Module 3

Ethics in Praxis

Learning Packet 03

Basic Case Analysis and the

7-Steps Moral Reasoning
Model

Written By :

JARELE E. ADLAWAN, PRMSU

CYREM F. DECENA, PRMSU

EMANUELLE JAYSON T. BOAC, TAU

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Learning Packet 03
Basic Case Analysis and 7-Steps Moral Reasoning
Model
Introduction
Congratulations! We finally arrived at our last stop before you finish this
course. In this course packet, we will do Ethical case analysis, a common exercise for
identifying and reasoning about ethical challenges in complex situations. Every student
of Ethics must developed in them the skill of analyzing moral problems before casting
judgement and doing courses of actions. This is also an avenue to develop one’s moral
framework and ethical values, a necessary lifelong skill that each of us has to
developed. This is the part where you are going to apply al of your learnings from the
first course packet down to the previous one. In context, you were able to learn the
necessary foundations and basic definitions needed for this course as well as the moral
principles and theories which are necessary in analyzing a particular moral problem.
You have found out also that alongside of secular culture, religion is a crucial factor for
us as it affects our moral judgement thinking of our relationship with the divine. And
on the last packet, you were exposed to the reality of moral issues that we are all
confronted with every day.
Thus, every definition, principles, theories and other factors will come into
play. This will measure how well you have remembered and understood all the past
lessons. Those key concepts you must use in order to analyze moral dilemmas. To
streamline the process of case analysis, we will be using Scott Rae’s 7 Steps to Moral
Reasoning model to develop our sense of impartiality over a moral dilemma before
making a moral decision using our reason more and less of our emotions. You will be
more exposed to particular situations needing to be analyzed and decided upon which
moral course of action is ethical to make and avoid what is/are not. Throughout the
journey, I hope that your perspectives about ethics will all the more be improved and
made you more reasonable than ever with your widened horizon.
Good luck!
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Analyze moral dilemmas using the 7-step moral reasoning model -- a model that
uses reason and impartiality;
2. Justify the reasons behind their options concerning the given moral dilemma
situation; and
3. Express immediate and carefully evaluated responses to moral dilemma
situations.

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Learning Management System

Google Classroom, Edmodo Classroom, Facebook

Note: You may request the link/code from your instructor/professor.

Duration

● Topic 03: Moral Issues and Ethics in Praxis = 6 hours (2 hours of Lecture and
4 hours of self-directed learning with practical exercises and assessments)

Delivery Mode
This lesson will be delivered through flexible learning, which may be done in
synchronous and/or asynchronous settings.

Assessment with Rubrics

Your learning will be assessed using a 30-point teacher-made test aiming to measure
your understanding and application of the 7-steps of Moral Reasoning model by Scott
Rae (2018) in analyzing ethical cases or ethical dilemmas.

Requirement with Rubrics

You will be tasked to analyze a given ethical dilemma and try to apply the 7-steps of
Moral Reasoning model by Scott Rae (2018). Please see annex section for Rubrics.

Readings

7 Steps in the Moral Reasoning Model

https://xiansarong.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/7-steps-in-the-moral-reasoning-model/

Other version of the 7 Steps to Ethical Decision Making Process

Seven-step guide to ethical decision-making (Davis, M. (1999) Ethics and the
university, New York: Routledge, p. 166-167.

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Pre-Assessment
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Directions: Read the following statements and identify what is being defined
from among the options provided in the box. Write the letter of your answer on
the space provided.

A. Gather the Facts

B. Determine the Ethical Issues
C. Determine what virtues / principles have a bearing on the case
D. List the alternatives
E. Compare the alternatives with the virtues / principles
F. Consider the consequences
G. Make a decision (including one’s justification for the decision)
H. Impartiality
I. Moral Dilemma
J. Rationality/Reasoning
K. Moral Principles

_____1. The simplest way of clarifying an ethical dilemma is to make sure the
facts are clear.

_____2. After having analyzed the moral dilemma situation one must now make
a decision based on what has been previously discussed and must clearly justify
the decision that has been made.

_____3. The ethical issue/s involved in the situation must be clearly stated in
order to specify what issue one has to make a decision to.

_____4. Take the alternatives and work out the positive and negative
consequences of each. If principles have not yielded a clear decision, consider
the consequences of your alternatives.

_____5. Applicable ethical values and principles relevant to the case must be
identified and briefly explained in order to justify how such principles could be
used in coming up with a decision concerning the moral dilemma later on.

_____6. The initial list of suggested courses of actions must then be evaluated
from the vantage point of the identified ethical values and principles.

_____7. After having identified relevant values, virtues, and principles

involving the moral situation, possible alternative courses of actions must then
be proposed and briefly explained.

_____8. The capability of humans that equips us to analyze ethical or moral

dilemmas. It is the foundation of ethical principles.

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_____9. A situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two or

more options, sometimes neither of which resolves the situation in a manner
that is consistent with accepted ethical guidelines

_____10. It is the equal treatment of people concerned as well as alternatives or

possibilities

Lesson Proper
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What is Ethical Case Analysis?

Ethical case analysis is a common exercise

for identifying and reasoning about ethical
challenges in complex situations. It is a systematic
approach in figuring out the right moral decision
in a particular situation. By analyzing the situation
logically, in accordance with your ethical code,
you can figure out which options are both
effective and moral.Its principles also encourage
you to form an accurate picture of the situation and think through the effect of
your decisions before you act.

What are Ethical / Moral Dilemmas?

Ethical or Moral dilemmas are situations in which

conflicts between two choices are present. For
instance, a mother, who has the sole responsibility of
feeding her children but is unemployed, has the
tendency to commit theft. In other words, the moral
agent is faced with the difficulty of making a moral
decision between stealing or letting her children go
hungry which could even lead to death.

Further, there is a difficult choice to be made between two or more

options, sometimes neither of which resolves the situation in a manner that
is consistent with accepted ethical guidelines -- as is illustrated by the example
above since stealing is bad in itself and not feeding your own children is also
bad in itself. However, in the worst possible case, stealing is the lesser evil
because it does not harm, except to the person’s property, to any other human
being.

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Ethical or moral dilemmas are complicated challenges that cannot be

easily solved. Therefore, the ability to find the optimal solution in such situations
is critical to everyone because every person may encounter an ethical dilemma
in almost every aspect of their life, including personal, social, professional and
even in institutional levels.

SCOTT RAE’S 7-STEP MORAL REASONING MODEL

In our everyday life, we make decisions – whether it is trivial or

important matters little, whether we are conscious
of it or not is also beside the question. Decisions
that pertain to the means which we live by such as
basic necessities for life like eating and drinking,
personal hygiene care or in other words those that
pertain to the survival of the human person are decisions made mostly by the
subconscious mind – i.e., basic instinct for the survival of the species; thus, when
we are hungry we naturally choose to eat or when we get sleepy we tend to
choose to sleep.

However, decisions that pertain to actions that would result in either

good or bad, right or wrong, need to be pondered upon, analyzed and, if
possible, philosophically investigated. Such decisions are considered to be
ethical if and only if they concern the well-being, life or death of the human
person or that of other people. It is in this instance that ethical decision making
should have a certain structure for it to be critically analyzed well. Such structure
is provided in the Seven Steps to Ethical Decision Making which is developed
by Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong

Before delving into the seven-step model, it is imperative to know the

foundation behind it. There are two key points which ground the model, namely:
rationality or reason and impartiality or fairness. Rationality or reason is the
basic human function which separates us from all other animals. Our capacity to
reason is what dictates us to make right and good ethical decisions. Human
beings are the only animals capable of reasoning and it is what equips us to
analyze ethical or moral dilemmas. Reasoning is the foundation of ethical
principles. To better understand this, we have to distinguish the types of
reasoning. Basically, we have three: deductive, inductive, and abductive.
However, we only need deductive or inductive reasoning in making moral
decisions. Deductive reasoning is used when general conclusion is provided and

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from there possible causes and effects are thought of as the possible process of
such an outcome; from a general conclusion to specific premises or statements.
Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, is an induction from premises or
statements to a general conclusion. It helps come up with a hypothesis. Such
reasoning is often used in the hard sciences -- i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Biology
-- as well as the soft sciences -- i.e., Psychology, Economics -- to provide
hypotheses for their supposed claims. In morality, we have the common mistake
when it comes to doing good and avoiding evil. There are two common motives
which move a moral agent: desire for reward and fear of punishment. These
motives are commonly mistaken as “reasons” for acting good. However, these
two do not provide the comprehension we need in order to understand why a
certain good act is good or a certain bad act is bad; only that we either receive
reward for doing it or the consequence of being punished. For instance, a student
is taught not to cheat. But the school policy only says not to cheat to avoid being
expelled or avoid failing the subject, it does not say why it is bad to cheat or that
it is good to avoid cheating. Such is the nature of rule: it only teaches us what to
avoid due to a certain reward or consequence but it does not make us understand
why it is bad. Hence, the need for moral reasoning -- either the method be
deductive or inductive -- would be the gateway to comprehending why good acts
are good and why bad acts are bad in and out of themselves.

Impartiality, in a nutshell, is equal treatment of people concerned as well

as alternatives or possibilities. In other words, in deciding which action to take
in an ethical decision making, the decider must keep in mind the lesser evil or
that which would benefit the highest number of people. With these two, the
seven-step ethical decision making would result in a much more beneficial end.

Scott Rae’s model for moral reasoning presents a 7-step approach to

moral analyses and evaluation. It is oriented towards virtues and principles with
consideration of consequences as a supporting role (Rae 2018). This model is
free from cultural, ethnic and religious background and biases, though it is
consistent/uses biblical principles. With that, let us take a look at the seven steps:

First, we have to gather facts. In order to know the situation—either it involves

a moral dilemma or an ethical issue—before dealing with it, we must ask basic
questions to gather information. Questions such as “who, what, where, when,
how, and why” are imperatives in gathering facts about something. This will
eventually help us not to just jump into conclusions which are baseless.
However, it must be noted that some facts are not that accessible or available;
hence, it is practical to assemble only as many facts as possible before

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proceeding to the next step. This gathering of facts in turn would clarify further
what assumptions we should be making.

It is essential that in moral decision- making, one has to know the general facts
of the moral situation, before coming up with a moral analysis, more so, a
decision or an evaluation.

The simplest way of clarifying an ethical dilemma is to make sure the facts are
clear. Ask: Do you have all the facts that are necessary to make a good decision?
What do we know? What do we need to know? In this light it might become
clear that the dilemma is not ethical but about communication or strategy (Rae,
2018).

Second, determine the ethical issues. There are at least four major ethical
theories – i.e., Utilitarianism, Natural Law, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics –
which can cover most of the common ethical issues. Among the issues could be
Bioethical in nature which basically means issues concerning human life. In
Bioethics, there are three categories, namely: Beginning-of-Life Issues,
Sustenance-of-Life Issues, and End-of-Life Issues. In the first one, there is the
common issue on abortion. The second one covers organ transplantation and the
like, while the third consists of issues concerning euthanasia and brain death and
persistent vegetative state. In order to identify the ethical issue, we must ask the
basic question of what could harm the other and to whom are you doing it for.
There may be multiple ethical issues surrounding one case. As such, you must
identify one major ethical issue at a time.

After having identified the facts and overall context of the moral situation, the
ethical issue/s involved in the situation must be clearly stated in order to specify
what issue one has to make a decision to. This section must likewise clearly
state the major moral dilemma involved in the case.

Ethical interests are stated in terms of legitimate competing interests or goods.

The competing interests are what create the dilemma. Moral values and virtues
must support the competing interests in order for an ethical dilemma to exist. If
you cannot identify the underlying values/virtues then you do not have an
ethical dilemma. Often people hold these positions strongly and with passion
because of the value / virtue beneath them (Rae 2018).

Third, identify the virtues or principles that have a bearing on the case.
Universal principles such as right to life, to security, to privacy, among others

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are imperatives for the human being to live well. Thus, identifying the
surrounding principles of a certain case is a must in ethical decision making.

Applicable ethical values and principles relevant to the case must be identified
and briefly explained in order to justify how such principles could be used in
coming up with a decision concerning the moral dilemma later on. In addition,
the sources of these principles must be acknowledged likewise. These values,
principles could come from: (1) established philosophical ethical principles; (2)
socio-cultural norms; (3) socio-political norms and laws; (4) religious
traditions; and others.

In an ethical dilemma certain values and principles are central to the competing
positions. Identify these. Determine if some should be given more weight than
others. Ask what the source for the principle is - constitution, culture, natural
law, religious tradition... These supplement biblical principles (Rae 2018).

Fourth, list the alternatives. After having identified relevant values, virtues,
and principles involving the moral situation, possible alternative courses of
actions must then be proposed and briefly explained. These suggested courses
of actions must then be evaluated based on its applicability, sensibility,
practicality before selecting one as the course of action or decision to be made
regarding the moral situation.

Creatively determine possible courses of action for your dilemma. Some will
almost immediately be discarded but generally the more you list the greater
potential for coming up with a really good one. It will also help you come up
with a broader selection of ideas (Rae 2018).

Fifth, compare the alternatives with the virtues / principles. The initial list
of suggested courses of actions must then be evaluated from the vantage point
of the identified ethical values and principles.

This step eliminates alternatives as they are weighed by the moral principles
which have a bearing on the case. Potentially the issue will be resolved here as
all alternatives except one are eliminated. Here you must satisfy all the relevant
virtues and values - so at least some of the alternatives will be eliminated (even
if you still have to go on to step 6). Often here you have to weigh principles and
virtues - make sure you have a good reason for each weighting (Rae 2018).

Sixth, consider the consequences. If principles have not yielded a clear

decision, consider the consequences of your alternatives. Take the alternatives
and work out the positive and negative consequences of each. Estimate how

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beneficial each positive and negative consequences are – some might have
greater weight than others (Rae 2018).

Seventh, make a decision (including one’s justification for the decision).

After having analyzed the moral dilemma situation (from steps 1 thru 6), one
must now make a decision based on what has been previously discussed and
must clearly justify the decision that has been made.

Ethical decisions rarely have pain-free solutions - it might be that you have to
choose the solution with the least number of problems / painful consequences
(Rae 2018).

Learning Packet Discussion Forum Activity

A. To illustrate the 7-Step Moral Reasoning Model, an example case is given:

Suppose that John, a graduating college student and a candidate for academic
honors in this online academic year, had encountered personal problems that
distracted him from studying well for both his Midterms and Final exams. His
parents died due to complications caused by COVID infection. His family thinks
highly of him as he is also the eldest among his siblings. As such he is left with
the sole responsibility of taking care of his siblings. John has been an excellent
student in all of his classes; he has never cheated in his entire student life. He is
also an active student outside of the classroom. His life as a student can
therefore be considered as par excellence; an exemplary indeed. His teacher,
Sir Calasanz, is teaching one of Mark’s major subjects, Advanced Epistemology.
With the current situation of online classes, students have the tendency to cheat
in various ways. For instance, in essay-type exams, students can easily copy
from books, research articles, and the like whether from online (even with the
risk of getting caught via the platform Turn It In) or hard copy (with the minimal
risk of the professor finding it out if and only if he or she has read it) or, in
synchronous online test, students can easily open a separate tab with his laptop
or other mobile device and can easily view the possible answers. Sir Calasanz
is fond of conducting oral-type exams. With this, Mark thought of cheating by
using a separate tab that views the possible answers for the possible questions
Sir Calasanz might ask from him. Since he is a candidate for academic honors
and a graduating student, Mark is faced with a moral dilemma of whether he
will cheat his way toward his academic goals or just leave it to fate where he
fails or not?

Using the 7-step moral reasoning model, we have the following:

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First, the relevant facts are:

- John is a graduating student and a candidate for academic honors.

- He has encountered personal problems -- his parents both died due to
COVID complications.
- Such personal problems have caused him to lose his focus toward his
academic endeavour.
- He is the eldest among his siblings and is therefore expected to take care
of them.
- As a candidate for academic honors and a graduating student, he is
expected to carry out his academic goals in an excellent way. He has
always been in par excellence but with the current situation, he is faced
with a certain moral dilemma of whether or not he will cheat his way to
his academic goals since he has been distracted by his own personal
problems.
- Due to COVID pandemic, college education is done online.
- Online class settings have been an open ground for various ways of
cheating -- for instance, in synchronous online tests, students can just
easily open a separate tab to view the possible answers.
- Sir Calasanz, his professor in the major subject Advanced Epistemology,
is fond of oral-type exams. Since it is online, it would be done
synchronously.
- John, faced with the pressure of carrying the duty of taking care of his
siblings, has to do his very best in order to achieve what has been his
academic goals.
- Either he cheats his way toward such goals and therefore would still be
able to graduate with academic honors; or,
- He lets fate shape the ending of his academic life story.

Second, the ethical and moral issues appear to be: the conflict between John’s
need to achieve his academic goals and he would only be able to accomplish this
when he cheats his way because he has been distracted from studying well for
his Midterms and Final exams and his duty to take care of his siblings which will
require him to get a job when he graduates.

Third, the principles (and theories) that have a bearing on the case: a) Principle
of Justice as fairness can be one. Because of the classroom rules, equal
opportunities must apply to all students. Under this is the principle of Veracity
where honesty keeps students honor intact and the integrity of the results of
exams are maintained. (b.) However, because of the foreseen bad effect for
himself and his family when he fails, the Non-Maleficence principle is
something considerable in this case. In terms of theories, (c) the Deontological
theory provides us the idea that John is compelled to follow the rules, keep his

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dignity intact and proceed to exams because cheating is not the rational thing to
do. But because of what is at stake, (d) the Utilitarian theory may justify his
actions if ever he went on to cheat his way and pass the exams because the results
will be more beneficial than those of following the rules.

Fourth, the possible alternatives: (a) an option is for John to just do his very best
to study for his exams which would be like letting fate decide on his academic
endeavor. This alternative presents itself due to the well-known principle that
students must never ever cheat his way to his academic goals. However, with
this, the risks appear to be that he would fail his Midterms and Final Exams and
therefore would not be able to graduate in time and would be removed from the
academic honors which would, in turn, be a bigger problem when he searches
for possible jobs or careers. Thus, (b) to cheat his way remains an option for
John to avoid himself from failing. But the repercussions of this option would
also be detrimental if and only if he gets caught cheating. A third option will be
is to (c) talk to his teacher and plea his case. A possibility would be for John to
ask Sir Calasanz to consider his case. The possible outcome would be for Sir
Calasanz to understand his case but would stick to the university policy of
pushing through with the Midterms and Final Oral Exams since John is both a
graduating student and a candidate for academic honors.

Fifth , we compare the alternatives with principles: (a) If John would abide to
the rules and risk himself of failing the exams because he had no time to prepare
for it due to family problems. This will satisfy the Principle of Justice and
Deontological theory but the choice might bring danger to his future and his
family thereby violating the non-Maleficence principle. (b) Inversely, if he
follows cheating his way, the Principles of Justice, Veracity and Deontological
Theory will be violated just to avoid the possible unfortunate circumstance. (c)
If he chooses to talk with Mr. Calasanz, he might or might not get the chance of
being given considerations of taking examinations, something that fits his
situation. In this way, he will satisfy all the principles and theories. The only
possible problems are: his classmates might feel its unfair (violation of Principle
of Justice in terms of equality while a consideration can be a satisfaction of
Equity). While a non-consideration of the matter will make John back to square
one and rethink his other options.

Sixth, we assess the possible consequences of John’s options. If he cheats his

way to his academic goals, he would be violating the moral code expected from
a student but he would be able to carry the duty of taking care of his siblings.
However, if he just goes with the flow of taking the Midterms and Final Exams

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without much studying, he risks failing his major subject and would therefore be
removed from academic honors and, worst, would be delayed from graduating.

Seventh and last, John makes the decision. In this part, it is crucial to view the
options one last time but the final say would be on the moral agent himself --
because he is the only one who would better understand his situation than anyone
else. What he can best do in this situation is to seek for pieces of advice from his
relatives or friends and from there decide on what best course of action should
he take.

B. Create a group with 5 members each and discuss among you the best possible
choice for John. Write your final answer and explain your decision based on the
steps we just made above. You may present another choice if you think there
are other ways to solve John’s problem.

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Generalization:

Making ethical choices for some is easy for some and might be difficult for
most of us. There are many factors to be considered. Again, our principles,
cultures, religions and personal context could be the possible factors. But with
the help of Scott Rae’s 7 Steps to Moral Reasoning Model, we could be guided
in making moral decisions. Using our previous lessons, we can justify our
actions and moral decision-making and exercise a more rational way of
processing our discernment over a moral dilemma. In the end, there are
situations that we realize in making moral choices: It is not about choosing
between good and evil always because moral dilemmas can push us to the extent
that we have to choose what is the lesser evil among two or more bad options.

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What matters is , we did the decision making with a reasonable process and
calculated risks. It depends on how responsible we are and how much
responsibility are we willing to take for every actions and decisions that we
make.

Application:

Direction: Read and understand the ethical dilemma below. Analyse it using
the 7-step of Moral Reasoning of Scott Rae. Write your analysis on the space
provided.

1. Ethical Dilemmas in Personal Relationships

Michael had several friends including Roger and Daniel. Roger has recently met
and started dating a wonderful lady named Phyllis. He is convinced this is a
long-term relationship. Unknown to Roger, Michael observed them at a
restaurant several days ago and realized Phyllis is the wife of his other friend
Daniel.

● Michael is deciding whether to tell Roger that Phyllis is married when

he receives a call from Daniel.
● Daniel suspects his wife is having an affair. Since Daniel and his wife
share many friends and contacts with Michael, Daniel asks if Michael
has heard anything regarding an affair.
● To whom does Michael owe greater friendship or loyalty in this
situation?
● No matter who he tells, he knows that it is going to end up hurting one,
if not both friends.
● Should Michael reveal to Roger that Phyllis is married?
● Should Michael tell Daniel what he knows about Roger and Phyllis?
Does that fact that Daniel asked him a direct question have an impact
on what Michael should do?
● Should Michael speak up to both Daniel and Roger? Does he remain
silent and hope his knowledge is never discovered?

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

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B. Determine the ethical issues.
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C.Determine the Principles Involved

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D.List of Alternatives

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E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

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F. Assess the possible consequences

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G.Make a Decision

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2. Imagine you are a doctor running a clinic in a primarily lower-income

neighborhood, where many of your patients are recent immigrants from different
parts of the world. You are granted a fixed annual budget of $100,000 through
your local public health department, and it is unlikely that you can obtain
additional funding later in the year. Traditionally, you have used your entire
budget for the past several years, which usually lasts from January until
December. This allows you to care for all of the few thousand patients who come
to you for treatment throughout the year. One day in January, a frightened, thin
young man appears to the clinic with a folder of medical records. He is
accompanied by his aunt, who explains to you that he has recently traveled from
El Salvador, where he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that, if
untreated, will result in his death within six months. After further inquiry, you
determine that his cancer is treatable, but will require $50,000 of your budget
to save his life. What do you do? ( A Case of Two Right Answers, Abrar, 2017)

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

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B. Determine the ethical issues.
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C.Determine the Principles Involved

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______________________________________________________________

D.List of Alternatives

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

F. Assess the possible consequences

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

G.Make a Decision

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

3.”Cost of a Cure”

Imagine you were in a situation where someone in your family was extremely
ill. Your relative’s doctor says that there is an experimental medicine that might
help your loved one, expressing that it is the only thing that might work. Your
family has very limited financial means. The medication costs $1,000 per month
and health insurance will not cover the cost. You try to borrow money to pay
for a course of treatment but are unable to do so.

- When faced with a financial barrier to a potentially life saving treatment

for someone you love, would stealing money to pay for the medication
be morally justified?
- Would it matter what form the stealing took? Would your decision be
different if you were considering robbing a bank versus stealing a credit
card from another relative to use?
- What about the pharmaceutical company? Do you feel it is ethical to
charge so much for a medication that has a unique ability to potentially
save people?
- What about your feelings toward the ethics of the insurance company’s
refusal to cover the medication? (Excerpted from YourDictionary.com)

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

B. Determine the ethical issues.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

C.Determine the Principles Involved

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

D.List of Alternatives

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

F. Assess the possible consequences

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

G.Make a Decision

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

1. Disadvantaging Yourself to Do What’s Right

The reliance on digital communication in the business world surely has created
ethical dilemmas involving information access and privacy. You could find
yourself in a situation of needing to get information from a coworker’s computer
when that person was out of the office. You know you’re not supposed to access
others computers, but this coworker is a friend of yours and she has shared her
password with you in the past. When you login, you discover that your coworker
has been saving customer’s credit card data on the computer, which is a
violation of company policy.

• Saving customer credit card data is a violation of customer privacy and

company policy. You suspect the information may be being used for
identity theft or credit card fraud.

• Your company’s code of ethics specifies that employees are responsible

for reporting violations of the policy to management.

• Your company’s information technology specifies that employees should

not share their passwords or login to accounts or equipment used by
other employees.

• If you turn in your coworker, you could also get in trouble since you
only gained the information through violating a company policy.

• If you don’t turn in your coworker, the people whose credit card
information she saved could be victimized by fraud or theft.

• Should you risk your job by telling management what you saw on your
coworker’s computer? Do you owe loyalty to your coworker, the
company or the customers?

This is a difficult dilemma to face, as is the case with all ethical dilemmas. If
you choose to keep yourself out of trouble, will the fact that you know what your
coworker has done continue to bother you? Will you be responsible in some way

23
 NGEC-<Course Name>

if customers are defrauded as a result of your coworker’s actions? (Your

Dictionary.com)

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

B. Determine the ethical issues.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

C.Determine the Principles Involved

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

D.List of Alternatives

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

F. Assess the possible consequences

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

G.Make a Decision

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. Following the Rules

One of the most important characteristics of an effective leader is treating

people equitably. This involves fairness and consistency, including regards to
applying the rules to everyone equally. What should a coach do when a few
superstar players get caught breaking rules that should lead to their suspension
from the team immediately before a big game that is very important to the team?

• If the star players don’t play, there is a good chance the team will lose.
If the team has to win this game to advance to the championship game,
should that affect the coach’s decision?

• If the coach doesn’t apply appropriate consequences to the actions of the

players who broke the rules, what lesson are those players learning? Will
they continue to break rules?

• What about the other players who do follow the rules. Will they learn
that the rules are just suggestions and feel like they don’t need to comply
in the future?

• What if one of the players who broke the rules will miss a chance to be
seen by professional scouts if he doesn’t play in the game?

• What if the team’s school will earn a large amount of money from
television coverage of the big game if the team goes to the
championship?

• What if the coach is set to earn a big bonus or significant pay increase if
the team advances to the championship game?

Coaches are responsible for winning, but they’re also responsible for setting an
appropriate example of leadership for players and treating all team members
fairly. What may seem to be an obvious choice between right and wrong at first
glance is really much more complicated (Your

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

B. Determine the ethical issues.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

C.Determine the Principles Involved

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

D.List of Alternatives

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

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F. Assess the possible consequences

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

G.Make a Decision

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

30
 NGEC-<Course Name>

Assessment

A. Directions: In your own words, briefly explain the following concepts discussed in
the basic Ethical Case Analysis. (5 points each)

1. Ethical Case Analysis

2. Moral Reasoning

3. Ethical Dilemma

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

B.Directions: Provide a personal ethical dilemma that you may have experienced in
your life, include a short description of your dilemma and how it affected your
decision making. Try to process and analyze according to the 7-steps of Moral
Reasoning according to Scott Rae (2018). Provide your own assessment on the
decision you’ve made. Be able to put a title on your story. (See annex for Rubrics)

Story Title : _________________________

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

Apply the 7 Steps to Moral Reasoning Model by Scott B. Rae

A. Gather the Necessary facts:

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______________________________

B. Determine the ethical issues.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

C.Determine the Principles Involved

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

33
 NGEC-<Course Name>

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

D.List of Alternatives

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
___

E.Compare the Alternatives with the Principles.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

34
 NGEC-<Course Name>

F. Assess the possible consequences

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

G.Make a Decision

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

-------Course Packet Ends-------

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

References

Davis, M. (1999). Seven-step guide to ethical decision-making. Ethics and the

university, New York: Routledge, p. 166-167. Retrieved from
https://serc.carleton.edu/geoethics/Decision-
Making

Ethical Dilemma Examples (n.d).Your Dictionary.

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/ethical-dilemma-examples.html

Ethics Unwrapped - McCombs School of Business – The University of Texas at

Austin. (2021). Moral Reasoning. https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/moral-
reasoning

Karan, A. (March,2017) A Doctor’s Dilemma: A Case of Two “Right” Hastings

Bioethics Forum, Health And Health Care, Retrieved from
https://www.thehastingscenter.org/doctors-dilemma-case-two-right-answers/

Sarong, X. (2020). 7 Steps in the Moral Reasoning Model. Retrieved from

https://xiansarong.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/7-steps-in-the-moral-reasoning-model/

Stanley, M. L., Dougherty, A. M., Yang, B. W., Henne, P., & De Brigard, F. (2018).
Reasons probably won't change your mind: The role of reasons in revising moral
decisions. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 147(7), 962–987.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xge0000368

Other Internet Links :

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/ethical-dilemma-examples.html

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 NGEC-<Course Name>

Annexes
Your work will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Score Completion Accuracy Comprehension Organization Conventions

5 The answer is All Content Content is No major

complete. information demonstrates a well-organized grammatical or
provided is deep and easy to spelling errors.
accurate. understanding read. Points No more than
and application follow a logical two minor errors.
of ethical progression. It
concepts. provides
examples
which supports
the topic with
wit and
analysis
4 The answer is All Content Content is No major
missing slight information demonstrates well-organized grammatical or
details provided is understanding and easy to spelling errors.
accurate. and application read. Points No more than
of ethical follow a logical five minor errors.
concepts. progression. It
provides
examples
which supports
the topic with
wit and
analysis

3 The answer is Most Content Content is Some major and

missing information demonstrates organized and minor errors that
multiple provided is basic easy to read. don’t necessarily
details. accurate. understanding Points follow a impair
and application mostly logical communication.
of ethical progression.It
concepts. provides
examples
which supports
the topic with
wit and
analysis

37
 NGEC-<Course Name>

2 Content Some Content Content may be Major and minor

suggests lack information demonstrates less unorganized errors
of preparation provided is than basic and difficult to significantly
or accurate. understanding read. Points do weaken quality
comprehensio and application not follow a of
n. of ethical solidly logical communication,
concepts. progression although still
and have comprehensible.
provided
unrelated
examples.

1 Content only A small Content Content is Communication

marginally amount of demonstrates a unorganized, seriously
related to the the lack of illogical, and impaired by
question/prom information understanding difficult to multitude of
pt. is accurate. and application read. spelling/grammat
of ethical ical errors.
concepts.

0 Content fails None of the Content Content is very Multitude of

to meet the information demonstrates a poorly major and minor
basic provided is complete lack of organized, errors makes the
requirements accurate. understanding illogical, and answer
of the task. and application difficult to incomprehensible
of ethical read. .
concepts.

38