The Quandary
Modeled after the NYT column “The Ethicist”
Responding to your ethical quandaries
Submit suggestions in the ‘Contact Us’ section to see your prompt responded to!
My friend asked me to join his group, but I’m a bit reluctant as he doesn’t care about his grades. What should I do?
I'm currently in a history class with an upcoming project where we have to make a documentary and students can choose their group members. My friend asked me to join his group. However, I’m a bit reluctant as he doesn’t really care about his grades and spends most of his time skateboarding and playing video games. I feel like if I let him into the group, it could put extra pressure on my other group members. But if I don't, it could also put pressure on our friendship. What should I do? Is it ethical to exclude certain classmates from a group project or team based on their perceived lack of skill or popularity?
I heard a close mutual friend of my best friend and I insulted my friend behind their back. Do I have a moral obligation to tell them even if it will only hurt them? Or should I keep it to myself?
“I heard a close mutual friend of my best friend and I insulting my friend behind their back. Do I have a moral obligation to tell them even if it will only hurt them? Or should I keep it to myself?“
My friend and I both used ChatGPT for our essays. He failed, I didn’t. What should I do?
“After all, an academic integrity violation comes with very strict implications, such as the school potentially informing prospective colleges, so why would you confess after getting away with it?“
My friend is struggling with some personal issues, do I involve myself?
“The ethical complexities of a friend’s struggle require respecting their autonomy, prioritizing their well-fare, and acknowledging the trust they placed in you.”
I critiqued my friend’s future career plans. Did I have the right to do so?
When you reflect on your career, your career should reflect you.“
Should I apply to my best friend’s dream college?
“Since your friend is so emotionally attached to this school, it is very natural for them to feel a sense of competition and start acting distanced. “
My best friend is cheating on his girlfriend. How do I interfere?
“I also don’t think he’ll take it seriously if I confront him. What should I do?”
My teacher used Chat-GPT for my recommendation letter. What should I do?
“If we are all reduced to our SAT scores or GPAs, data points on paper, when can we truly showcase our humanity?“