1. Ethics Cases always involve conflicts among some combination of values, duties, goals, and needs.  If there is little or no conflict, there is no dilemma and no problem.

2. Good ethical decision-making always requires us to be systematic.  It is not ad hoc or case by case. It is not based on mere personal preference or loyalty to a side.  It is principled

3. Cases not only have conflicting values, goals, needs; cases require choice and action.

4. A good ethical analysis always is able

   1. to specify the grounds of the analysis, that is, what traditions, principles, and standards are used to arrive at a conclusion.  and

   2. to justify the reasonableness and relevance of those standards to the case at hand.

   3. to reach a clear decision based on the standards used.
       

5. The "MCGAAN BOX" method of analysis for ethical dilemmas.  [ a modification of the "Potter Box" system developed by R.B. Potter in his essay "The Logic of Moral Argument," Toward a Discipline of Social Ethics (Paul Deats, ed.)  Boston University Press, 1972. ]

1. Definition of the Situation:  This step involves description of the relevant facts in the case.  It may include organizational policies and procedures, key issues, and options available to those who can take action.  A good definition of the situation takes on a point of view -- that is, it looks at the case from the perspective of who is responsible for acting.
    

2. Conflicts and Values:  The second step describes all potential values involved (right/ wrong, good/bad) and identifies conflicts between values and/or duties, goals, needs.
   
   Values may include:

   • general morals and personal values,  

   • professional values,

   • esthetic values (harmony, beauty etc. ),

   • logical values (consistency, competency, etc.),

   • religious values,

   • cultural values (efficiency, hard work, etc.).
      

3. Traditions and Principles:  This step discusses the various ethical  traditions, rules or decision-making procedures that could apply in the case (including ones in conflict).  Here you should use the traditions we discussed as well as K. Wallace, professional codes and any other principles which you think apply.
    

4. Decisions:  In the final step explain what principles and traditions you choose to follow and why?  Indicate clearly what the responsible party should do, what action should be taken.

Example Case - Dallas Cinema Fire

In Dallas some years ago a movie theatre burned and 16 men were killed.  "The Cinema," was well known locally for showing gay-themed male erotic films.  As a result of the intensity of the fire it was three days before the police were able to identify the bodies, notify next of kin, and release names of the dead.  By then the original story of the fire had already been published and had disappeared from the news.

Should the local newspapers publish the names of the men who died?  Two local papers differed on answer.  One did publish the names and the other did not further cover the story.

facts:  The newspaper editors cannot be sure who was gay, of course but readers will draw conclusions based on the reputation of the theatre and the nature of the film being shown.  Some of the deceased men were prominent figures, political office holders, married with children and so on.  At least one was known to have a criminal record as a hustler prostitute.

policies:  As is typical both local papers usually did publish names of victims of disasters.  They would typically publish more information (such as occupations) only if it were deemed "newsworthy."

options:  Do a follow up story and print names or not.  Print more information or not.

·        What are the ethical conflicts here?  Who is responsible for an ethical decision?

·        What traditions and principles could apply in this case?

·        What should be done?

Sample Case for In-class Analysis on 1/28 or 30