Schools not teaching Ethics?

Good character can be defined as a composite of qualities, typically of moral excellence and firmness blended with resolution, self-discipline, high principles, and sound judgment. Our character establishes both our day-to-day demeanor and our destiny. Can these virtues be instilled through education? If so, can they build character?

Popular newspaper columnist Leonard Pitts writes that "reputation is about who you are when people are watching; character is about who you are when there is nobody in the room but you. Both matter, but of the two, character is far and away the most important. The former can induce others to think well of you, but only the latter allows you to think well of yourself." The ImClone scandal involving Martha Stewart is an example of how reputation and character are interrelated. Martha Stewart built an empire atop beautiful living. Yet, her involvement with ImClone and her conviction for making false statements to federal agents cast suspicion on her character and tainted her reputation. The evidence of her unethical behavior and dubious character dragged down the reputation of her business.

Overall can these crimes be the result of the educational system not preparing their students for the real world. It is very possible that schools and even more so colleges could have a role in white collar crime. It could be one long chain reaction that needs to be stopped somewhere. If the school has anything to do with it will these actions tend to continue or will they begin to disappear? Also if this is the case what can school do to help make sure they allow there student to build character and other quality traits that will make white collar crime begin to decline?

"White-Collar Crime Is the Result of Business Schools Not Teaching Ethics." White-Collar Crime. Ed. Kelly Wand. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 Dec. 2010.