Ethics PDF

Moral Courage - to act ethically even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. - To stand up for what is right, even when its hard or unpopular. Strength Bravery Key Elements of Moral Courage : Integrity - staying true to your ethical values. Accountability - being willing to face the con...

Moral Courage - to act ethically even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. - To stand up for what is right, even when its hard or unpopular. Strength Bravery Key Elements of Moral Courage : Integrity - staying true to your ethical values. Accountability - being willing to face the consequences of your actions because you believe in what is right. Risk Taking - understanding that there might be personal costs, but choosing to act ethically anyway. Ethical Dilemma - happens when you are faced with two or more choices, but none of the options seems entirely right or wrong Key Features of an Ethical Dilemma : Conflict between values - two or more moral principles are in conflict. Need for reflection - requires careful thought and consideration of the impact of each choice. No clear right answer - there is no obvious solution, and each option has potential consequences, both good and bad. Understanding Kohlberg's Stage of Moral Development Lawrence Kohlberg American Psychologist and educator who introduced a theory about the stages of moral development. Understanding these stages can help us analyze how we, and others, make decisions when faced with tough moral choices. - Kohlberg believes that people progress through different stages of moral reasoning as they grow. Six Stages of Moral Development Avoiding Punishment Self - Interest Good boy attitude Law and order mentality Social Contract Principle Three main levels, with each two stages : Pre Conventional Level (3-7 age) - Moral Reasoning based on reward and punishment - Earliest stage of moral development, typically seen in children, but some adults may also reason at this level. - Morality is shaped by external consequences– people think about what will happen to them if they do something wrong or right. Stage 1 : Avoiding Punishment Moral reasoning is based on direct consequences People act based on avoiding punishment. The main question guiding decisions is “ Will i get in trouble if I do this?” Stage 2 : Self - Interest Actions are seen in terms of rewards rather than moral value People begin to realize that others also have needs, but they still primarily focus on what's in it for them. They act based on rewards or what they can gain from the situation. Conventional Level (8-13 age) - Moral Reasoning based on External ethics - Adolescents and adults tend to operate - Focused on social rules and the expectations of others, such as family, friends, or society as a whole. Stage 3 : Good Boy attitude Good behavior is about living up to social expectations and roles People want to be seen as “good” by others. Decisions are influenced by seeking approval and maintaining relationships. Stage 4 : Law and Order Morality Moral reasoning considers societal laws People become more concerned with laws, authority, and maintaining the structure of society. Post - Conventional Level (Adulthood) - Moral Reasoning based on Personal ethics - Not everyone reaches this stage - People start to think more abstractly about ethics, justice, and human rights - They question whether laws are just and whether they align with their own moral principles. Stage 5 : Social Contract and Individual Rights Rules are seen as social agreement that can be changed when necessary Laws are important, but they also recognize that some laws may not be fair for everyone. Believed in protecting basic rights and may challenge laws that go against those rights. Stage 6 : Universal Ethical Principles Moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and justice. Highest level of moral development.  They follow their own set of moral principles, which are guided by justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. These principles are more important to them than laws or rules.