Everyday Ethics: How to Do th... Health Article

Life is full of decisions, and whether they're big or small, many have ethical implications if you're thoughtful and careful enough to look at them through an ethics lens.

"Living an ethical life means doing the right thing on a regular basis, even when faced with really tough dilemmas and decisions," says Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., ABPP, a psychology professor at Santa Clara University and author of Do the Right Thing: Living Ethically in an Unethical World.

But doing the right thing isn't always simple because it raises questions such as: Is there really a "right thing"? How do we know what the right thing is? Will doing the right thing make my life better?

"These are difficult questions, but they must be addressed if you're looking for principles that will help you live a life you can be satisfied and at peace with," says Dr. Plante.

Steps to ethical decisions

The first step in making ethical decisions is to recognize that every decision gives you an opportunity to do the right thing.

"Get used to the notion that every decision has ethical issues, and you'll likely be more open to seeing the range of ethical choices you have to make each and every day," says Dr. Plante.

Next, ask yourself if you have all the facts. What information do you need to make a fair decision? Who might you consult to help guide you?

Examine the ethical alternatives. Consider which ethical view you plan to use when an issue arises: the common good, utilitarianism, virtue, justice or another approach. Once you've examined the ethical approach to the situation, make the best decision you can.

Finally, consider your decision in retrospect. What did you decide to do and why? Would you make the same decision again?

"Looking at the consequences and outcomes of your decisions will help you make better decisions in the future," says Dr. Plante.

Five ethical principles

Dr. Plante has identified five ethical principles: respect, responsibility, integrity, competence and concern. These principles can guide your behavior and decision-making in your personal and professional life.

1. Respect. Someone who's respectful treats others as he or she would want to be treated. Respect means treating others with attention, esteem and consideration.

2. Responsibility. Someone who's responsible keeps promises and is aware of and attentive to obligations. Taking responsibility means being accountable and following through on obligations, promises and commitments.

3. Integrity. Having integrity means following high standards of honesty, justice and fairness. Integrity means behaving in a way that's consistent with your moral and ethical principles.

4. Competence. Someone who's knowledgeable, skilled and well-trained is competent.

5. Concern. Someone who pays attention to and shows interest in the needs of others is concerned about others.

"Regular reminders to think in these terms will help you consider ethics prior to making decisions," says Dr. Plante. "People find it's easy to do the right thing when it doesn't cost them anything. It's much harder to make ethical decisions when it might cost you money or a promotion, for example. But by using the five principles to guide you in making choices and decisions, you're more likely to do the right thing."