Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of ethics?
Match the following ethical principles with their definitions:
Be true to your word = Keep confidence regardless of risks Act in people's best interests = Prioritize the well-being of others Purpose of friendship = Supporting each other through life's challenges Guiding North Star = A reason for being that shapes decisions
Which value might conflict with the need for confidentiality in the scenario with Lee?
In the scenario with Lee, what is one possible effect of sharing Lee's struggles with others?
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Study Notes
Decision-Making and Ethics
- The number of daily decisions varies widely, estimated between 70 and 35,000, but this focuses on quantity rather than quality.
- Ethics is a philosophical branch that assesses the quality of decisions, asking what constitutes a good versus bad decision.
Core Questions of Ethics
- Ethics seeks to address practical questions: How should we live? What choices should we make? What makes life worth living?
- The study of ethics encompasses values, principles, beliefs, and norms, all of which shape decision-making processes.
Case Study: Lee's Dilemma
- A scenario presents a friend, Lee, struggling with depression who confides in you, asking for confidentiality.
- Another friend expresses frustration over Lee's repeated cancellation of plans, creating a conflict of interest between loyalty and concern.
Values and Principles
- Core values at play include trustworthiness (keeping Lee's secret) and compassion (potentially helping Lee by informing others).
- Ethical dilemmas arise from conflicting values, requiring a clear understanding of moral principles to navigate decisions.
Guiding Principles
- Different guiding principles can lead to different ethical choices:
- "Be true to your word" emphasizes confidentiality.
- "Act in people's best interests" may prioritize informing others about Lee's struggles.
Complexity of Ethical Decision Making
- Ethical decision-making is complicated due to the presence of ambiguities and conflicts between good versus good or right versus right.
- Selecting values and principles involves contextualization and balance to navigate dilemmas effectively.
The Role of Purpose
- Purpose serves as a guiding framework for ethical decisions; understanding the purpose of friendship in the context of supporting Lee is crucial.
- The decision to retain confidentiality respects Lee's agency, reflecting a commitment to the nature of friendship.
Impact of Choices
- Every decision influences the world; making intentional and justified choices ensures personal accountability.
- The importance lies in making choices that one can stand by and feel proud of globally, reinforcing the individual’s ethical ownership.
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Description
This quiz explores the role of ethics in the decision-making process. It asks participants to consider the quality of their decisions rather than the quantity. Dive deep into the principles of ethical reasoning and differentiate between good and bad decisions.
