Moral based question:

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by Daseal

JoeRedskin, you're a lawyer. If there's a practice that's looked down upon, but a corporation can do it via a loophole. Is it wrong? Answer: absolutely not, it's legal. I'm just trying to find out what makes this situation any different in the minds of most folks.

But I would really compare this more to radar detectors. I am pretty sure they are legal in Md, if I drive into Va, and still use mine, because I wasn't sure whether I could have one but not turn it on or have one I bought out of state, etc, then if I get caught, it's not a loophole, it's a ticket.

A loophole is something that is legal, and most people who use loopholes find out the exact boundaries so that they know what they can and can't do. Anyone trying to use a loophole, while keeping intentionally unaware of the rules, is asking to be burned.

[Gmanc711]

In my opinion, you're just using the resources given to you. I know in high school with calculators like that, they just clear them all before the exam. If he flat out said, you cannot to x,y or z.... than its cheating. If there are no such rules against it, I think you're fine, and that exactly what I would probaboly do.

[Daseal]

But I would really compare this more to radar detectors. I am pretty sure they are legal in Md, if I drive into Va, and still use mine, because I wasn't sure whether I could have one but not turn it on or have one I bought out of state, etc, then if I get caught, it's not a loophole, it's a ticket.

This is a terrible example. There are huge signs at the border that say: RADAR DETECTORS ARE ILLEGAL. That's clearly stated. There's no 'loophole' around that. Even if there werent the signs, there's a law, on the books, that says they're illegal. It's clearly recorded, and ignorance of a recorded rule is not reason to be able to break it.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by Daseal

This is a terrible example. There are huge signs at the border that say: RADAR DETECTORS ARE ILLEGAL. That's clearly stated. There's no 'loophole' around that. Even if there werent the signs, there's a law, on the books, that says they're illegal. It's clearly recorded, and ignorance of a recorded rule is not reason to be able to break it.

Maybe so, but I guess I am going off old experience, because when I was in college, it was always clearly stated at some point. I think my point was if you happen to miss the sign, you might try to claim ignorance, but in fact the rule had been posted. I would truly be amazed if a Calc professor had not at some point articulated his rule on this matter.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

I've done it, and I don't care if it's cheating. *MY* objective for taking calculus was to know how to use it to solve real-world problems -- not to memorize formulas, receive a grade, or outperform the others in the class. If I know which formulas to use, and I know how/where to find those forumulas, then I can apply calculus to solve problems. That was my objective.

So, I think if you look at it with that perspective (i.e.: it's not a competition between students to get the highest grade), then I think you can justify it.

[saden1]

You simply want to know whether a rule applies to you or not. When the answer to a question can be attained then there is no moral issue. Clearly the authority responsible for setting the rules can be reached and so the real ethical dilemma is whether you should or shouldn't ask said authority for clarification.

[Dogtag]

Simple answer, ask your instructor for clarification. Don't assume.

There is a difference between Morals, Values and Ethics. I read the Morals part of the question as - Is cheating wrong or okay? My answer is wrong.

[Dr Do Itch Big]

If it feels wrong and you have to ask.....then it probably is.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Dr Do Itch Big

If it feels wrong and you have to ask.....then it probably is.

Pretty much.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by saden1

You simply want to know whether a rule applies to you or not. When the answer to a question can be attained then there is no moral issue. Clearly the authority responsible for setting the rules can be reached and so the real ethical dilemma is whether you should or shouldn't ask said authority for clarification.

Exactly. I don't even understand this thread or all the responses to it now. Just ask the professor. If it was more of an exercise in or question of social behavior then you weren't very clear about that.