The article “Thinking Ethically” outlines five key approaches to ethical decision-making: utilitarianism, rights, justice, common good, and virtue ethics. Each framework offers different perspectives on how to analyze moral dilemmas. A notable insight is that ethical actions should balance benefits and harm, respect individuals’ rights, promote fairness, enhance the common good, and foster moral virtues. As the article highlights, “the method is merely meant to help identify most of the important ethical considerations,” emphasizing that personal deliberation is still necessary for resolving moral issues. This article stood out because it breaks down complex ethical theories into practical, easy-to-understand steps for real-life decision-making. Instead of presenting ethics as abstract, the article connects them to everyday choices, showing that multiple frameworks, like focusing on the greatest good (utilitarianism) or treating people fairly (justice), can guide us differently. It made me realize that ethical thinking isn’t just about following one rule, but about considering various angles. The importance of virtue ethics, building character through habits.

Source: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/