A Framework for Ethical Decision Making
Recognize an Ethical Issue
Could this decision or situation be damaging to someone or to some group? Does this decision involve a choice between a good and
bad alternative, or perhaps between two "goods" or between two "bads"?
Is this issue about more than what is legal or what is most efficient? If so, how?
Get the Facts
What are the relevant facts of the case? What facts are not known? Can I learn more about the situation? Do I know enough to make
a decision?
What individuals and groups have an important stake in the outcome? Are some concerns more important? Why?
Have all the relevant persons and groups been consulted?
Have I identified at least two creative options?
Evaluate Alternative Actions
Evaluate the two options by answering the following questions:
Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm? (The Utilitarian Approach)
Which option best respects the rights of all who have a stake? (The Rights Approach)
Which option treats people equally or proportionately? (The Justice Approach)
Which option best serves the community as a whole, not just some members?
(The Common Good Approach)
Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be? (The Virtue Approach)
Make a Decision and Test It
Considering all these approaches, which option best addresses the situation?
If I told someone I respect-or told a television audience-which option I have chosen, what would they say?
Act and Reflect on the Outcome
How can my decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all stakeholders?