underhanded methods for personal success and although a group may unify in irrationality, if you maintain your morality you will always prevail.

Works Cited

Gowans, Chris. "Moral Relativism." 9 December 2008. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 24 February 2011 .

Klempner, Geoffrey. The 10 Big Questions. 1999. 21 February 2011 .

Martin, Clancy, Robert C. Solomon and Wayne Vaught. Ethics across the Professions: A Reader for Professional Ethics. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Random House Dictionary. "cheat." 2011. Dictionary.com Unabridged. 21 February 2011 .

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