Ethics Portfolio

What Would You Do? Problem 1

Strongly

Disagree Disagree

Neither

Agree nor

Disagree Agree

Strongly

Agree

Whatever my decision the discomfort of it

was worth it.

Killing is simply wrong, regardless of the

results.

If everyone killed, society would be chaotic

and there would be no happiness or peace

of mind for anyone.

In some cases killing is justified because it

brings peace of mind and comfort to those

close to the dying person.

Whatever my decision, it has led me to

some abstract goal for myself (e.g.,

salvation, honor, fame, self-actualization,

respectability, etc.).

In this case it’s just right to kill.

If everyone killed when they wanted to,

society would crumble and wouldn’t be able

to meet the physical needs of its members.

Self-Assessment Interpretation

INTRODUCTION: In this problem, you have to make a decision about what action you might take, and then

determine what factors influenced your decision.

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the following scenario, and think about what you would do.

Suppose your closest loved one is dying from an incurable disease. He/she is in tremendous pain and is

expected to die in a matter of weeks. Your loved one is too sick to be able to give permission that he/she be

administered a drug that will make him/her die sooner, but under the laws of your state you are unable to give

such permission. Your loved one is in a great deal of pain and he/she will die soon anyway. What would you do?

Pick one of the following two actions.

1) I would help him/her die.

2) I would not help him/her die.

Thinking about the decision you made, identify how important each of the following factors were to you.

Strongly

Disagree Disagree

Neither

Agree nor

Disagree Agree

Strongly

Agree

In some cases, killing is justified because it

allows another person to overcome physical

pain and suffering.

In this case it is just wrong to kill.