Find case studies and scenarios on a variety of fields in applied ethics.
Cases can also be viewed by the following categories:
For permission to reprint cases, submit requests to ethics@scu.edu.
Looking to draft your own case studies? This template provides the basics for writing ethics case studies in technology (though with some modification it could be used in other fields as well).
All Cases
Making Vulnerabilities Visible
A Cybersecurity Ethics Case Study
As PunkSpider is pending re-release, ethical issues are considered about a tool that is able to spot and share vulnerabilities on the web, opening those results to the public.
URVR
A VR Ethics Case Study
With URVR recipients can capture and share 360 3D moments and live them out together.
VR Rage Room
A VR Ethics Case Study
VR rage rooms may provide therapeutic and inexpensive benefits while also raising ethical questions.
First Date
A VR Ethics Case Study
A VR dating app intended to help ease the stress and awkwardness of early dating in a safe and comfortable way.
This is Only a Test
An Ethics Case Study
Ethical questions pertaining to the use of proctoring software in online teaching.
The Ethics of Social Media Decision Making on Handling the New York Post “October Surprise”
How can media institutions facilitate the free flow of information and promote truth during an election cycle shrouded in misinformation?
Obey Law on Criminal Reporting for a Pregnant Mother Addicted to Heroin?
An obstetrician treating a heroin-addicted mother considers whether to comply with state law requiring medical professionals to report drug-addicted pregnant women to law enforcement for child endangerment.
A Second Chance at Drug Treatment?
A drug treatment counselor considers whether to allow a patient a second chance in the drug-treatment program, against stated program rules.
Appropriate Level of Expertise? (Spiritual Care/Medical Care)
A religious cleric considers how to support a member of the community struggling with depression and alcoholism, who declines recommended referral to expert medical treatment.
Appropriate Level of Expertise? (Primary Care/Specialty Care)
A primary care physician considers if s/he can competently provide treatment to a patient who may have a serious psychiatric disorder and does not wish to go to another doctor.