In all disciplines and professions, issues arise that need to be resolved without the help of definitive rules. In such situations, it is important to have a method of approaching the issue that will facilitate effective resolution of the issue. The following is a series of steps and considerations that one might undertake to resolve such an issue.
Ethical Decision Making *
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Existing rules:
Examine positive morality in the form of relevant law, ethics codes, and custom.
Do they give a clear answer to the problem? -
Openness:
Be open to all considerations. Get information.
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Impartiality:
Consider the issue from all interested and affected points of view.
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Discussion:
Speak with others about the issue and possible resolutions.
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Processing:
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General values:
Consider what values are most valued in general, e.g. dignity, equality, integrity
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Specific values:
Determine what interests and whose interests are most significant in the situation.
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Justification:
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Explanation:
Can the resolution be explained with transparency to reasonable people?
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Persuasion:
Will reasonable people be persuaded by the reasons?
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This description of ethical decision making is based on a presentation to the UNL Ethics Center Board of Advisors by philosopher Jeremy Waldron, University Professor and Professor of Law at New York University.