The Unspoken Rule

Think about a time someone did something that felt wrong, even if it wasn't against a written rule. Or, think about a time you had to make a tough choice where there wasn't a clear 'right' or 'wrong' answer, just different considerations.

Share your thought or a brief example with a partner or write it down.

Ethical Reasoning: Teacher Script

Warm-Up: The Unspoken Rule (5 minutes)

Teacher: Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our lesson today, I want you to think about something a little different. Have you ever been in a situation where someone did something that felt wrong, even if there wasn't a written rule against it? Or, perhaps you had to make a tough choice where there wasn't a clear 'right' or 'wrong' answer, just different considerations?

Take a moment to think about an example. You can share it briefly with a partner, or just jot it down for yourself. I'll give you about two minutes.

(Pause for 2 minutes while students think/discuss.)

Teacher: Okay, can I have a few volunteers share briefly what came to mind? No need to share personal secrets, just general ideas about 'unspoken rules' or tough choices. (Call on 2-3 students, or invite quick shares. Connect their examples to the idea that some decisions are not always black and white.)

That's a great start to our topic today. We're going to dive into something called ethical reasoning – which is all about how we think through these kinds of tough choices.

Introduction to Ethical Reasoning (10 minutes)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 1: Is It Right? Navigating Ethical Choices)

Teacher: Our lesson today is called "Is It Right? Navigating Ethical Choices." We'll be exploring how we make decisions when faced with moral dilemmas.

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 2: Warm-Up: The Unspoken Rule)

Teacher: We just did our warm-up, and you shared some great examples of those gray areas. Today, we're going to give you some tools to navigate those areas with more confidence.

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 3: What is Ethical Reasoning?)

Teacher: Let's start with some definitions. First, Ethics. Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. Think of them as the guidelines we use to decide what's good or bad, right or wrong.

And then, Ethical Reasoning. This is the process of thinking through moral problems, considering different values, principles, and consequences to arrive at a justified decision. It's not just about what you feel is right, but why you feel it's right, and how you can logically explain your choice.

Why is this important? Because ethical reasoning helps us make thoughtful decisions, understand different perspectives, resolve conflicts peacefully, and ultimately build strong character. It's a skill you'll use throughout your life.

Exploring Ethical Frameworks (15 minutes)

Teacher: Now, let's look at some ways people have thought about ethical problems for centuries. These are called ethical frameworks, and they give us different lenses through which to view a dilemma.

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 4: Framework 1: Consequentialism)

Teacher: Our first framework is Consequentialism. This one is pretty straightforward: it focuses on the outcome or consequences of an action. The idea is, if an action leads to a good result, then it's considered a good action. One famous type of consequentialism is Utilitarianism, which aims for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. So, when you're thinking consequentially, you're asking: "What will happen if I do this? What's the best possible result for everyone involved?"

Think about a time you made a choice because you thought it would lead to the best outcome. Maybe you chose to clean your room before playing video games, knowing it would prevent an argument later. That's a form of consequentialist thinking.

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 5: Framework 2: Deontology)

Teacher: Next up is Deontology. This framework is less about the outcome and more about the action itself, and whether it follows moral rules or duties. A deontologist believes that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. For example, telling the truth is always right, and lying is always wrong, no matter what happens as a result. It's about sticking to your principles.

Here, you'd ask: "What are my duties or obligations? What is the rule I should follow?"

Can anyone think of a rule they live by, no matter what? (Allow a few responses - e.g., "Always be kind," "Never steal.")

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 6: Framework 3: Virtue Ethics)

Teacher: Finally, we have Virtue Ethics. This framework shifts the focus from the action or its outcome to the character of the person making the decision. It asks: "What kind of person should I be? What virtues does this situation call for?" A virtuous person would embody traits like honesty, courage, compassion, and fairness.

So, if you're thinking about a dilemma through a virtue ethics lens, you're not just thinking about the rules or the results, but about what a truly good or admirable person would do.

Ethical Choices Activity (15 minutes)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 7: Activity: Ethical Story Cards)

Teacher: Now that we've learned about these three frameworks, it's your turn to apply them! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive an Ethical Story Card with a short scenario.

Your task in your groups is to:

• Read the scenario carefully.
• Discuss: Which ethical framework(s) – Consequentialism, Deontology, or Virtue Ethics – apply to your situation? How would each framework guide your decision?
• Be ready to share your scenario and your group's thoughts with the class.

You'll have about 10 minutes for your group discussion, and then we'll come back together to debrief.

(Divide students into groups, distribute the Ethical Choices Activity cards. Circulate among groups, listen to discussions, and offer guidance as needed.)

Debrief: What Did We Learn? (5 minutes)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 8: Debrief: What Did We Learn?)

Teacher: Alright, groups, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share their scenario and some of their group's discussion? What did you find? Was there a 'right' answer? Did different frameworks lead to different conclusions? Was it easy or hard to apply the frameworks?

(Facilitate a brief class discussion, inviting groups to share their scenarios and approaches. Encourage respectful debate and different perspectives.)

Application & Reflection (10 minutes)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 9: Your Turn: Ethical Dilemma Worksheet)

Teacher: Excellent discussions! To solidify your understanding, you'll now work individually or with a partner on the Ethical Dilemma Worksheet.

This worksheet presents a new scenario. Your goal is to read it, identify the dilemma, and then use one or more of the ethical frameworks we discussed to analyze the situation and explain what you would do and why. Think through your reasoning carefully.

You have about 10 minutes to work on this. We might not finish entirely in class, but do your best to get a good start.

(Distribute the Ethical Dilemma Worksheet. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.)

Cool-Down: Ethical Snapshot (5 minutes)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 10: Cool-Down: Ethical Snapshot)

Teacher: To wrap up our lesson today, I'd like everyone to complete a quick exit ticket, our Ethical Snapshot Cool Down.

Please answer these two questions briefly:

1. One new thing I learned about ethical reasoning today is...
2. One way ethical reasoning can help me in my life is...

Hand these in on your way out the door.

(Collect exit tickets.)

(Display Is It Right? Slide Deck - Slide 11: Keep Thinking Ethically!)

Teacher: Great work today, everyone! Remember, ethical reasoning is a skill that grows with practice. Keep asking 'Is it right?' and 'Why?' as you encounter decisions in your daily life. It will help you become more thoughtful and responsible individuals. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Ethical Dilemma Worksheet

Name:

Scenario:
Your best friend, Alex, is struggling with a big test tomorrow. You see Alex trying to sneak a peek at the answer sheet during lunch. Alex looks up, sees you, and quickly puts the answer sheet away. Alex mouths, 'Don't tell anyone, please!' Later, your teacher announces that if anyone knows about cheating, they should report it, because it's unfair to other students.

Your Task:
Using what you've learned about ethical frameworks (Consequentialism, Deontology, or Virtue Ethics), analyze this dilemma and explain what you would do and why.

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1. Identify the dilemma: What is the core ethical problem you are facing?





2. Which ethical framework(s) will you use to analyze this? (You can choose one or more.)





3. Apply the framework(s): How would your chosen framework(s) guide your decision?
* If Consequentialism: What are the possible outcomes of telling? What are the possible outcomes of not telling? Which outcome leads to the 'greatest good for the greatest number'?










* If Deontology: What are the rules or duties involved (e.g., duty to a friend, duty to honesty, school rules)? What is the 'right' action based on these duties, regardless of outcome?










* If Virtue Ethics: What kind of person do you want to be in this situation (e.g., honest, loyal, fair)? What virtues are important here, and how would a virtuous person act?










4. Your Decision and Justification: What would you do, and based on your ethical reasoning, why?

The Ethics Compass: A Guide to Ethical Reasoning

Have you ever faced a tough decision where there wasn't a clear 'right' or 'wrong' answer? Maybe you found a wallet, and no one saw you. Do you keep it, or turn it in? Or perhaps you saw a friend doing something they shouldn't, and you're torn between loyalty and doing what's 'right'. These are ethical dilemmas, and learning to navigate them is a crucial life skill.

What is Ethics?
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that explores moral principles – the rules and values that guide our behavior. It asks big questions like: What is good? What is right? How should we live?

What is Ethical Reasoning?
Ethical reasoning is the process of thinking through these moral problems. It's not just about what you feel is right, but why you feel it's right, and how you can logically defend your decision. It involves considering different perspectives, understanding potential consequences, and applying various principles to a situation.

Why Bother with Ethical Reasoning?
1. Better Decisions: It helps you make more thoughtful and responsible choices in your personal life, at school, and in your community.
2. Understanding Others: It allows you to understand why people make different choices than you do, even in the same situation, fostering empathy and respect.
3. Solving Conflicts: It provides tools to discuss and resolve disagreements respectfully by focusing on underlying principles.
4. Building Character: Regularly engaging in ethical reasoning helps you develop virtues like honesty, fairness, and compassion.

Key Ethical Frameworks
Think of ethical frameworks as different lenses through which you can view an ethical problem. No single framework is always 'best,' but each offers a valuable perspective.

### 1. Consequentialism (Focus on Outcomes)
* The Big Idea: The morality of an action is judged by its outcome or consequence. If an action leads to a good result, it's considered good.
* Example: Utilitarianism: A famous type of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which argues that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or good for the greatest number of people. If stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving family prevents greater suffering, a utilitarian might argue it's the right thing to do.
* Question to Ask: What will be the results of my action? Which choice will create the most good or least harm for the most people?

### 2. Deontology (Focus on Duties and Rules)
* The Big Idea: Certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. It's about following moral rules, duties, and obligations.
* Example: Always telling the truth, even if it causes a bit of discomfort. A deontologist would argue that lying is wrong, period, because it violates a moral duty to be honest. The outcome (someone might be temporarily upset) doesn't change the moral principle.
* Question to Ask: What is my duty? What are the rules or principles I must follow, no matter what?

### 3. Virtue Ethics (Focus on Character)
* The Big Idea: This framework asks,

Ethical Choices Discussion Prompts

Instructions: Work with your group to discuss the following questions after completing the Ethical Story Card activity. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

1. Initial Reactions: When you first heard your group's ethical dilemma, what was your gut reaction? Was it easy or difficult to identify what felt 'right' or 'wrong'? Why?










2. Applying Frameworks: Which ethical framework(s) (Consequentialism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics) did your group find most useful in analyzing your scenario? Explain how it helped.










3. Conflicting Frameworks: Did different frameworks suggest different solutions for your dilemma? If so, how did your group navigate those conflicts?










4. Real-World Connections: Can you think of a similar real-life situation (from news, movies, or personal experience) where these frameworks could be applied? How might understanding them change how you view that situation?










5. The 'Best' Choice?: Do you think there's always one single 'best' ethical choice in every situation? Why or why not?

Ethical Choices Activity: Scenario Cards

Instructions for Students:
1. In your small groups, you will receive an 'Ethical Story Card'.
2. Read the scenario aloud to your group.
3. As a group, discuss the ethical dilemma presented in the scenario.
4. Apply the ethical frameworks we discussed (Consequentialism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics) to analyze the situation. How would each framework suggest you act?
5. Work together to come up with a decision or a range of possible decisions, explaining your reasoning using the frameworks.
6. Be prepared to share your scenario and your group's ethical reasoning with the rest of the class.

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## Ethical Story Cards (Cut these out for distribution)

### Scenario Card 1: The Group Project
You are working on a group project, and one member, who is usually very dedicated, hasn't contributed anything. The deadline is tomorrow, and without their part, the whole group will get a bad grade. You know they've been going through a tough time at home. Do you do their work for them to save the grade, or do you let the teacher know about their lack of participation?

### Scenario Card 2: The Lost Wallet
You find a wallet on the ground in the school hallway. It contains a significant amount of cash and a student ID for someone you don't know from another class. No one else is around. Do you keep the money, turn the entire wallet into the office, or try to find the student yourself?

### Scenario Card 3: The Secret
Your friend tells you a secret about another student that could get that student into a lot of trouble, even though they didn't do anything intentionally harmful. Your friend makes you promise not to tell anyone. Later, you hear that the student in trouble is being wrongly accused of something related to the secret. Do you break your promise to your friend to help the other student, or keep the secret?

### Scenario Card 4: The Environmental Choice
Your family is planning a fun weekend trip that involves a lot of driving, which you know will increase your carbon footprint. You've been learning about climate change in science class and feel strongly about protecting the environment. Do you go on the trip and enjoy time with your family, or do you try to convince your family to choose a more environmentally friendly activity, potentially causing disappointment?

### Scenario Card 5: The Talented Friend
Your friend is incredibly talented at art but lacks confidence. They've been invited to submit a piece to a local competition, but they are too scared to do it, saying their art isn't good enough. You know they have a real chance of winning and gaining recognition, which could greatly boost their self-esteem. Do you secretly submit one of their pieces for them, or respect their decision not to participate, even if you think it's a mistake?

Ethical Choices Game: Dilemma Dash

Overview: Dilemma Dash is a quick, interactive game designed to get students thinking on their feet about ethical scenarios and applying the frameworks learned.

Materials:
* Index cards with various short ethical dilemmas (similar to the 'Ethical Story Cards' but even shorter).
* Whiteboard or chart paper.
* Markers.
* Optional: Small prizes for participation/best reasoning.

Setup:
1. Prepare 10-15 short ethical dilemma cards. Examples:
*

Ethical Snapshot Cool Down

Instructions: On an exit ticket or a piece of paper, please answer the following questions briefly:

1. What is one new thing you learned about ethical reasoning today, or one ethical framework that resonated with you?





2. Think of one real-life situation (from school, home, or the news) where you could apply ethical reasoning. Briefly describe it.

Ethical Reasoning Quick Check Quiz - Answer Key

1. Which ethical framework focuses on the outcomes or consequences of an action?
Correct Answer: Consequentialism
Thought Process: Consequentialism, particularly Utilitarianism, judges an action based on its results. If the outcome is good, the action is considered ethical.

2. If you believe it's always wrong to lie, regardless of the situation, you are most likely applying which ethical framework?
Correct Answer: Deontology
Thought Process: Deontology emphasizes duties and rules. It suggests that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, irrespective of their consequences. A deontologist would adhere to the rule 'don't lie'.

3. Acting in a way that a courageous or honest person would act is central to which ethical framework?
Correct Answer: Virtue Ethics
Thought Process: Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent. It asks what a virtuous person would do in a given situation, emphasizing the development of moral virtues.

4. Briefly explain, in your own words, why ethical reasoning is important in everyday life.
Correct Answer: (Open-ended, but should include similar points to below)
Thought Process: Ethical reasoning is crucial because it helps us to:
* Make informed and thoughtful decisions, rather than just acting on impulse.
* Understand and respect different viewpoints in complex situations.
* Navigate conflicts and disagreements more constructively.
* Develop our own moral character and become responsible members of society.

Ethical Reasoning Comprehensive Test - Answer Key

1. What is the primary focus of 'ethics' as a field of study?
Correct Answer: Moral principles and values
Thought Process: Ethics is fundamentally concerned with questions of right and wrong, good and bad, and the principles that guide moral behavior.

2. Define ethical reasoning in your own words, providing one example of when you might use it.
Correct Answer: (Open-ended, but should align with the definition and provide a relevant example.)
Thought Process: Ethical reasoning is the process of systematically thinking through moral problems, considering different values, principles, and potential consequences to make a justified decision. An example could be deciding whether to tell a friend a harsh truth that might upset them but is ultimately for their benefit.

3. A company decides to implement a new policy that will save money but might cause slight inconvenience for a small group of customers. They justify this by saying it benefits the majority. Which framework are they primarily using?
Correct Answer: Consequentialism (Utilitarianism)
Thought Process: Utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. The company's justification directly aligns with this principle by prioritizing the benefit of the majority.

4. Describe a situation where a deontological approach might lead to a different decision than a consequentialist approach.
Correct Answer: (Open-ended, but should illustrate the conflict.)
Thought Process: Consider a situation where a doctor has five critically ill patients needing different organ transplants and one healthy patient who is a perfect match for all five. A consequentialist might consider sacrificing the healthy patient to save five lives (greatest good for the greatest number). However, a deontologist would argue that it is inherently wrong to kill an innocent person, regardless of the potential positive outcome, upholding the duty not to harm.

5. Which of the following is an example of applying Virtue Ethics?
Correct Answer: Asking what a fair and honest person would do
Thought Process: Virtue ethics focuses on character and the development of virtues. This question directly asks about acting in line with virtuous traits like fairness and honesty.

6. Why is it challenging to apply ethical frameworks to real-world dilemmas?
Correct Answer: (Open-ended, but should address complexity.)
Thought Process: Real-world dilemmas are often complex because they involve multiple stakeholders, unforeseen consequences, conflicting moral duties, and personal biases. It can be difficult to accurately predict outcomes, determine which duties take precedence, or agree on what constitutes a 'virtuous' action in a specific context.

7. You witness a friend cheating on a test. Using two different ethical frameworks, explain how you might analyze this situation and what each framework would suggest you do.
Correct Answer: (Open-ended, but should accurately apply two frameworks.)
Thought Process:
* Consequentialism: If you tell the teacher, your friend might get in trouble, but it ensures fairness for other students and upholds academic integrity, which benefits the overall learning environment. Not telling might protect your friend but could encourage further cheating and create an unfair advantage. A consequentialist would weigh these outcomes.
* Deontology: A deontologist might focus on the rule that cheating is wrong and that students have a duty to uphold academic honesty and follow school rules. From this perspective, reporting the cheating would be the 'right' action, regardless of the impact on your friendship.
* Virtue Ethics: A virtue ethicist might consider virtues like honesty, integrity, and loyalty. They might ask what a person of good character would do. This could lead to a decision to confront the friend first, encouraging them to confess, or to report it if the friend refuses, balancing loyalty with integrity and fairness to others.

Ethical Solutions Project Guide

Project Title: Ethical Solutions: Navigating Real-World Dilemmas

Objective: To deepen your understanding of ethical reasoning by researching a real-world ethical dilemma, analyzing it through different ethical frameworks, and proposing a well-reasoned solution.

Project Description:
You will choose a current or historical ethical dilemma (e.g., environmental issues, social justice concerns, technological ethics, personal quandaries). You will then research the dilemma, identify the different viewpoints and stakeholders involved, and apply the ethical frameworks (Consequentialism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics) to analyze the situation. Finally, you will propose a well-justified ethical solution or course of action.

Deliverables:
1. Project Proposal (Due: Day X): A brief outline (1 paragraph) of your chosen dilemma and why you selected it.
2. Research Summary (Due: Day Y): A 1-2 page summary of your chosen dilemma, including:
* Description of the dilemma.
* Key stakeholders involved and their perspectives.
* Any relevant facts or background information.
3. Ethical Analysis Report (Due: Day Z): A 2-3 page report applying the three ethical frameworks:
* Consequentialism: Analyze the potential outcomes and impacts of different choices for various stakeholders.
* Deontology: Identify any duties, rules, or rights that are relevant to the dilemma.
* Virtue Ethics: Discuss what virtues are at play and how a virtuous person might approach the situation.
4. Proposed Solution & Justification (Due: Day Z): A 1-page section clearly stating your proposed ethical solution or course of action, justified by your analysis using the ethical frameworks.
5. Presentation (Due: Day Z+1): A 5-7 minute presentation to the class summarizing your dilemma, analysis, and proposed solution.

Timeline:
* Week 1: Choose dilemma, submit proposal, begin research.
* Week 2: Complete research summary, begin ethical analysis.
* Week 3: Complete ethical analysis report and proposed solution.
* Week 4: Prepare and deliver presentations.

Resources:
* The Ethics Compass Reading
* Class notes on ethical frameworks.
* Reputable news sources, academic articles, books.
* Library resources.

Tips for Success:
* Choose a dilemma that genuinely interests you.
* Be objective in your research and analysis before forming your solution.
* Clearly explain how each framework applies to your specific dilemma.
* Your proposed solution should be logical and well-supported by your ethical analysis.

Good luck!

Ethical Solutions Project Rubric

Project Name: Ethical Solutions: Navigating Real-World Dilemmas

Student Name: _________________________

| Category | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Significant Improvement | Score |
| :---------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------ |
| Dilemma Description | Clearly and comprehensively describes a complex ethical dilemma with all key aspects and nuances. | Clearly describes an ethical dilemma, including key aspects. | Describes an ethical dilemma, but some aspects are unclear or missing. | Fails to clearly describe an ethical dilemma or describes a non-ethical problem. | |
| Research & Stakeholders | Thoroughly researches the dilemma, identifying all major stakeholders and their nuanced perspectives. | Researches the dilemma, identifying major stakeholders and their perspectives. | Identifies some stakeholders and perspectives, but research is limited. | Minimal or no research; fails to identify stakeholders or perspectives. | |
| Consequentialist Analysis | Provides a deep and insightful analysis of potential outcomes for all stakeholders, clearly applying the framework. | Clearly analyzes potential outcomes for major stakeholders, applying the framework effectively. | Attempts to analyze outcomes, but application of framework is superficial or unclear. | Fails to apply consequentialist framework or misinterprets its principles. | |
| Deontological Analysis | Provides a deep and insightful analysis of duties, rules, and rights, clearly applying the framework. | Clearly analyzes relevant duties, rules, and rights, applying the framework effectively. | Attempts to analyze duties/rules, but application of framework is superficial or unclear. | Fails to apply deontological framework or misinterprets its principles. | |
| Virtue Ethics Analysis | Provides a deep and insightful analysis of relevant virtues and virtuous actions, clearly applying the framework. | Clearly analyzes relevant virtues and virtuous actions, applying the framework effectively. | Attempts to analyze virtues, but application of framework is superficial or unclear. | Fails to apply virtue ethics framework or misinterprets its principles. | |
| Proposed Solution & Justification | Proposes a well-reasoned, creative, and ethically sound solution, exceptionally justified by framework analysis. | Proposes a reasonable ethical solution, justified by framework analysis. | Proposes a solution, but justification is weak or not clearly linked to framework analysis. | Proposed solution is illogical or lacks ethical justification. | |
| Presentation | Engaging, well-organized, and confidently delivered; effectively communicates complex ideas. | Well-organized and delivered; communicates ideas clearly. | Presentation is somewhat organized, but delivery is inconsistent or unclear. | Disorganized, unclear presentation; struggles to communicate ideas. | |
| Overall Quality & Effort | Demonstrates exceptional effort and mastery of ethical reasoning concepts. | Demonstrates good effort and understanding of ethical reasoning concepts. | Shows some effort, but understanding of ethical reasoning concepts is limited. | Minimal effort; lacks understanding of ethical reasoning concepts. | |

Total Score: ________ / 32