9-1-3 Ethical Considerations Explained

Key Concepts

• Ethical Decision-Making
• Moral Principles
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Consequences of Actions
• Rights and Responsibilities

Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical decision-making involves choosing actions that are morally right and just. It requires considering the impact of one's actions on others and society as a whole.

Example: A student deciding whether to cheat on an exam must consider the ethical implications, such as the unfair advantage it gives and the potential harm to their own integrity.

Analogy: Ethical decision-making is like navigating a maze where each turn represents a moral choice, and the goal is to find the path that leads to the most just and fair outcome.

Moral Principles

Moral principles are fundamental beliefs about what is right and wrong. They guide individuals in making ethical decisions and living a virtuous life.

Example: The principle of honesty encourages people to tell the truth and avoid deception, even when it might be easier to lie.

Analogy: Moral principles are like the compass points on a map, providing direction and ensuring that one stays on the right path.

Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations where individuals must choose between two or more conflicting moral principles. These choices often involve significant consequences.

Example: A doctor faced with a patient who needs a life-saving organ transplant but has no available donors must decide whether to use an organ from a patient who recently died but has not yet been declared brain-dead.

Analogy: Ethical dilemmas are like forks in the road where each path leads to a different moral destination, and choosing the right one requires careful consideration.

Consequences of Actions

The consequences of actions refer to the outcomes and effects that result from a particular choice or behavior. Ethical considerations often focus on the potential harm or benefit to others.

Example: A company deciding whether to outsource its labor to a country with lower wages must consider the ethical implications, such as the impact on workers' living conditions and the company's reputation.

Analogy: The consequences of actions are like ripples in a pond, spreading out and affecting everything they touch, both near and far.

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights are the entitlements that individuals have, while responsibilities are the duties and obligations that individuals must fulfill. Ethical considerations often involve balancing these rights and responsibilities.

Example: The right to free speech comes with the responsibility to use it responsibly and respectfully, avoiding harm to others.

Analogy: Rights and responsibilities are like the two sides of a scale, each needing to be balanced to maintain fairness and justice.