Is there an ethical responsibility to report instances such as murders, or is the burden not on their shoulders because they did not actually commit the crime? The individuals may or may not be responsible for acting on the knowledge, which they possess. Ethical responsibility involves the decision one must make based off of moral values, personal instincts and senses. Any individual, with the possession of knowledge, who is faced with a situation where a decision must be made is forced to weigh the possible consequences and outcomes of their actions and choices.
Depending on the individual and the extent to which they posses knowledge or have experience, the degree to which most will consider the ethical implications of the action will vary. Thus, the number of people within the situation will affect the individual’s perception within that scenario. It is not possessing knowledge in general, but instead it is certain information they know that will have an effect on someone or a situation if disclosed.
Humans, both male and female, find it challenging to make a decision, and face challenges when deciphering right from wrong when decision making, even if they are certain that they were wrong. However, the possession of knowledge does in fact carry an ethical responsibility for various reasons. For instance, when one witnesses a murder or observes a crime occurring, the individual must decide whether they you are going to be ethically responsible and reveal the information, potentially putting yourself in a dangerous position, or, keeping the information to yourself, meaning you will not help the victim.
There is conflict present in both of these circumstances, which allows one to ask, is it worth it to put yourself in a position, which could change your entire life? Unfortunately, many have adapted to an unequal and unfair society because those who posses knowledge choose to be ethically irresponsible and make a wrong judgment, often because it will benefit themselves. For instance, my cousin recently got in a car accident, and was aware that it was his fault.
However, the other driver believed it was their fault. Because my cousin possess knowledge and was certain that the accident was his fault, should he have or not have an ethical responsibility to report himself? He ended up reporting himself, because he was aware that it was ethically irresponsible for him to let the other driver take the blame and simply unfair. In addition, the other driver and my cousin worked out a fair deal without the involvement of police.
Not only did my cousin learn from this experience, but as a new driver, I learned from him from this experience, since doing the right thing, or making the more ethically responsible decision is always the most beneficial, especially in a serious circumstance such as a car accident. To conclude, there is definitely a decision to be made in every situation but the focus should be more on do they have an ethical responsibility to report instances such as murders, or is the burden not on their shoulders because they did not actually commit the crime?
The individuals may or may not be responsible for acting on the knowledge, which they possess. Obviously if you can help someone out you should be reporting what you witness, but with the car, it negatively affects you to make the ethical choice. In addition, emotion as a way of knowing can directly affect the decision one will make based off of their ethical responsibility. Every individual possesses emotion, and emotion is impacted by feelings, which will directly influence a choice of decision.
