Ethics Performance Task: “PATHS TO CHARACTER”
An Interview on Moral Struggle, Redemption, and Ethical Growth
Submission: After the Midterm Exam
Output Type: Group Project (3 to 5 members)
Objective
To understand the ethical and moral dimensions of real-life human experiences by interviewing a person
who once faced moral or personal downfall but was able to recover, rebuild, and live meaningfully again.
Students will apply ethical theories, frameworks, and principles discussed in class in analyzing their
chosen subject’s journey.
Possible Interview Subjects
Choose a person who has experienced moral, emotional, or social challenges and found a way to recover.
Examples include:
A former drug or alcohol dependent who has undergone rehabilitation and is now living a
productive life
A former or current sex worker who has rebuilt their life.
A teenage parent who continued education and now provides for a family
A person once involved in a crime or offense now living a decent life
A victim or survivor of abuse who now advocates for others
A person who suffered deep depression or suicidal thoughts and recovered
A broken family member who found forgiveness and reconciliation
An unwed mother or father who overcame social stigma
A person with multiple failed relationships who learned self-awareness and accountability
A businessperson or public servant who once acted unethically and later reformed
Note: Respect confidentiality. Use pseudonyms if your interviewee requests anonymity (edit photos when
necessary. But should they agree, well and good).
PAPER STRUCTURE
PART I – Background of the Subject
Provide a concise narrative of the person’s life before, during, and after their struggle. Include:
a. Childhood and upbringing
b. Situation leading to moral or personal downfall
c. Experiences during the “dark times”
d. Process of recovery or change
e. Present state and outlook on life
(This section should be written narratively, not in interview form.)
PART II – The Interview (Paraphrased)
Present the interview highlights. Include the actual questions but paraphrase the answer (not word-
for-word) to show understanding and empathy. Include important insights, values, and turning points
expressed by your subject. Use clear transitions for questions and answer (may be numbered or
paragraph form).
PART III – Ethical Analysis
Identify and explain the ethical principles and frameworks that apply to the person’s journey.
Base your discussion on topics we covered in class, such as:
Importance of Ethics – How moral awareness influenced their recovery
Nature of Man – How reason and free will shaped their decisions
Determinants of Morality – Object, intention, and circumstances in their moral choices
Ethical Frameworks – Moral Standards & moral dilemma
Relate the subject’s transformation to our lessons.
PART IV – Individual Realization
Each group member must submit a short personal reflection (1 page) answering:
What did you learn about ethics from this person’s story?
How did this change your understanding of moral decision-making?
How do you see yourself when faced with similar moral challenges?
Proof of Work / Documentation
Attach evidence of your group’s process, including:
Photos of actual interviews (with consent)
Preparation and brainstorming sessions
Collating of ideas and writing process
Group meeting attendance screenshots (if done online)
Output Format
Title Page (Course, Section, Members, Title of Project, Date)
Main Content (Parts I–IV)
Appendices (Photos, Signed Consent Form, Transcripts)
RUBRICS FOR SCORES
Criteria Description Points
Depth of Interview Relevance and insightfulness of the subject’s story 25
Ethical Analysis Application of ethical principles and frameworks 25
Clarity and Structure Organization and coherence of the report 20
Individual Reflection Depth and honesty of realizations 20
Documentation & Presentation Proof of work, creativity, and professionalism 10
TOTAL 100