While reading this website, I reflect on how I handled gossipers in high school and what I should consider trustworthy. Understanding moral issues requires knowing the facts. Separating what is real from what I value helps me avoid spreading rumors. Then I consider the approach on the websites. Would repeating this help anyone, or mainly cause anxiety and harm to someone’s reputation?  People have a right to privacy and fair treatment; sharing unverified personal details violates that. Often, the right action is to stop the spread of rumors, check facts privately if there’s a duty to act, or steer the group back to constructive topics. 

The website article reminds me of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone book. Harry and his friends break the rules to stop Voldemort for the greater good. Hermione decides to tell a professor when she suspects Snape is cursing Harry’s broom. This shows her desire to protect a friend and respect for others. Even the Invisibility Cloak has its limits of only using it for safety or truth instead of malicious intentions. Like the SCU model, it demonstrates that making good decisions requires facts, some moral considerations, and the courage to act and learn from the consequences. Otherwise, it also shows that feelings and intentions are more critical than understanding and getting facts.

The text appealed to a variety of real-life situations, such as voting in the United States of America. Before choosing candidates or ballot measures, check trustworthy official sources. This bases your decision on what actually matters: deadlines, rules, and what’s on your ballot, so that later questions of value are not based on rumors and apply some of the approaches of ethics. Which choices are most likely to reduce harm and improve community well-being broadly? Finally, reflect on your decision. After the election, compare the promises made to the actual outcomes and update your criteria accordingly. This maintains both personal integrity and the public trust in elections.

Rowling, J. K. (1998). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Scholastic Press

University, Santa Clara. “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2021, www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/