The Disappearing Degree Case Study

In the ethical dilemma, “The Disappearing Degree,” a case study provided by the Institute for Global Ethics, the protagonist Connie, is head of a foundation and is one of a seven-member committee that funds arts programs and who is in the process of initiating the hiring of an important position of artists-in-residence for middle schools. After reviewing a résumé, that has also been submitted along with others to the remaining members of the committee, that belongs a well-known painter in the area Hamilton Craft, who has a national reputation and affable personality, that make him a viable candidate for project, the committee is ready to make the final decision. Connie has little doubt that the artist, would be selected as his qualifications …show more content…
Connie is in a quandary, as she now the tie breaking vote in a three to three deadlock situation as the other committee member have already voted. What should she do? Should she be intimidated to make a quick decision because of the not so veiled threat Craft gives her? This paper will provide a point of view of the author of this essay in the discussion as to what actions Connie should take, and will include how our early modern thinkers, Hobbes, Hume’s and Kant’s might have responded in this situation, consistent with their views on ethics and human …show more content…
Connie could have been beneficent and over looked Craft’s misinformation on the résumé, and given him the benefit of the doubt, but it is his not so veiled threat, where he violates the principle of non-maleficence. With this threat, he is willing to damage a foundation and a job that deals with children. Connie should have no problem in explaining why she will not give the final and tie-breaking vote for Craft; this foundation deals with young people and most likely has their priorities in line when it pertains to ethics and morality. After she explains to the three people who voted for him that he threatened the organization when questioned about a mistake he initially made, they will see that Crafts character that ended up being questioned and the deciding factor of not getting the