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


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