framework for ethical thinking

behavior that tell us how people should act

ethic is not feelings

ethics is not religion

ethics is not following the law

Ethics is not following culturally accepted norms

Ethics is not science

The Utilitarian Approach:provides the most good or does the least harm

The Rights Approach:that best protects and respects the moral rights

The Fairness or Justice Approach:the idea that all equals should be treated equally

The Common Good Approach:the notion that life in community is a good in itself and our actions should contribute to that life

The Virtue Approach:ethical actions ought to be consistent with certain ideal virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity

each approach gives us important information to determine what is ethical in a particular situation

Recognize an Ethical Issue

Get the Facts

Evaluate Alternative Actions

Make a Decision and Test It

Act and Reflect on the Outcome