Academic Integrity vs. Integrity

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY vs. INTEGRITY



      According to the Journal of Education, there seem to be some disparities between students and institutions as to defining academic integrity. Integrity is defined as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty" (Dictionary.com 2008). In Samuel Johnson’s novel, The History of Rasselas, character Prince of Abissinia, said, "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful" (Andrews, Biggs, & Seidel, 1996.)
      Trying to define academic integrity in my own words has me pondering over a vast array of information. I have ascertained that it is defined by one’s actions. Academic Integrity, in my opinion, is having the knowledge of what is expected of your conduct as a student and choosing to abide by those guidelines. The keyword here is choosing: choosing to be moral, ethical, and honest is having integrity. Is there a secret code to this? I believe there is. It is called a code of ethics. I do not see a real difference between academic integrity and any other integrity. You either have it or you choose not too. If you have a strong code of ethics, which I believe is where your integrity comes from, you will uphold it not just in your academics, but throughout your life. I truly believe academic integrity creates an upright conduct for society and not just for institutions. You see this in many different fields of study. However, while the concept of integrity remains constant, ethics tend to adapt to societal change (Martin, 2009.)   A law student will have to take a pledge to be admitted to the bar. This is a great example of how integrity is constant. However, as in adapting to societal change, you will also see ethics adapt as well. For example, on February 23, 2012, the Arkansas Supreme Court joined a national movement and changed the pledge that lawyers take to be admitted to the bar to include a pledge of civility. The...