Joe, a student taking a statistics course, was injured by a hit-and-run driver. The injuries were serious, and Joe was on a ventilator. Although Joe did recover, he required therapy for restoring his cognitive skills. He asked for more time to complete his course work, but the professor denied the request. Joe would have to reimburse his employer for the tuition if he did not complete the course with a passing grade. Joe's father works with stats a great deal. Joe's father took the course final for Joe, and Joe earned an " \(A\) " in the course.

Discussion Questions

1. What school of ethical thought does Joe's father follow?

2. Was Joe's father justified in helping Joe, an innocent victim in an accident? Does your answer change if you learn that Joe's father is an actuary?
3. List those who are affected by Joe's father's actions.

4. Can you think of alternatives to Joe's father's solution?

5. Evaluate the systemic effects if everyone behaved as Joe's father did.