INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

SHORT ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

THE SCENARIO: During World War H the English were able to acquire a German Enigma machine. The Enigma machine was a secret mechanical device that the NAZI High Command used to encrypt messages.

Soon after its acquisition English analysts were able to decipher the German's code and thus translate all the messages the English intercepted. This gave the Allies a huge edge in the war, as it made it possible to determine German movements and plans.

The problem was that if the Allies countered all of the German's plans it would be obvious to the Germans that the code was stolen. They would then create a new code, which would eliminate the Allies' edge. This led to a morally difficult decision.

In one instance Winston Churchill, England's Prime Minister, was given a report that there would be an extensive German air raid on a metropolitan area in the Midlands. To fail to warn the individuals in the area meant that many people would die and that there would be serious damage.

To warn them however could compromise the knowledge that the English had been able to decipher the German code. This revelation might lengthen the war and cost even more in lives and damage in the long run.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Write a short essay, between 150 and 300 words, on what Churchill should decide. Justify your position using what we have learned thus far in the course. This week's lecture will focus on some new helpful considerations.