Values and Ethical Decisions

Values and Decisions

• Values are standards that guide actions, judgments, and attitudes.
• Values influence decisions and behaviors.
• Honesty, Courage, Responsibility, Cooperation, Perseverance, Thoughtfulness, Appreciation, Motivation, and Friendship are examples of important values.
• Integrity is acting in alignment with one's values, always doing the right thing.

Survey Results

• A survey of 20,000 middle and high school students revealed concerning ethical behavior.
• 47% admitted to shoplifting.
• 70% admitted to cheating on a test.
• 92% admitted to lying to a parent.
• Despite these concerning actions, 91% of the students expressed satisfaction with their ethics and character.
• 97% stated the importance of having good character.
• 96% stated the importance of others trusting them.

Disconnect Between Values and Actions

• There's a gap between the values people say are important and the actions they choose.
• An example of this is someone saying honesty is important but keeping a found wallet.

Excuses for Unethical Behavior

• People often use excuses to justify unethical behavior.
• Some common excuses include blaming others, claiming the action was deserved, stating the other party initiated the behavior, and rationalizing that the action is acceptable if undetected.

Common Values in Society

• Common, widely shared values include Trust, Honesty, Respect, Empathy, Courage, Kindness, Integrity, Freedom, and Loyalty.
• The list of common values is extensive.

Age Influence on Values

• Teenagers are significantly influenced by their peers regarding values.
• By the age of 21, values are typically established, but they might still be challenged over time.

Situational Ethics

• Some believe behavior and decision-making depends on a situation, leading to a gray area rather than a clear right or wrong.
• Selfish decision-making can result.
• The question "If everyone was just like me, what kind of world would I live in?" points to the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on others.

Decision Making Model

• A suggested decision-making process includes:
  • stating the problem,
  • listing options,
  • evaluating possible outcomes (benefits and consequences),
  • considering personal values,
  • making a decision and acting,
  • evaluating the decision.

Trouble Rules

• Questions to ask oneself to avoid problems include: "Is it illegal?", "Will it harm someone?", "Will it get me in trouble with authority?", "Is it against my values?"
• If the answer to any of these questions is yes, the decision should be reconsidered.

Teens vs. Adults

• Teenagers are more focused on possible advantages, prone to peer pressure, impulsive, seeking fun, and biased towards easily accepted evidence, especially if emotionally charged.
• Compared to adults, teenagers are more likely to take risks if adult supervision is limited.

Important Considerations

• Actions in life often depend on values.
• Values are crucial to decision-making.
• Making good decisions impacts the future. -Consider the impact of choices on self and others.