.
Earlier we derived three dimensions of value that occur on the values spectrum. [See viewtopic.php?f=1&t=194809&p=2721916&hilite+dimensions&sid%20
or see the first few pages of Basic Ethics: a systematic approach.] As you recall, the three value dimensions are Systemic Value, Extrinsic Value, and Intrinsic Value. Now let’s apply these dimensions to Ethical Decision-making, as follows:
Systemic: What if everyone everywhere did what I’m about to do (or just did)? Would I want to live in that kind of a world? What if everyone lived by a maxim or principle which states the standard which I am establishing here and now as a norm by my conduct? Would I have an ethical world thereby? Would it be a better place than the chaotic and confusion-filled place, the corrupt place, in which we now live?
Extrinsic: What is best for the greatest number of people? What consequences follow from my conduct? What ends may result? What goals and policies can occur if I behave in a certain way, say if I campaign for a better world; or, in contrast, if I am part of the problem – by being corrupt, selfish, or extremely hypocritical?
Intrinsic: Care-based Thinking. Am I treating others as I want to be treated? Am Icarefully avoiding to do to others what I would consider to be morally-questionable (or even despicable) if done to me? Do I avoid putting others down, disparaging them, deliberately-offending them, or even insulting them?
Do I, in my interactions with others, proceed as if they are of uncountably-high value? [That of course - by the definition of “Ethics” (in the new paradigm for ethics known as the Unified Theory of Ethics - is how to be ethical.] I am being ethical when I see an individual as actually or potentially highly valuable!
Do I show others some respect, and do I express self-respect?
Do I show I care by being ready to be of service? Do I in some way help to uplift others? Do I, within my capacities, seek out responsibility? And am I ready and willing to be held accountable for my performance?
Here – from page 36 of Basic Ethics – quoted by permission – are some further guides to making an Ethical decision:
MORAL DILEMMAS: AN ANALYSIS
When confronted with a dilemma people can view it at least three ways:
Systemically – What are the relevant rules, procedures, norms, methods, codes?
What would the authorities say? Or
Extrinsically – What is the cost-benefit analysis and the pragmatic considerations? Or
Intrinsically- What best builds community? What would a compassionate, caring person of good character be likely to do?
A detailed discussion, with many illustrative examples, is found in the book by Rushworth Kidder – HOW GOOD PEOPLE MAKETOUGH CHOICES (NY: Random House, 0996)