Ethical Framework

Ethical Framework 

This paper will give insight to my ethical framework while simultaneously examining how accepted theories inform my framework. This paper will be organized as follows: 1) Defining an Ethical Framework and It’s Usefulness to Me, 2) Description of My Ethical Framework and How I Developed It, and 3) Basis of My Ethical Framework, 4) Comparison of My Framework and Theories, and 5) How My Framework Effects My Decisions.

Defining an Ethical Framework and Its Usefulness

An ethical framework refers to a decision-making model that outlines a step-by-step process for reaching ethical decisions. Decisions are informed by our values and experiences, and as such, an awareness of one’s ethical framework will allow persons to make optimal decisions in various situations. Having an awareness of one’s ethical framework will allow you to identify the relevant facts to the making of a particular decision, identify the stakeholders or those affected by the particular decision, and finally, to identify the different options you have in making your decision. These three factors are extremely important, and as such, must be supported by an articulable ethical framework. 

Description of My Ethical Framework

My ethical framework is built on the idea that I should treat people how I expect to be treated. All humans deserve mutual respect, and as such, I should not make decisions that will purposefully hurt others. Additionally, my decisions should be in accordance with my values. If I believe in honesty, then my decisions should reflect that. Below, I will outline the basis of this ethical framework. 

Basis of My Ethical Framework

My ethical framework has been shaped by various people and forces. The experiences that I’ve had in my life have helped to shape it as well. Specifically, this section will outline the influence that my grandfather and father had on me growing up. Additionally, I will touch on the time I spent in the military, and how it shaped me as well. 

As a child, I spent Sundays at church with my grandfather. He was a preacher at the local church. Every Sunday, before church, he would sit me down and give me my own lesson for the week. These lessons gave me a deep faith and a sense of spirituality. These virtues have been indispensable in building my ethical framework. They have made me more trusting and taught me to look for the good in people. In addition, the lessons I learned from my grandfather have made me a humble and grateful person. I believe that this humility has made me compassionate and empathetic towards those less fortunate than me. I believe that these values have allowed me to better identify the stakeholders involved in the decisions I make. 

In addition to the experiences, I shared with my grandfather, my time in the military has made a huge impact on my ethical framework and decision-making process. Specifically, during my time in the Army, I learned many core values. First, I learned about loyalty. As a soldier, you must bear true allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, the Army and your unit and other soldiers. In addition to loyalty, I also learned about duty. In the context of the Army, duty means more than just carrying out assigned tasks- it means being part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks, and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product.

In addition to loyalty, and duty, the Army reinforced the importance of respect. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. In addition to respect, honor and integrity were values that were extremely important in the Army. Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and says nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

Comparison With Theories

There are various theories of an ethical framework. Specifically, there is a Utilitarian theory, the Rights Theory, the Fairness, and Justice Approach, the Common Good Approach, and finally, the Virtue Approach. I will outline each briefly, and compare my ethical framework to each as well. 

Utilitarian Approach

The Utilitarian Approach emphasizes that the ethical decision is the one that provides the most good or does the least harm to all stakeholders involved. The utilitarian approach deals with consequences: increasing the good for the most people or reducing risks and harm done to the largest group of people. 

Rights Approach

Some ethicists suggest that the proper ethical action is one that best protects and respects the moral rights of those affected. This stems from the belief that all humans have some dignity based on human nature, and that they have the free agency to do what they want with their lives. Based on this truth, humans have the right to be treated with dignity and have choices about what types of lives they want to lead, whether they want to be private, and whether or not they have the right to be physically safe. 

The Fairness and Justice Approach

This concept of an ethical framework almost speaks for itself. It refers to the “Golden Rule” that all people should be treated in the same manner that you’d like to be treated in. It concludes that the ethical answer is one that treats all human beings equally. 

The Common Good Approach

This view of an ethical framework is built on the notion that life inside a community is favorable, and as such, decisions are ethical if they contribute to that communal life. It suggests that the interlocking relationships of society are what form ethical reasoning, and that respect and compassion for others are requirements for that reasoning. 

The Virtue Approach

This ancient approach to ethics states that ethical actions should be consistent with certain ideal virtues that push the full development of our humanity. These “virtues” enable the human race to act consistently with the highest potential of one’s character and on behalf of virtues such as “truth.” Courage, compassion, generosity, tolerance, integrity, and fairness are all examples of these virtues. 

Comparison to Other Theories

My ethical framework is a hybrid of the “Fairness and Justice” approach through American Jurisprudence and the “Virtue” approach highlighted above. As mentioned earlier, I think that the “Golden Rule” is extremely important. My experience in the Army has taught me to be sensitive to this, as, at times of war, it’s hard to live by. However, having a sensitivity to this rule allows me to make the most optimal decision in difficult times. Additionally, because of my commitment to faith, integrity, honesty, and duty, I recognize that others should be afforded these virtues as well. As such, my ethical framework is accurately described as a hybrid of these systems. 

Decisionmaking and Behavior

I use my ethical framework every single day. When making difficult decisions about life, I always find myself asking, “Is this the outcome that reflects the person who I am?” If the answer is yes, I make the decision. If the answer is no, I reflect further and look for a  more optimal solution to my answers. Additionally, my ethical framework largely effects my behavior. It’s the reason I hold doors open for strangers, or find myself helping a homeless person with some spare change. These actions are caused by all the influences that have culminated in my life, especially my grandfather’s lessons and my time in the Army. 

Overall Usefulness of Ethical Framework

Before I thought about my ethical framework, I never realized how influential it was in my day-to-day life. But upon further reflection, I’ve realized that it is extremely important, and without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It’s an extremely useful tool, and one should be cognizant of how they approach decision-making using it as a reference point.