What Would You Do? - Discussion Guide

This guide provides prompts and questions to facilitate meaningful discussions throughout "The Ethical Dilemma" lesson.

Part 1: Introduction to Ethics

Objective: Gauge students' prior understanding and introduce the concept of ethics.

• "When you hear the word 'ethics,' what comes to mind?"
  
  
  
• "Can you think of a time when you or someone you know had to make a difficult choice with no clear 'right' or 'wrong' answer?" (Assure students that they don't need to share personal details, just the idea of the dilemma.)
  
  
  
• "Why do you think it's important to think about the consequences of our actions?"

Part 2: Exploring Ethical Frameworks

Objective: Help students understand and relate to different ethical frameworks.

• (After discussing Consequentialism/Outcomes): "When might focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number be a challenge? Are there any downsides?"
  
  
  
• (After discussing Deontology/Duties & Rules): "Are there times when following a rule absolutely, no matter what, might lead to a negative outcome? How do we balance rules with unique situations?"
  
  
  
• (After discussing Virtue Ethics/Character): "Which virtues do you think are most important for making tough decisions? Why?"
  
  
  
• "Which of these frameworks (consequences, duties, or virtues) feels most natural for you to use when making a decision? Why?"

Part 3: Group Share and Debate (Scenario Analysis)

Objective: Facilitate respectful sharing and debate of group decisions.

• (To the presenting group): "Can you walk us through the scenario and explain the ethical dilemma you identified?"
  
  
  
• "What were the different choices your group considered? What were the potential consequences of each?"
  
  
  
• "Which ethical framework(s) did your group rely on most when making your final decision?"
  
  
  
• (To the class after a group presents): "Did any other groups arrive at a different conclusion? What led you to that decision?"
  
  
  
• "What was the most challenging part about analyzing this scenario?"
  
  
  
• "How did discussing this in a group help or hinder your decision-making process?"

Part 4: Reflecting on Ethical Growth

Objective: Encourage personal reflection on applying ethical reasoning.

• "How might you apply the decision-making process we used today to a challenge you face in school or outside of school?"
  
  
  
• "What is one thing you learned today about making ethical choices?"

Decision Matrix Explorer

Name: _____________________________
Group Members: _________________________________________________

Scenario: The Group Project Dilemma

You are working on a major group project. One team member hasn't contributed much, but they're going through a tough time personally. The deadline is tomorrow, and the project is incomplete.

Step 1: Identify the Core Dilemma

In your own words, what is the ethical problem you need to solve in this scenario?

Step 2: Brainstorm Possible Choices

List at least three different actions your group could take.

Step 3: Analyze Consequences for Each Choice

For each choice you listed above, consider the positive and negative consequences for everyone involved (your group, the struggling student, the teacher, yourselves).

Choice 1:

• Positive Consequences:
  
  
  
  
• Negative Consequences:
  
  
  
  

Choice 2:

• Positive Consequences:
  
  
  
  
• Negative Consequences:
  
  
  
  

Choice 3:

• Positive Consequences:
  
  
  
  
• Negative Consequences:
  
  
  
  

Step 4: Apply Ethical Frameworks

Which ethical frameworks (Consequences, Duties & Rules, Virtue Ethics) did you consider most? How did they help you think about your choices?

• Consequences (Utilitarianism): How does each choice lead to the greatest good for the greatest number?
  
  
  
  
• Duties & Rules (Deontology): Are there any rules or duties your group has to consider (e.g., fairness, academic integrity)?
  
  
  
  
• Virtue Ethics: What kind of character would your group demonstrate with each choice (e.g., compassionate, responsible, honest)?
  
  
  
  

Step 5: Make Your Decision

Based on your analysis, what is the most ethical decision your group would make? Explain your reasoning, referring to the consequences and ethical frameworks.