The Markkula Center’s “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” explains that “recognizing an ethical issue is the first step in ethical decision making. It requires being able to see that our actions have consequences for others.” I think this is an important reminder because it shows us that thinking carefully rather than making quick decisions can influence the outcome of our choices. On a personal level, I reflect on the group projects I’ve been part of. If I don’t contribute, all of my work then stacks up on my group mates. That one decision I chose to make affected the whole group, which is exactly what the framework is explaining. Ethics is bigger than just a major decision, it is a part of every decision we make, small or large, that can influence people around us. I also connect this to fairness in the real-world situations. Choices made by governments and corporations have influences that can affect the entire world and even the future of it. The Markkula framework highlights the importance of recognizing responsibility instead of acting what is in our best interest. Ethical-decision making is more than a personal practice, it is a responsibility for everyone. I think the one idea in the reading that stood out to me in the reading is that there isn’t always a perfect answer. What should happen when thinking of an answer is gathering all the facts, considering consequences, and trying to come up with the most fair outcome. Ethics emphasizes careful reasoning.
Sources: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/