Making Ethical Decisions

Front 1

Step one: Gather the facts.

Back 1

What do we know? What do we need to know?

Front 2

Step Two: Determine Ethical Issues.

Back 2

Ethical dilemma: a conflict between two or more value/virtue driven interests. If you can't identify one then you have another kind of dilemma. Present X vs. Y

Front 3

Step Three: Determine What Virtues/Principles Have bearing on the case.

Back 3

Identify central values and principles. Determine whether some are weightier than others. Identify source of values.
(Constitution, natural law, etc.)

Front 4

Step Four: List the Alternatives.

Back 4

Develop multiple alternatives courses of action. The more the better. Be creative. Be open to new ones.

Front 5

Step Five: Compare the alternatives with the Virtues/Principles

Back 5

Purpose: See if a clear decision can be made without further deliberation.
Eliminate alternatives according to the moral principles. Provide a basis for emphasizing a particular virtue/value.

Front 6

Step Six: Consider the Consequences

Back 6

If the principles yield no clear decision consider and predict the positive and negative consequences of the remaining alternatives. Estimate benefits of + and severity of -.

Front 7

Step Seven: Make a decision

Back 7

Often there are no painless or easy solutions. Frequently decisions made involve the least number of negative consequences not devoid of them.