7-Step model for ethical

decision making
1) Gather the facts

► Ethical dilemmas can be resolved simply

by clarifying the facts of the case in
question.
► Dilemma = two competing claims on our
choice/decision
► Ask: “what do we need to know in order
to decide ethically in this given case?”
2) Identify the stakeholders

► Determine who are affected, would be

affected by the ethical issue;
► “Whose and which interests are at stake or
are in conflict?”
► How are they affected?
3) Articulate the dilemma

► What principles and values are involved?

► Why am I bothered by the issue?
4) List the alternatives

► Identify various alternative solutions to the

dilemma;
► Be creative in seeking alternatives: use
moral imagination;
5) Compare the alternatives with the principles

► Eliminate alternatives which are

unacceptable (based on values and
principles)
► Rank alternatives based on hierarchy of
values or least conflict of values;

► Utility, Rights, Justice, Common Good,

Virtue
6) Weigh the consequences

► Consider the consequences of the alternatives if

ranking by hierarchy and least conflict of values
is not possible;
► Look at the positive and negative
consequences of each alternative;

► From the alternatives left after the elimination

process, which one produces the most benefits
and less harm?
7) Make a decision

► Deliberation is not forever; avoid

“analysis-paralysis”;
► Our decisions form who we are, form our
character;
 What Ethical Thinking is NOT:

► It is NOT an expression of a
personal preference.
Judgments about morality
assert that—given correct
or valid reasons—whatever
is affirmed or denied of one
MUST also be true and
applicable to all. In a word,
unlike personal
preferences, ethical
judgments are UNIVERSAL in
scope.
 What Ethical Thinking is NOT:

► It is NOT based solely on

feelings or emotions.
Inasmuch as judgments
about morality entail
universal applicability,
feelings cannot serve as the
only basis for moral
judgments.
► Hence, the moral rightness of
an action is not determined
solely by the intensity or
sincerity of a person’s
emotions.
 What Ethical Thinking is NOT:

► It is NOT simply a matter of

conviction. Thinking
something to be such
does not necessarily
mean that it is so, or for
that matter, will
necessarily make it to be
such.
► Certitude or conviction IS
NOT truth.
 What Ethical Thinking is NOT:

► It is NOT dependent on
statistics. Statistics or polls may
reveal what most people’s
convictions are concerning an
issue. Nonetheless, it does not
necessarily demonstrate
whether this shared conviction
is true.
► No matter how many strongly
believe in something to be the
case, it does not mean that it
is truly the case.
 Thinking ethically helps significantly in
actually choosing the right action.
However, it is not a guarantee: we can
still choose to commit immoral action
despite knowing that it is wrong.
 Therefore, we must constantly and
consistently practice thinking ethically,
and most importantly, choosing to act
ethically. In this way, we become used
to being ethical in our lives.