Overview
This lecture introduces a framework for ethical decision-making, clarifies what ethics is and is not, details six ethical perspectives ("lenses"), and outlines practical steps for resolving ethical dilemmas.
What is Ethics?
- Ethics are standards guiding how people should act in various roles and situations.
- Ethics involves knowledge, skills, and habits as well as character development.
- Ethics is not the same as feelings, religion, law, cultural norms, or science.
Six Ethical Lenses
- Rights Lens: Focuses on respecting and protecting individuals’ moral rights.
- Justice Lens: Stresses fair and equal treatment, including various types of justice.
- Utilitarian Lens: Prioritizes actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Common Good Lens: Emphasizes actions that benefit society as a whole.
- Virtue Lens: Considers whether actions reflect ideal character traits and virtues.
- Care Ethics Lens: Prioritizes empathy, relationships, and caring for others’ specific needs.
Using the Lenses
- Each lens offers a unique perspective and may yield different ethical conclusions.
- Disagreements may arise over definitions (e.g., rights, common good, or harm), but each lens enhances ethical analysis.
Framework for Ethical Decision Making
- Identify the Ethical Issues: Determine potential harm, benefits, or conflicts beyond legality or efficiency.
- Get the Facts: Gather relevant information, identify stakeholders, and clarify available options.
- Evaluate Alternative Actions: Question each option through all six ethical lenses.
- Choose and Test an Option: Select the best option, consider feedback from respected others, and plan careful implementation.
- Implement and Reflect: Review the outcome and consider lessons or needed follow-up.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethics — Principles guiding what is right and wrong in human conduct.
- Stakeholder — Anyone affected by an ethical decision or action.
- Virtues — Positive character traits that guide ethical behavior.
- Justice — The obligation to treat people fairly and equitably.
- Utilitarianism — An ethical view focused on maximizing overall good outcomes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using all six lenses when faced with ethical dilemmas.
- Apply the outlined framework to upcoming case studies or decision-making exercises.