Ethical Decision Making Flashcards
Ethics
A branch of philosophy that evaluates how moral decisions affect a specific behaviour
Morality
Is the conduct of living what is right.
A moral person is aware that his or her actions contain consequences that affect others.
The moral person selects from the behaviour choices using ethical guidelines.
Values
Values are beliefs that guide and motivate attitudes and actions.
Core Values
Deemed by members of society as ideal; these virtues form the foundation of the highest moral standards used to judge our actions.
Primary Principles of Ethics
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Utility
- Stewardship
Autonomy
Allows individuals to make their own choices; refers to their right to independence and self-reliance.
Persuasive
Attempt to motivate individuals through arguments and reasoning - individuals free to accept or reject.
Manipulative
Deliberately leading individual to believe and act on inaccurate information.
Paternalism
A purposeful, planned overriding of another’s interest.
Beneficence
Refers to performing acts that benefits others.
Nonmaleficence
To avoid harming others
Utility
Seeks to prioritize benefits and resources. Greatest good for greatest amount of people.
Stewardship
Accountability and responsibility.
Ethical Dilemmas
Arise when there is a conflict between two choices and each choice can be justified with an ethical principle.
Process of Ethical Decision-making
- values analysis
- examine the situation
- specify the problem or option
- identify the stakeholder
- formulate the options
- identify and eliminate unethical options
- select the best alternative
- implement the decision
- evaluate and follow-up
