A Framework for Thinking Ethically

standard of behavior

how people act in different situations

On what do we base our ethical standards?

How do those standards get applied to specific situations we face?

Recognize an Ethical Issue

Get the Facts

Evaluate Alternative Actions

Make a Decision and Test It

Act and Reflect on the Outcome

Not feelings

provide information for ethical choices

Not religion

reigions is not for everyone

ethics applies to everyone

Not law

can be ethically corrupt (totalitarian regime)

Not cultural norms

some cultures are corrupt or/and blind

Not science

science provides an explanation for what humans are like

ethics provides reasons for how humans ought to act

The Utilitarian Approach

the one that produces the greatest good and does the least harm for all who are affected

The Rights Approach

best protects and respects the moral rights of those affected

The Fairness or Justice Approach

all equals should be treated equally

The Common Good Approach

life in community is a good in itself and our actions should contribute to that life

The Virtue Approach

virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity

Putting the Approaches Together

helps us determine what standards of behavior can be considered ethical

Making Decisions

requires a trained sensitivity to ethical issues and a practiced method for exploring the ethical aspects of a decision