Ethics and Legal Environment

In this first assignment, the focus is on the ethical theories discussed in Unit 1. Consider the following scenario faced by the Volkswagen Automaker:

A Volkswagen engineer was directed to create defeat device software to temporarily cheat on emissions tests by turning pollution controls on only when being inspected by regulators. The engineer did not initially object based on moral views and intended to do as directed. However, before acting on the intention, the VW engineer became aware that the U.S. government was taking a much tougher approach to corporate wrongdoing and a company was harshly punished recently for violating government environmental regulations. Because of the new inconsistency between the anticipated and actual outcomes, the engineer begins to have second doubts about the intention.

Select and define three ethical theories discussed in Unit 1. Explain the differences between each theory and how each might be used in recommending a course of action to be taken by the Volkswagen engineer.

• Include a cover page and references page in 10–12 point font (Arial, Courier, and Times New Roman are acceptable)
• Include an introductory and concluding paragraph and demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard English
• Use examples to support your discussion
• Cite all sources on a separate reference page at the end of your paper and cite within the body of your paper using APA format and citation style