The Pros and Cons of The Belmont Honor Code Essay -- Argumentative Per

The Pros and Cons of The Belmont Honor Code To thine own self be true, as Shakespeare writes, is the fundamental principle that defines honesty. Although a variety of factors influence ones decision to be honest, the first reason to choose integrity is to be true to oneself. Part of being true to oneself is recognizing the need for various(prenominal)ism. Individualism is the state in which a person is satisfactory to take in the events of the surrounding world and discern for himself which practices he or she will participate in. The importance of individualism is engraved in Belmont Universitys purpose statement, withal it is unclear whether or not individualism is valued because of the universitys new honor code system. Is forcing Belmont students to comply to an honor code enabling them to make decisions for their own individual selves? On the first page of Belmonts internet weave site, one might assume that Belmont is a university that focuses solely on the individual. According to the statement on the web page introduction, there is a strong distinction between capturing individual spirit and freezing it. It is the line that divides being squeezed into a mold and being cheered as you shape a life to fit yourself. There is no question on which side of the line youll find Belmont University. Honor code or no honor code, establishing integrity is crucial to developing ones independent self. Often terms, those who are dishonest depend on other humans to meet their spiritual and delirious needs. By choosing honesty as a personal choice instead of a mere compliance with Belmonts honor code, one is making the decision for oneself and and so promoting ones individualism. In weighing the concep... ...ee a decline in academic dishonesty and a multitude of students will be so afraid of failing a class that they will choose to be honest. But, at the same time, how does each individual student benefit from that? Other than that fact that they may take the time to study and actually learn something, the Belmont community that promotes the spirit of the individual will have nothing but simulated honesty and very few students who rightfully are honest individuals by choice and not by force. Works Cited Baylor University Website. www.baylor.edu Belmont Undergraduate Bulletin. 1998-99. 13-56. Belmont University Website. www.belmont.edu. Moore, Susan. Honor Code Holds Cheaters Accountable. Belmont Vision. 11 Sept. 98. 6. Vanderbilt University Website. www.vanderbilt.edu.