Kant On Cheating Analysis

Graduating from a Jesuit high school and university has instilled in me the will to do what I, and most people, consider to be fair, honest, and morally right. Both institutions not only provided an exemplary education but supported me as I grew into the man I am today. Through the Jesuit education I inherited the moral philosophy of being a man with and for others. Keeping this goal in mind I participated in a multitude of retreats which shook me to my core and allowed me to realize how precious the bonds we create with family and friends are. I desired to broaden my view of the world during my freshman year at Saint Joe 's. Despite my nervousness, I decided to take an English class which incorporated service. This gave me a chance to go …show more content…
The consequences I thought of when cheating had to do with punishments that others as well as myself and Elizabeth. Cheating has deeper consequences both physical and moral. In cheating I am also being deceitful to my classmates and teacher by not getting the grade I have earned via hard work and studying. I find that if I were to cheat on an exam of this magnitude it might lead to anxiety or remorse in the future. It might also hurt my performance in the medical field. The SFE is testing to see if the students have learned what they need to have a job in this profession. I would rather pass on my own and be successful in the medical field than cheat and be subpar. If I am unable to pass the test I can keep studying and trying until I succeed or change my career path to better fit my person. The only issue I find in following through on handing the exam in, like deontology says we should do, is because it asks to much of us. Following the principle in its entirety is impossible as there is no person who is perfectly moral. I think that most people act immorally on a regular basis. It would be wrong for me to give the exam to Elizabeth but I think I would be able to live with myself if I did it. I would in no way hold any remorse if Elizabeth were to cheat and successfully pass the SFE. At this point I can cross off the option of me cheating on the SFE. Kant’s principles reaffirmed and expanded upon my initial opinions and thoughts that I formulated through my own moral reasoning. But, I am still I unable to decide whether I should give the SFE answers to Elizabeth or return them to the administration. As I expressed in my initial thoughts there are potential benefits and consequences for each decision. Continuing, I will use a new style of thinking in the form of Mill’s utilitarian reasoning in the hope that it will assist me in tipping the