- Identify and explain which of the ethical decision-making approaches you used to arrive at your decision.
Ethical decision-making involves several approaches, each providing a framework to evaluate and resolve moral dilemmas. The approach I would choose to guide an ethical decision depends on the context of the situation. Here are a few common approaches that might be used:
- Utilitarian Approach: This approach focuses on the consequences of a decision, aiming to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. I might use this approach if my goal is to maximize benefits and minimize harm for all affected parties. For example, in a healthcare setting, choosing a treatment that benefits most patients would be a utilitarian decision.
- Deontological Approach: This approach emphasizes duty, rules, and obligations. When using this framework, I would focus on upholding moral principles regardless of the outcome. For instance, if confidentiality is an ethical duty, I would adhere to it even if breaching it could have positive consequences.
- Virtue Ethics Approach: Virtue ethics emphasizes the moral character of the decision-maker. In this approach, I would ask what a morally virtuous person would do in the situation, focusing on traits like honesty, kindness, and fairness. This might guide me to act in a way that is consistent with my personal integrity.
- Rights-Based Approach: This approach centers on respecting and protecting individual rights. I would use this approach if my decision was focused on ensuring that individuals’ rights are not violated, such as ensuring a patient’s right to informed consent.
- Fairness or Justice Approach: This approach emphasizes fairness, equity, and impartiality. I might use it to ensure that benefits and burdens are distributed fairly, particularly when considering how to allocate limited resources.