Some people believe that you can tell who a person is by what they do when no one is looking. Let’s look at the following case.
John Doe, a nurse, has downloaded an application to his phone that allows him to download copyrighted textbooks for a nursing course (that Doe is going to take) without his Internet Service Provider knowing it. The application is called “Cloak” as in cloak of invisibility (a hooded coat one wears to make it so others cannot see you). The application disguises his phone and makes it so the information on it is inaccessible. John is aware that other people who are working and attending nursing school (like him) also use this software program for the same reason (and to save money). John Doe knows that his religion forbids him from using this application to download in this manner. John Doe is focused on his own economic situation and does not consider the publisher, author, and others involved in the books.
Think about a course of social action; what social values should be used to address this moral issue and conflict.
This scenario raises several ethical and moral considerations, touching upon issues of privacy, intellectual property rights, personal responsibility, and adherence to religious beliefs. Addressing this moral issue requires careful consideration of social values that promote fairness, honesty, respect for intellectual property, and adherence to personal principles. Here’s a course of social action based on these values:
- Promotion of Intellectual Integrity: Emphasize the importance of intellectual integrity within the nursing profession and academia. Stress the significance of respecting copyright laws and the efforts of authors and publishers in creating educational resources.
- Education and Awareness: Implement educational programs and workshops within nursing schools and healthcare facilities to raise awareness about the ethical implications of using software like “Cloak” to circumvent copyright laws. Foster discussions on the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals in accessing educational materials.
- Encouraging Legal Alternatives: Provide information and resources about legal and affordable alternatives for accessing textbooks and educational materials. Advocate for the use of open-access resources, library resources, and discounted student versions of textbooks.
- Ethical Decision-Making Training: Integrate ethical decision-making training into nursing curricula to equip students with the skills to navigate complex moral dilemmas like this. Encourage students to reflect on their actions and consider the broader consequences beyond personal gain.
- Respect for Religious Beliefs: Recognize and respect John Doe’s religious beliefs while also emphasizing the importance of adhering to professional and ethical standards. Encourage dialogue and support systems within religious communities to help individuals reconcile conflicting moral obligations.
- Responsibility to Stakeholders: Highlight the interconnectedness of stakeholders involved in the creation and dissemination of educational materials, including authors, publishers, educators, and students. Emphasize the importance of considering the impact of one’s actions on all stakeholders and promoting fairness and equity.
- Legal Compliance: Reinforce the importance of legal compliance and the consequences of engaging in activities that violate copyright laws. Encourage individuals to seek legal advice and support if they encounter difficulties in accessing educational materials through legitimate means.
By addressing this moral issue through a lens of social values such as fairness, honesty, respect, responsibility, and integrity, society can work towards fostering a culture of ethical conduct and accountability within the nursing profession and beyond.