Ethical decision-making model

Definition

An ethical decision-making model is a structured approach used to evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas by considering various moral principles and frameworks. This model provides a systematic process to identify ethical issues, analyze potential actions, weigh consequences, and make informed choices that align with ethical standards. By applying such a model, individuals can navigate complex situations that involve conflicting values and responsibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical decision-making models often involve steps such as identifying the problem, gathering information, evaluating alternatives, making a choice, and reflecting on the decision.
2. Many models incorporate multiple ethical frameworks, such as consequentialism and deontological ethics, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
3. Using an ethical decision-making model can help reduce biases by encouraging a more objective evaluation of the facts and options available.
4. These models are applicable across various fields, including business, healthcare, law, and personal relationships, making them versatile tools for ethical analysis.
5. Real-life case studies often highlight the practical application of these models, demonstrating how structured decision-making can lead to more ethically sound outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does an ethical decision-making model assist in identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas?
  • An ethical decision-making model helps individuals systematically identify ethical dilemmas by providing a structured framework that outlines key steps. By encouraging a thorough analysis of the situation—including identifying stakeholders, gathering relevant information, and evaluating options—this model aids in clarifying moral principles at stake. It ultimately guides individuals toward making informed choices that consider both ethical implications and practical consequences.
• Discuss how different ethical frameworks can influence the outcomes of decisions made using an ethical decision-making model.
  • Different ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism and deontology can significantly influence outcomes when applied within an ethical decision-making model. For instance, a utilitarian approach focuses on maximizing overall happiness and might favor decisions that lead to greater collective benefits, while a deontological approach emphasizes adhering to moral rules regardless of the outcomes. The choice of framework affects how alternatives are evaluated, which could result in vastly different decisions in similar situations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using case studies to demonstrate the application of an ethical decision-making model in real-world scenarios.
  • Using case studies to showcase the application of an ethical decision-making model is highly effective because it grounds theoretical concepts in tangible examples. Analyzing real-world dilemmas allows individuals to see how structured approaches can lead to clearer thinking and better decisions amid complexity. Furthermore, case studies reveal the nuances involved in ethical decision-making, emphasizing how various frameworks can yield different solutions while highlighting the importance of context in moral agency.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: A moral philosophy that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility, often used as a framework for evaluating the outcomes of decisions.

Deontology: An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules and duties in making decisions, regardless of the consequences.

Moral Agency: The capacity of an individual to make ethical decisions and be held accountable for their actions.