Making Ethical Decisions

Objectives Give the definition of Ethics and discuss the the importance of ethical decision making Describe three kinds of decision making - Right vs Wrong - Right vs Right - Trivial For each kind of decision explain one approach to making an ethical choice Use the checklist for ethical decision making to test one choice for a right vs right situation

Ethical Decision Making The mission statement of the Boy Scouts of America: The mission of the Boy Scout of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Mission Statement A mission statement is the primary goal of an organization. ‘Make ethical and moral choices’ is the key element of the BSA mission statement

CHOICES What does “Choices” mean?

CHOICES That there are several ways of doing something That there are several answers to a question And, we need to select one of the ways or answers.

ETHICS What does “Ethics” mean?

Ethics Ethics are: –An understanding of what is right and wrong for an individual and for groups of people –The standards by which we act, both when we are around others and when we are alone

Source of Ethics Where do ethics come from?

Source of Ethics Where do ethics come from? –Ethics develop as a result of the values a person learns from family and society. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness…” - Declaration of Independence

Codes of Conduct Some schools have codes of conduct. A code of conduct is an agreement about a generally accepted standard of behavior. Without generally accepted standards, it would be difficult to function as a society.

The BSA and Ethics Boy Scouts code of conduct –Scout Oath –Scout Law –Scout Slogan –Scout Motto Venturing code of conduct –Venture Oath –Venture Code –Outdoor Code

Scout Code of Conduct The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, The Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Making Ethical Decisions Part One

Travis has a lot of homework, but decides to play video games. When his mother asks him if he has any homework to do, he thinks about what he should say. He wants to keep playing video games for a while longer. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

Mark is raking leaves – he has promised his dad he will have the front yard clean before guests arrive in an hour. He sees a 6 year old neighbor girl crying because her kite is tangled in a tree – she asks for Mark’s help. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

Rashid is getting dressed for school, and he’s trying to decide whether to wear a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

The money Jared earns at his part-time job after school really helps his mom pay bills each month. But his younger brother has started getting into trouble. Jared wonders whether he should work fewer hours so he can spend more time with his brother. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

Gary has lots of free time one Sunday. He doesn’t know what to do first: read a mystery book he just got from the library, or go outside and ride his skateboard. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

Todd is walking to the basketball court with his friends when an old man with a cane calls out to them, asking if they can help him find his granddaughter’s house. The other boys want to get to the court before someone else does. What kind of decision is this? A.Trivial B.Right vs. Wrong C.Right vs. Right

Steps to Ethical Decision-Making Step one: Get the facts straight. Step two: Figure out what kind of choice it is. –Trivial –Right vs. Wrong –Right vs. Right

Ethical Decisions Checklist “ BE ” Checks: Does it conform with the Scout Oath and Law? Is it legal? Am I being obedient? Am I being brave? Does it conform with the Golden Rule?

Ethical Decisions Checklist “ KNOW ” Checks: Will this choice help me build trust with others? Does it allow me to remain loyal to my values and to others? Does making this choice compromise my religious beliefs? Am I being helpful? Are my actions friendly, courteous, cheerful, and kind?

Ethical Decisions Checklist “ DO ” Checks: Am I performing my duty to God and to my country? Does this choice help me stay physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight? Does it conform to the principles of the Outdoor Code.

Making Ethical Decisions Part Two Video Discussion

Values Values are core beliefs that guide or motivate our attitudes and actions. What values would you like other people to see in you? What you DO is a clear reflection of what you THINK.

Practice using the Ethical Decisions Checklist

Summary Ethical decision making is at the heart of the Boy Scouts of America. The first step is to get the facts of the situation straight. For trivial choices, simply do the right thing. For right vs. wrong choices, do what you know is right. For right vs. right choices, use the checklist.