Reading “Framework for Ethical Decision Making” by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, I was intrigued by the first section “What is Ethics?”. More specifically, the section describing what ethics is not. When the article talks about how “ethics is not the same thing as following the law”, I began reflecting on regulations that are in place that could come in interference with ethical frameworks. I thought about my experience working with a solar installation nonprofit that works in small-scale development in Uganda to support rural communities lacking access to reliable and affordable power.

Our organization prides itself on its cost model that allows for these rural schools and health centers to afford reliable solar power. Our work would be able to be carried out on a greater scale without the hindrances of licensing exceptions from the ERA for Uganda. This situation connects with what the article discusses later saying that “law may also have a difficult time designing or enforcing standards in some important areas and may be slow to address new problems” (A Framework for Ethical Decision Making, 2021). While our systems aren’t large enough to need to be licensed, the organization still must go through a licensing exception process that increases the cost of each installation by 150%. I hope that one day through collaboration and awareness, my organization and the ERA can find solutions to the slowed impact. 

A Framework for Ethical Decision Making. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. (2021, November 8). https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/