Deck 42: Why Is Cheating Wrong

Question 1

Mathieu Bouville claims that both cheating and having a personal tutor create unfair advantages. So, if one is wrong, so is the other one. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Demonstrate understanding of Bouville's point in the relevant passage.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 2

There are two main reasons Mathieu Bouville gives for condemning cheating; first, that it is unfair; second, that it hinders learning. In either case, Bouville thinks cheating is not as serious as many people think. Explain Bouville's reasoning, and then offer the best objection you can to one of his arguments.

Answer 2

Demonstrate understanding of Bouville's discussion of the two reasons for condemning cheating.
Develop a thoughtful reply to one of his arguments, correctly identifying and defending controversial claims using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 3

One way we might react to Mathieu Bouville is by saying, "Cheating is definitely wrong, but so are lots of other things we tolerate. So we shouldn't tolerate those other things." What do you make of this reaction? How plausible is it?

Answer 3

Demonstrate understanding of Bouville's views about cheating and those activities to which, he thinks, it's similar.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 4

Bouville rules out a number of criticisms of cheating from the start. Which of the following does he NOT rule out at the very begining?

A) Cheating violates academic codes of conduct
B) Cheating is insensitive to instructors
C) Cheating involves using teachers merely as a means
D) Cheating prevents cheating students from learning
E) He rules out all of these

Question 5

Which of the following does Bouville consider to be the most relevant moral concern about cheating on "high stakes" exams?

A) That it is unfair
B) That it hinders learning
C) That it leads to more bad conduct
D) That it is dishonest
E) That it is insensitive to instructors

Question 6

Which of the following does Bouville consider to be the most relevant moral concern over cheating on homework assignments?

A) That it is unfair
B) That it hinders learning
C) That it leads to more bad conduct
D) That it is dishonest
E) That it is insensitive to instructors

Question 7

Which of the following worries does Bouville suggest applies to using a tutor if it applies to cheating on an exam?

A) That it is unfair
B) That it hinders learning
C) That it leads to more bad conduct
D) That it is dishonest
E) That it is insensitive to instructors

Question 8

Which of the following worries does Bouville suggest applies to having a job while in school if it applies to cheating on homework?

A) That it is unfair
B) That it hinders learning
C) That it leads to more bad conduct
D) That it is dishonest
E) That it is insensitive to instructors

Question 9

Bouville claims that cheating might not actually provide cheaters an advantage on exams.

Question 10

Bouville agrees that having good grades is a flawless indicator that one is a good student.

Question 11

Cheating is unfair, Bouville considers, because it can make it difficult to give students useful feedback.

Question 12

Bouville asks us to imagine three students, one who is bright and doesn't learn from an assignment, the other who doesn't do an assignment and, the third who cheats. What does he say about this case?

A) If we're worried about moral integrity, why would any of them be sanctioned
B) If we're worried about students learning, we should sanction the third student but not the first two
C) If we're worried about fairness, we should sanction the second and third students, but not the first one
D) If we're worried about college admissions, all of them should be sanctioned
E) If we're worried about students learning, why would any of them be sanctioned

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a condition that Bouville thinks should be met before a student is punished for cheating?

A) The assignment cheated on must contribute to students' learning
B) The particular instance of cheating must actually hinder learning
C) All similar hindrances to learning besides cheating should receive the same punishment
D) The particular instance of cheating must give an unfair advantage over other students
E) He thinks that all of these conditions must be met