This document discusses ethics and how to approach ethical decision making. It outlines five approaches to determining ethical standards: utilitarianism, rights-based, fairness and justice, common good, and virtue. It acknowledges that these approaches may not always agree on what is ethical. The document provides guidance on making ethical decisions, including gathering facts, evaluating alternatives according to different ethical approaches, making a decision while considering multiple perspectives, acting on the decision, and reflecting on the outcome later.

1. Thinking ethically 14/12/09

2. When we are at our best!! Individual Community Organisation Government Society 14/12/09

3. What ethics is not Not the same as feelings Not religion Not following the law Not following culturally accepted norms Not science 14/12/09

4. So what is it?? 14/12/09

5. Why is it hard to identify what it is? On what do we base our ethical standards How do those standards get applied to specific situations we face? 14/12/09

6. Five sources of ethical standards to use Utilitarian Rights approach Fairness & Justice approach Common good approach Virtue Approach 14/12/09

7. Putting it all together – Problems still to be solved We may not all agree on the content of these approaches May not agree to same set of human & civil rights May not agree on what constitutes the common good. May not even agree on what is a good and what is harm. 14/12/09

8. Different approaches may not all answer the question “What is ethical” in the same way. However each approach does give us important info to determine what is ethical in that particular context. More often than not different approaches come up with similar answers. 14/12/09

9. Making decisions requires: Sensitivity Practiced method Weighing up the considerations More novel & difficult Discussion & dialogue with others Careful exploration 14/12/09

10. Ethical Framework Is there something wrong personally, interpersonally, socially Could the situation, decision be damaging to people ro the community Does the issue go beyond legal institutional concerns. What does it do to people, who have dignity, rights, hopes for better life 14/12/09

11. GET the Facts What are the relevant facts what is unknown Who are the stakeholders Any stakeholders with special needs obligations What options are there Have all relevant people, groups been consulted 14/12/09

12. Evaluate alternative approachs Which option will produce the most good & least harm Utilitarian Rights Fairness & justice Virtue Common good 14/12/09

13. Make a decision and test it Considering all perspectives, which option right , or best thing to do If you told someone you respect your option what would they say? What if you told it on TV, would you be comfortable? 14/12/09

14. Act, then reflect on the decision later Implement your decision. How did it turn out for all concerned? If you had to do it again, would you do it differently? 14/12/09

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