Eight Key Questions

What are the key questions used to evaluate the ethical dimensions of a problem?

• Outcomes - what are the short-term and long-term outcomes of possible actions?
• Fairness - how can I act equitably and balance all interests?
• Authority - what do legitimate authorities (e.g., experts, law, my god[s]) expect of me?
• Liberty - what principles of freedom and personal autonomy apply?
• Rights - what rights (e.g., innate, legal, social) apply?
• Responsibilities - what duties and obligations apply?
• Empathy - how would I respond if I cared deeply about those involved?
• Character - what actions will help me become my ideal self?

Learn more about The Madison Collaborative: Ethical Reasoning in Action