SLC 300 (601) Fall 2025 Leading with an Ethical Perspective

When reading the “Thinking Ethically” article from the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, I was surprised to see how many different ways there are to deal with moral issues. I believe that I utilize the Fairness or Justice Approach the most often when in people management situations. “Community members are bound by the pursuit of common values and goals” as described by Velasquez et al. is a statement that I firmly believe in when analyzing group efforts, especially successful ones. When thinking about how this text can be connected to real world situations, many team efforts from my personal life come to mind. For example, our Blue Company for the group simulation was bonded by common values in creating interview questions, as well as selecting CEO candidates. In having shared values, group/team members can proceed in unison throughout their efforts, while also increasing the likelihood that they act ethically amongst each other and their stakeholders. In looking at another text-to-world scenario, NC State’s motto of “Think and Do” also connects its members with the “pursuit of common values and goals” NC State, being a STEM university along with its motto, encourages students to be innovative, push boundaries, and challenge norms. In sharing a common motto and ideals, along with the symbolic mascot being the Wolfpack, unites students together to pursue their respective degree and chase career aspirations to the best of their abilities. Both of these examples show the strengths of the Fairness or Justice Approach, and how individuals can benefit from shared beliefs and values.

Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer. “Thinking Ethically: A Framework for Moral Decision Making.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, 2021, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/

The article “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” discusses using the six ethical lens called rights, justice, utilitarian, common goods, virtue, and care. These approaches set the ethical framework on making decisions that impact your life while using empathy for those around you. One thing I have learned as a marketing major is that you have to use these approaches when creating campaigns to use persuasion as opposed to manipulation. This brings me to an in class discussion on whether or not marketing unhealthy foods to children on their television channels is unethical. This exercise in class raised many questions and I came to the conclusion that while it can be “wrong” at the end of the day it is up to parents on whether or not they want to let their young children consume unhealthy fats and sugars. This can be applied in so many real life situations for marketers because you want to get people to purchase what you are selling but don’t want to cross lines.

In another leadership class, I read an article called “Teaching for Critical Thinking: Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats” which I found to be similar to this reading. This stuck out to me because there are six different “hats” that you would wear for different types of thinking. For example, you would wear a black hat when you are using cautious thinking which I think pairs best with the utilitarian approach because it values doing the least harm possible. All of these approaches and hats can work together to bring leaders to conclusions that provide positive outcomes while using creative and critical ways of thinking to solve problems.

Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer. “Thinking Ethically.” Issues in Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, 1 Jan. 2010

The Science Learning Hub article “Frameworks for ethical analysis,” introduces four key elements to judge difficult situations and these are rights and responsibilities, consequentialism, autonomy, and virtue ethics. The author states, “Ethics does not often come up with right and wrong answers,” but that “some ethical conclusions may be more valid than others.” This relates to when somebody builds a decision/argument that is has a clear framework and reasonable answers. When I reflect personally, I reflect whether to keep things private when someone tells me a secret or tell someone who could help out in that situation even after the person says no. On one side, I feel as though it is right to protect my friend and honor what he said to me. From the consequentialist view, I feel that I should help him out when I believe I can lead him in the right direction to solve his problem. These perspectives articulate what the article describes that not one answer can be the perfect answer, but each provides important insight. The framework also makes me think about public issues like the government duties during the pandemic. They had to weigh the effects of personal freedoms and public safety in order to protect the population of people who can be severely affected by Covid-19. Each perspective had reasonable insight but it did lead to very complex debates between the citizens Using the Science Learning Hub’s model is helpful because it doesn’t act like there is one correct answer to a problem. It encourages decision making from various perspectives. By doing this, we can come to a more thoughtful and fair decision that can benefit both sides.

Source: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2146-frameworks-for-ethical-analysis

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/

Four different popular frameworks for evaluating difficult decisions are described in the Science Learning Hub article: autonomy, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and rights and responsibilities. Additionally, it states that while there won’t always be a single right response, more insightful answers result from rigorous reasoning within a well-defined framework. The Markkula Center’s “Thinking Ethically” program has a direct connection to this. It begins with the process step of “get the facts” and then applies ethical lenses such as rights, justice, utilitarianism, virtue, and the common good. When combined, the two sources provide a method as well as a map. Markkula explains the first steps: take your time, collect information, make a list of interested parties, and determine your options. After that, Science Learning Hub provides a simple, four-part checklist for comparing those choices. Are people’s rights upheld? Do advantages outweigh disadvantages? Is there protection for autonomy? Do the behaviors align with fundamental values such as patience and honesty? The two texts’ overlap is significant because they both caution against pursuing a single “perfect” rule and instead advocate for open reasoning and common standards. That common criterion helps a group or class maintain fair and focused discussions. To put it briefly, the Science Learning Hub provides a basic set of lenses that most people can recall under pressure, while Markkula establishes the steps. Ethical decisions are more consistent and simpler to communicate to others when both are used.

Sources: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2146-frameworks-for-ethical-analysis

https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making

One of the most interesting things I learned from this collection of blogs and websites is just how diverse and widespread the conversation around ethics has become across different industries and sectors. I was struck by how many professionals, lawyers, professors, CEOs, researchers, and even whistleblowers, have dedicated time and energy to exploring and discussing ethical issues in their fields.

For example, the blog Overlawyered sheds light on how the American legal system can sometimes be abused, turning litigation into a tool for profit rather than justice. This shows how ethics isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s also about identifying where systems are broken and calling for reform. Similarly, Walmart Watch and Tescopoly are compelling because they demonstrate how powerful corporations can negatively affect workers, local economies, and the environment, and how public pressure and awareness can drive change.

I was also intrigued by the Responsible Marketing Blog and the Anti-Advertising Agency, both of which examine how marketing influences consumer behavior and public space. These blogs made me think more critically about the ads we see every day and the messages they send. Another standout was the Research Ethics Blog, which explores the complex ethical questions involved in studies with human subjects.

There are also several blogs that delve into bioethics and neuroethics, like Secondhand Smoke, Neuroethics & Law Blog, and PredictER Blog, which examine topics such as assisted suicide, gene editing, and brain science from a legal and moral perspective. These areas raise difficult questions about what it means to be human and how far we should go in manipulating life. I also appreciated the emphasis on whistleblowing, with sites like the Whistleblower Lawyer Blog and Jane Turner’s FBI Whistleblower Blog showing the risks individuals take to expose wrongdoing. Overall, I learned that ethics isn’t just a theoretical concept but deeply practical and influences nearly every aspect of society, from healthcare and education to marketing, business, and government. These blogs show that while unethical behavior is still common, there are many people working hard to bring about transparency, accountability, and responsible practices in their respective fields.

Monte, M. (2012, February 26). 50 Best Business Ethics Blogs. ActiveRain. https://activerain.com/blogsview/2937234/50-best-business-ethics-blogs

After reading the article “Thinking Ethically”, I realized that I can resonate with the ethical questions that arise when making difficult decisions. At my job working at my family’s funeral home over the summer I oftentimes had to make the decision on whether or not to spend more time talking and comforting people grieving while also ensuring I completed all of the tasks I was given to make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. I feel like I oftentimes used the Virtue Approach because it values compassion, integrity, fairness, and other characteristics that I apply to the work place.

This article reminds me of a book I had to read called How Good People Make Tough Choices by Rushworth Kidder. This book outlines the “right vs. right” decision making process in which there is no wrong way to go in a dilemma just a better choice for you that aligns with personal values. When making an important decision, I think looking at all outcomes and taking the time to evaluate each step leads to more ethically driven frameworks.

Lastly, I think that this article is very much connected to current events in the world such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I think ethics really come into play when there is such a division surrounding a devastating tragedy. It goes to show that not everyone has morals nor do they think ethically when making a choice to hurt another person. I think that better decision making processes could help avoid people making rational decisions to do something so horrible.

Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer. “Thinking Ethically.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University.

As I read the article “Pig Kidney Transplants Take a Step Forward with Approval of Human Trials” for the Hot Topic Headline of this module, I was reminded of a subject covered in another course I am currently taking. In my Contemporary Moral Issues course, we previously discussed utilitarianism and Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher also regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. According to Bentham and described in his book, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, the “Principle of Utility” is the idea that the ability to feel pain and pleasure is what makes an action morally relevant. Furthermore, he describes humans and nonhuman animals as “moral subjects” given that they both experience pain and pleasure. Taking both his theory and the article’s cases into account, it leads me to ask how he would view the moral issues presented by the article.

Jeremy Bentham describes “utilitarian calculus” as adding all the pleasure of the world to determine if an action is the best action to take. Applying this philosophy, it is understandable to believe that he would reject these procedures, as they may result in significant pain and suffering for the pigs. However, considering the possibility of significant global benefits from these advancements, what stance would Bentham take within the context of modern society and science? In this case, I believe Bentham would prioritize the greater pleasure and benefit for humans over the pain experienced by the pigs and ultimately accept the procedures. Utilitarianism is often considered to be “lifeboat ethics,” in which the greatest good for the greatest number determines actions to be morally right or wrong.

Kounang, N. (2025, September 8). Pig Kidney Transplants Take a Step Forward with Approval of Human Trials. CNN Health. https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/08/health/pig-kidney-transplant-human-trial-fda

Morrow, D. (2017). Moral Theory. In Moral Reasoning: A Text and Reader on Ethics and Contemporary Moral Issues (pp. 171–174). essay, Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780190236120.

While reading the article “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making”, it became clear that I think about all of these ethical lenses when making a decision without even noticing. I believe that I most closely relate to the Virtue lens. Over the past two years, I have been doing a lot of soul searching and figuring out who I want to be in this world. By doing this, I have found a core set of values that make up who I am and I use these morals and values to make decisions based on my life. I truly believe that who you are as a person should be a reflection of how you make decisions. 

After reading the article, it made me think about another article that I analyzed in my outdoor pedagogy course this semester. During this semester, we spent a class period talking about ethical decision making whenever it came to outdoor adventure education. Being an outdoor leader comes with a ton of ethical responsibilities. During the class period we examined the different types of leadership and how each leadership style has their ethical decision-making requirements. For example, a designated leader has a responsibility to protect and make decisions for the safety and well being of their participants or students. These connections can be made with every other leadership style and courses in the outdoor leadership minor program.

In the modern age, ethical decision making is present in every aspect of life. The main example that I think of when it comes to ethics is politics. For example, just in the past week a lot has happened with the Charlie Kirk tragedy and TurningPointUSA. I’ve already talked about how people have reacted to Charlie Kirk, but now I want to analyze how TuringPointUSA is moving forward after his death. The political organization is making ethical decisions on what they think the right way forward is. In my opinion, they are trying to honor Charlie Kirk’s death as a way to promote their cause and beliefs. 

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/

After reading the article “Thinking Ethically”, I can make connections that relate to my everyday life. There have been a few times when I have to make my own decisions that have heavy consequences. As I have matured over time and developed my own set of morals, these instances have become more prominent in my everyday life. As a fairly new Christian, who has given my life to Jesus Christ, I try to make decisions that reflect both my faith and my moral principles. The article showed me that even thought there are different approaches to every decision in this world, it’s ultimately the values and beliefs that need to guide the choices we make.

While reading the article “Thinking Ethically”, I couldn’t help but think about the Bible and how they both show the importance of morals and values whenever making decisions. The article spends a lot of time outlining different options to deciding right and wrong, similarly, Scripture discusses the foundation for ethical living through God’s commandments and teachings. For example, Micah 6:8 says “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” which compares the article’s focus on fairness and respect.

The article “Thinking Ethically” relates to many world events that have occurred recently. For example, the Charlie Kirk tragedy has many ethical decisions that went along with it. On a surface level, the shooter made an ethical decision to kill Charlie Kirk from whatever his beliefs were. Additionally, most people all over the world had the make ethical decisions on how they were going to react to such an event. All over social media, I saw people reacting to this tragedy in many different ways. Some people chose to cheer and celebrate while others began to mourn. Overall, issues like fairness, justice, human rights and debates are all over the world that deal with politics, healthcare, and education. Finally, the article shows that ethical decision making is not 100% personal but also has effects on the world and communities.

Velasquez, Manuel, et al. “Thinking Ethically.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, 1 Aug. 2015, www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/