Insights and Considerations from Ethical Theories

Question 1

Duties to Others

Answer 1

Who do I have obligations to in this situation? What would happen if everyone acted the same way as me? Am I treating people only to get what I want or am I thinking about them too? ETHICS OF DUTY

Question 1

Social Consequences

Answer 1

Considering all possible consequences of my actions, will we be better or worse off overall? How likely and significant are these consequences? UTILITARIANISM

Question 2

Character and Integrity

Answer 2

Am I acting with integrity? What would a decent and honest person do in the same situation? VIRTUE ETHICS

Question 3

Relationships and Responsibility

Answer 3

How do/would other affected parties feel in this situation? Can I avoid doing harm to others to ensure their agency and power? Which solution is most likely to preserve a healthy and harmonious relationship with those involved?
ETHICS OF CARE

Question 4

Deliberative Process

Answer 4

What can we work out together through open communication to provide a mutually acceptable solution? How can we resolve this conflict that avoids ‘railroading’ by the most powerful player?
DISCOURSE ETHICS

Question 5

Empathy and Moral Impulse

Answer 5

Am I going along with something without questioning whether it feels right to me? How can I get closer to those likely to be affected by my decision?
POSTMODERN ETHICS