Applying The "Eight Steps To Sound Ethical Decision Making" To A Real Or Possible
Ethical Situation
The point of studying ethics is to improve ethical decision-making. Given every ethical
situation, a decision has to happen. Even indecision or inaction are ultimately decisions and
actions.
In order to be sure that you are clear on all points, it is good to apply some kind of problem
solving approach when solving ethical dilemmas. There are a few methods to do so, but one
widely accepted model is the “Eight Steps to Sound Ethical Decision Making” described in
the text. The application of such an approach will make sure that all points and
stakeholders are considered so that the best decision can be made.
Let's assume we find ourselves in the following scenario:
In your spare time at work, you have developed a new spreadsheet program on your work
computer in your office. It is even more powerful, yet easier to use than anything on the
market. You share your new program with a friend who encourages you to market it on
your own because you could probably make an incredible profit in a very short amount of
time. This is a very attractive option, yet you developed it using company equipment and
during time that you were at work. What do you do?
1. Describe an ethical situation you or someone in your field of study or career path might
face. You may use your own past experience, however, please do not use one shown in our
Week 1 discussion videos. Then in a single sentence, state what you think you should do.
2. Next, analyze the situation you have chosen with the Eight Steps.
3. Discuss the course of action or solution that the process of analyzing the situation from
the Eight Steps has led you to in this particular situation.
4. Conclude by comparing the outcomes recommended by the Eight Steps with your initial
response stated in the first step. How are they similar? How are they different?
1. Describe an ethical situation you or someone in your field of study or career path might
face. You may use your own past experience, however, please do not use one shown in our
Week 1 discussion videos. Then in a single sentence, state what you think you should do.
Ethical Situation: A medical researcher discovers a groundbreaking treatment for a rare and
deadly disease, which could potentially save countless lives, but the researcher's current
