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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.
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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
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Cases not only have
conflicting values, goals, needs; cases require choice and action.
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A good ethical analysis always is able
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to specify the grounds of the analysis, that is, what
traditions, principles, and standards are used to arrive at a conclusion.
and
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to justify the reasonableness and relevance of those
standards to the case at hand.
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to reach a clear decision based on the standards used.
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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
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2. Conflicts and
Values |
3.
Traditions and Principles
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4. Decisions |
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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.
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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:
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general morals
and personal values,
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professional values,
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esthetic values
(harmony, beauty
etc. ),
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logical
values (consistency, competency, etc.),
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religious values,
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cultural values
(efficiency, hard work, etc.).
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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.
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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.
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What are the
ethical conflicts here? Who is responsible for an ethical decision?
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What
traditions and principles could apply in this case?
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What should
be done?
Sample Case for
In-class Analysis on 1/28 or 30
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