This document discusses two ethical rules - "The Greater Good for the Greater Number Rule" and "The Golden Rule". The Greater Good rule states that an action is judged as right or wrong based on whether it creates the most benefit for the most people affected. The scenario provided illustrates a situation where keeping silent about classmates cheating allows the majority to benefit but harms the innocent. The Golden Rule advises treating others as you wish to be treated through empathy and considering another's perspective.

1. Ethics in the News

2. “The Greater Good for the Greater
Number Rule”
 Most people are not hermits: instead, they
love and work together in society. Because of
these relationships, every action has the
potential to affect other people.
 When a person does something that hurts
innocent people, many other would judge that
person’s actions as wrong.
 Such a decision is based on whether an
action will create that “greatest good” for the
“greatest number of people.”
 The more good that results, the more ethical
the action.

3. Scenario
 Linda knows that 10 of her 20 classmates
cheated on their last law exam.
 The teacher mistakenly believes that only one
innocent student is guilty of cheating.
 Linda decides she will keep silent because doing
so will ensure the greatest of good for the
greatest number of people.

4. “The Golden Rule”
• “Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you.”
• The heart of this rule is empathy, which means
putting yourself in another’s person’s position.