Development of Case Studies for the Naval Academy NE 203 Ethics and Moral Reasoning for Naval Leaders Course
Abstract
This thesis reviews the structure and teaching methods used in the United States Naval Academy's NE203 Ethics and Moral Reasoning for Naval Leaders course. We begin with a broad overview of the utility and effectiveness of the case method as a means of instructing undergraduate students in the field of ethics. We then focus on its current implementation in the Naval Academy's NE 203 course, using interviews with senior faculty to understand the importance of the case method in teaching practical ethics. The culminating products created within this thesis are two ethical case studies, with associated teaching plans, designed for instruction by Naval Academy faculty in the NE 203 ethics course. The first case study narrates the story of Michael Izbicki, a 2008 Naval Academy graduate and designated submarine officer who petitioned for discharge as a conscientious objector upon considering the possibility that his military duty may include launching nuclear-armed weapons against American adversaries. The case study examines the moral tension that one experiences when facing a contradiction between the special obligation incurred by taking the military Oath of Office, and ones deeply held religious views. The second case study is on when USS Mason was attacked in 2016.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1184919
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Goodale
- Jacob R. Hilliard
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School