Framework for thinking ethically
Omar Maamoun 900121847
Sources of ethical standards
Virtue
Actions consistent with certain ideal virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity
Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be?
Common good
Action contributes to greater good
Which option best serves the community
as a whole, not just some members?
Fairness or Justice
Actions treat all human equally-or if unequally, then based on some standard that is defensible
Which option treats people equally or proportionately?
Rights
Protects moral rights
Which option best respects the rights of all who have a stake?
Utilitarian
Greatest good, least harm
Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm?
What is not ethics
Science
Following cultural norms
Following the Law
Religion
Feelings
Framework for ethical
decision making
Act and reflect on outcome
How did my decision turn out and what have I learned from this specific situation?
How can my decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all stakeholders?
Make decision and test
If I told someone I respect-or television audience-which option I have chosen, what would they say?
Considering all approaches, which option best addresses the situation?
Evaluate alternative actions
The 5 approaches
Get the facts
What are options for acting? Have all relevant parties been consulted?
Who has stake in outcome? Are some concerns more important?
What are the relevant facts of the case? What facts are not known? Can I learn more about the situation? Do I know enough to make a decision?
Recognize an ethical issue
Issue about more than what is legal or what is most efficient?
Could decision damage anyone?
Problems with identifying
ethical standards
How are these standards applied in real situations
On what do we base our ethical standards ?
Definition of ethics
Standards of behaviour for how to act in several situations
