The article “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” offers a structured approach to making ethical choices by outlining five key methods: utilitarianism, rights, fairness, common good, and virtue ethics. The framework emphasizes considering consequences and moral principles when evaluating the ethics of a decision, stating, “The utilitarian approach deals with consequences; it tries both to increase the good done and to reduce the harm done.” This framework resonates with my personal experiences, especially when making a tough decision about switching careers. I found myself leaning on the practical approach, weighing the benefits my career change could bring me in terms of fulfillment, while also considering the potential downsides, such as leaving peers behind. The framework’s focus on maximizing good while minimizing harm mirrors how I approached that decision. This article reminds me of the ethical dilemmas posed in Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael. In Ishmael, the tension between “taker” and “leaver” societies can be analyzed through the lens of utilitarianism and common good approaches. While “takers” focus on domination and progress, often at the cost of ecological damage, “leavers” maintain practices that support the common good, emphasizing sustainability and harmony. Both texts address the complex balancing act between doing what benefits the individual versus what is best for the collective. On a broader scale, the ethical frameworks outlined in the article remind me of current debates around artificial intelligence and its development. The utilitarian approach is often invoked when discussing AI’s potential to improve lives, while the rights and fairness approaches are cited when addressing concerns about data privacy, job displacement, and bias. This ongoing debate mirrors the ethical concerns discussed in the text, as the world grapples with ensuring new technology benefits everyone while reducing harm.

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. (n.d.). A framework for ethical decision making. Santa Clara University. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/