Ethical dilemmas in higher education: an analysis of the challenges and responsibilities of academics and students

Abstract

Ethical dilemmas in higher education constitute complex issues that affect both teachers and students, presenting a series of fundamental challenges and responsibilities for the development of a fair and equitable academic environment. These dilemmas can range from academic integrity issues, such as plagiarism and fraud, to broader issues such as equity in access to education, fairness in assessment, and transparency in institutional management. This article's main objective is to examine ethical dilemmas in higher education, focusing on the challenges and responsibilities of teachers and students. To do this, we seek to identify and classify the main forms of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism and fraud, and evaluate their impact on the credibility and quality of learning. The bibliographic review was mainly used to identify previous studies and relevant theoretical frameworks that addressed academic integrity, inequalities in educational access, institutional pressures and other key topics. This review provided a solid foundation of knowledge on the various perspectives and methodological approaches used in previous research. It has been shown that academic integrity, including plagiarism and fraud, remains a significant concern that can compromise the quality of learning and the credibility of educational institutions. Furthermore, inequalities in access to education and inequity in academic assessment pose substantial barriers that perpetuate socioeconomic and cultural injustices in higher education.