My approach to ethical dilemmas:
Weigh up the benefits and costs and choose the
option that makes most people happy.
This is the ‘utilitarian approach’
My approach to ethical decisions: Before I do anything, I make sure it does
not violate other people’s rights.
This is rights-based thinking
My approach to ethical decisions:
Be caring and compassionate about people and
relationships.
This is care-based thinking
Decision 2
Air travel contributes to climate change. The government urges families to stop taking
any unnecessary foreign trips.
Imagine you are one of the Simpletons. You have been asked to holiday in the UK, and forget about
foreign beaches. How will you respond?
My approach to ethical decisions:
I simply choose the option that turns out best
for me.
This is self-centred thinking
What are the
problems (cons) of
doing this?
What are the benefits
(pros) of doing this?
Who is affected?
Utilitarian
What must I decide about?
Conclusion
My approach to ethical decisions: Weigh up the benefits and costs and choose the
option that makes most people happy.
Will the decision violate
(go against) any rights?
How?
What rights do we want to protect? (e.g.
choice, freedom, life)
Who is affected?
Rights-based
Conclusion
What must I decide about?
My approach to ethical decisions: Before I do anything, I make sure it does not
violate other people’s rights.
How will doing this make their life worse?
How will doing this make their life better?
Who is affected?
Care-based
Conclusion
What must I decide about?
My approach to ethical decisions: Be caring and compassionate about
people and relationships.
How important is this to me?
Is this a good thing for me
or a bad thing
for me?
Who is affected?
Self-centred
Conclusion
What must I decide about?
My approach to ethical decisions: Simply choose the option that turns
out best for me.
Imagine you are one of the Simpletons. You have been invited to shop at the new Fair Trade store. How will you respond?
My approach to ethical
decisions: I simply choose the option that turns out best
for me.
Simpletons role cards
My approach to ethical
decisions: Before I do anything, I make sure it does
not violate other people’s rights.
My approach to ethical
decisions: Be caring and
compassionate about people and
relationships.
My approach to ethical decisions: Weigh up the benefits and costs and choose the option that makes
most people happy.
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