Introduction to Ethics Chapter 4

What is the purpose of the critical thinking model?

to provide a structured process for solving ethical problems and making sound moral decisions

What is the chief goal of the critical thinking model?

to help people make ethical decisions using reason, evidence, and reflection

How many steps are in the critical thinking model?

seven

What are the seven steps in order?

1. identification

2. research

3. analysis

4. application

5. decision-making

6. evaluation

7. reflection

What happens during identification?

the ethical issue is recognized and clearly defined

What question is asked during identification?

“what is the ethical issue”?

Why is identification important?

because you cannot solve a problem if you do not correctly identify it

Which skill is especially important during identification?

moral sensitivity

What is moral sensitivity?

the ability to recognize than an ethical issue exists

What happens during research?

gather relevant facts and information

What question is asked during research?

“what do i need to know”?

Why is research important?

decisions based on incomplete information are often poor decisions

What kind of information should be gathered?

facts, context, stakeholders, consequences, laws, and policies

What is a stakeholder?

a person or group affected by a decision

What happens during analysis?

possible solutions and viewpoints are examined

What question is asked during analysis?

“what are the options?”

Why is analysis important?

it prevents people from rushing to conclusions

During analysis what should be considered?

advantages, disadvantages, consequences, and ethical concerns

What thinking skill is especially important during analysis?

critical thinking

What happens during application?

ethical theories and principles are applied to possible solutions

What question is asked during application?

“which ethical theories best apply?”

Why is application important?

it helps determine which option is most ethically justified

Which theories might be applied?

utilitarianism, kantian ethics, virtue ethics, natural right theory

Application is most closely associated with what ethical theories?

consequential and nonconsequential theories

What happens during decision-making?

a final choice is made

What question is asked during decision-making?

“what should i do?”

Why is decision making difficult?

ethical options may involve competing values W

What should support a decision?

facts, evidence, ethical reasoning, and analysis

What is moral judgement most closely related to?

decision-making

What happens during evaluation?

the outcome of the decision is assessed

What question is asked during evaluation?

“did the decision work?”

Why is evaluation important?

it reveal strengths and weaknesses in the decision

What should be examined during evaluation?

consequences and effectiveness

Can ethical decisions have unintended consequences?

YES

What happens during reflection?

the decision-making process is reviewed and lessons are learned

What question is asked during reflection?

“what have I learned?”

Why is reflection important?

it improves future ethical decision-making

Reflections help develop what?

wisdom and moral growth

Which step occurs last?

reflection

If you are trying to determine whether a situation is ethical or unethical, which step are you using?

identification

If you are gathering facts before making a decision, which step are you using?

research

If you are listing possible solutions, which step are you using?

analysis

If you are using Kantian ethics to judge a solution, which step are you using?

application

If you choose one option and act on it, which step are you using?

decision-making

If you examine the results of your decision, which step are you using?

evaluation