In ethical decision making, what is the first step?

In ethical decision making, what is the first step?

• A. Identify whether the issue is indeed an ethical dilemma
• B. Gather as much information as possible about the dilemma
• C. Reflect on your own values as they relate to the dilemma
• D. State the ethical dilemma, including all surrounding issues and the individuals it involves

Answer: (A)

Determining whether the issue is an ethical dilemma is the first step in ethical decision making. This clarifies that moral principles, duties, and the potential impact on others will guide the decision, and prevents applying ethical reasoning to problems that aren’t truly ethical in nature. Once you’ve established that it is an ethical dilemma, you can move on to gathering information, articulating the dilemma with its surrounding issues and stakeholders, and reflecting on how your values relate to the situation. These subsequent steps are important, but they presuppose that the situation actually requires ethical consideration.

Determining whether the issue is an ethical dilemma is the first step in ethical decision making. This clarifies that moral principles, duties, and the potential impact on others will guide the decision, and prevents applying ethical reasoning to problems that aren’t truly ethical in nature. Once you’ve established that it is an ethical dilemma, you can move on to gathering information, articulating the dilemma with its surrounding issues and stakeholders, and reflecting on how your values relate to the situation. These subsequent steps are important, but they presuppose that the situation actually requires ethical consideration.