ethical essay
ETHICS
Standards of behavior that tell us how human beings ought to act in the many situations in which they find themselves NOT:
➤ Feelings
➤ Religions
➤ Law
➤ Cultural Norms
➤ Science
Standards of behavior ought to act
how human beings
TWO FUNDAMENTAL ETHICAL QUESTIONS
1. On what do we base our ethical standards?
2. How do those standards apply to specific situations we face?
➤ Utilitarian Approach
➤ Rights Approach
➤ Fairness/Justice Approach
➤ Common Good Approach
➤ Virtue Approach
UTILITARIAN
The ethical action is the one that provides the most good or does the least harm
➤ Does this action produce the most good and do the least harm for all who are affected?
➤ What good and what harm will or may result?
➤ How will I measure a good outcome?
➤ Happiness? Financial impact?
➤ While the potential harm from this action may affect only a few people, is the harm so great that it would outweigh the good this action might bring to many others?
RIGHTS
The ethical action is the one that best protects and respects the moral rights of those affected
➤ Does my action best respect the rights of all who have a stake?
➤ Does this action respect the dignity of others?
➤ If I take this action, am I treating others simply as a means to an end?
➤ Does the action hurt or help others in securing a minimum level of well-being?
FAIRNESS/JUSTICE
Ethical actions treat all human beings equally - or if unequally, then fairly based on some standard that is defensible
➤ Does this action treat people equally or proportionally? Does it give each person affected his or her due?
➤ Might I have some prejudice or interest that might make me favor one person over another?
➤ Am I treating each individual the same way, or
➤ is there a valid reason to treat someone differently?
COMMON GOOD
Community is a good in itself and our actions should contribute to that life. (The interlocking relationships of society are the basis of ethical reasoning and respect and compassion for all - especially the vulnerable - are requirements of such reasoning.) ➤ Does this action best serve the community as a whole, not
just some members?
➤ Will this option be equally to everyone’s advantage?
➤ Does this action contribute to the conditions of social life that give everyone an opportunity to thrive?
➤ How will my action affect the resources everyone must share, such as the environment?
VIRTUE
Actions ought to be consistent with certain ideal virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity.
➤ Does this option lead me to act as the sort of person I want to be?
➤ What character traits would I be exhibiting if I chose this action?
➤ Honesty or deceit? Compassion or selfishness? Prudence or irresponsibility?
➤ What habits of character would I be developing if I took this action? What would a person I respect say about this choice?
c o r e b e l i e f s
Those fundamental principles that consciously or unconsciously influence
one's ethical conduct and ethical thinking. Even when unacknowledged, core beliefs shape one's responses. Core beliefs can reflect one's environment, religion, culture
or training. A person may or may not choose to act on their core beliefs.
"Ethical Reasoning VALUE Rubric." Association of American Colleges & Universities. N.p., 20 July 2016. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.