A Framework for Thinking Ethically

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A Framework for Thinking Ethically

Sources of Ethical Standards

Making Decisions

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

Putting the Approaches Together

helps us determine what standards of behavior can be considered ethical

The Virtue Approach

virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity

The Common Good Approach

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

The Fairness or Justice Approach

all equals should be treated equally

The Rights Approach

best protects and respects the moral rights of those affected

The Utilitarian Approach

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

Contrast

Not science

ethics provides reasons for how humans ought to act

science provides an explanation for what humans are like

Not cultural norms

some cultures are corrupt or/and blind

Not law

can be ethically corrupt (totalitarian regime)

Not religion

ethics applies to everyone

reigions is not for everyone

Not feelings

provide information for ethical choices

Ethical Decision Making

Act and Reflect on the Outcome

Make a Decision and Test It

Evaluate Alternative Actions

Get the Facts

Recognize an Ethical Issue

Problems

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

On what do we base our ethical standards?

Ethics

how people act in different situations

standard of behavior