ETHICAL DILEMMAS(Making Ethical Decisions)

The Formalist

The Definition:The criteria to be used in making ethical decisions are UNIVERSAL (MORAL)

LAWS which apply to all men which we must know ahead of time.The Situation: Out of town on business, in a hotel bar, I saw a good friend’s wife entwined with another man. If I tell, my friend will be devastated, and he might hate me for it. If I don’t, I’m joining his rotten wife in conspiring to deceive him. Should I tell?

The Relativist

The Definition:What is “right” is WHATEVER WORKS

for a person or a particular society… and is therefore right.The Situation: We are writing our will and want to leave all our money to our two adult children. One is very rich, but the other lives from hand to mouth. Do we divide equally, or give the poorer one a greater share.

The Contextualist

The Definition:A truly ethical decision to a problem can only be achieved when all factors of the unique situation can be weighted by

those involved.The Situation: I often ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Our state law requires motorcycle drivers under eighteen to wear a helmet. I figure I’m not putting anyone at risk but myself. My friends say it’s suicide. Isn’t it just one more risk we take everyday?