Name: Date:

Ms. Cykiert E10H

Morality & Ethics Mini Unit

• Ethics- provides a systematic, 1rational way to work through dilemmas and

determine the best course of action in the face of conflicting choices. Ethics attempts
to find and describe what people believe is right and wrong, and to establish whether
certain actions are actually right or wrong based on all the information available. For
example, ethics might address a question such as “If killing is wrong, can one justify2
the death penalty or kill in self-defense?”

• Morals- are codes of conduct governing behavior. They are an express of values
reflected in actions and practices. Morals can be held at an individual and communal
level. For example, “One should not kill” provides a guideline for acting based upon
values.

• Values- signify what is important and worthwhile. They serve as the basis for moral
codes and ethical reflection. All individuals have their own values based on many
aspects including: Family, religion, peers, culture, race, social background, gender, etc.
Values guide individuals, professions, communities, and institutions. One express of
values might be that “Life is scared.”

FOCUS QUESTION: How has your understanding of each word evolved or changed?

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1 Systematic- done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; organized

2 Justify- show or prove to be right or reasonable
 ACTIVITY: Reasoning and Justifying
Within pairs, discuss the scenario and explain HOW you reached your decision by outlining your
reasoning (the why).
The Lifeboat Scenario
The ship is sinking and the seas are rough. All but one lifeboat has been destroyed. The lifeboat holds a
maximum of six people. There are ten people that want to board the lifeboat. The four individuals who
do not board the boat will certainly die.

Woman who thinks she is six weeks pregnant

Lifeguard
Two young adults who recently married
Senior citizen who has fifteen grandchildren
Elementary school teacher
Thirteen year old twins
Captain of the ship

Decision+ Justification
The following individuals will survive. Justify why their life is worth
saving. Number them in order of significance/ worth.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The following individuals will die. Justify why their life was not as
significant/ worthy as the others.
7.

8.

9.

10.