08/04/23 1

Thinking ethically

08/04/23 2

When we are at our best!! Individual Community Organisation Government Society

08/04/23 3

What ethics is not

Not the same as feelings Not religion Not following the law Not following culturally accepted

norms Not science

08/04/23 4

So what is it??

08/04/23 5

Why is it hard to identify what it is? On what do we base our ethical

standards How do those standards get

applied to specific situations we face?

08/04/23 6

Five sources of ethical standards to use Utilitarian Rights approach Fairness & Justice approach Common good approach Virtue Approach

08/04/23 7

Putting it all together – Problems still to be solved We may not all agree on the

content of these approaches May not agree to same set of

human & civil rights May not agree on what constitutes

the common good. May not even agree on what is a good and what is harm.

08/04/23 8

Different approaches may not all answer the question “What is ethical” in the same way.

However each approach does give us important info to determine what is ethical in that particular context.

More often than not different approaches come up with similar answers.

08/04/23 9

Making decisions requires: Sensitivity Practiced method Weighing up the considerations More novel & difficult

Discussion & dialogue with others Careful exploration

08/04/23 10

Ethical Framework

Is there something wrong personally, interpersonally, socially Could the situation, decision be

damaging to people in the community

Does the issue go beyond legal institutional concerns. What does it do to people, who

have dignity, rights, hopes for better life

08/04/23 11

GET the Facts

What are the relevant facts what is unknown

Who are the stakeholders Any stakeholders with special

needs, obligations What options are there

Have all relevant people, groups been consulted

08/04/23 12

Evaluate alternative approachs Which option will produce the most

good & least harm Utilitarian Rights Fairness & justice Virtue Common good

08/04/23 13

Make a decision and test itConsidering all perspectives, which

option right , or best thing to do

If you told someone you respect your option what would they say? What if you told it on TV, would you be comfortable?

08/04/23 14

Act, then reflect on the decision later

Implement your decision. How did it turn out for all concerned? If you had to do it again, would you do it differently?