Using Debate to Understand How Unethical Decisions Can Be Made by Ethical Organizations

Peggy L. Hedges

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Using Debate to Understand How Unethical Decisions Can Be Made by Ethical Organizations

Peggy L. Hedges

University of Calgary, Canada

Volume 15: 2018 pp. 219-234: ABSTRACT

Debate can be a useful way to engage students with topics and stimulate discussion on what might appear to be a seemingly straightforward concept. This article describes a modified debate activity in which groups of six students debate preassigned topics in front of their classmates. The activity is designed to help students better understand how personal ethics and decision making can be influenced and challenged by various policies, procedures, and stakeholders. This article provides lesson planning suggestions, student handouts, and marking rubrics. This activity can be incorporated into any undergraduate or graduate level course that has content dealing with ethical decision making.