Ethical Analysis Work Sheet

The purpose of this worksheet is to encourage discourse between individuals or groups that disagree about an ethical issue. The purpose is for members of each group to learn to understand the other's thinking, and to look for possible common ground. Issues that might be chosen include: capital punishment, preferential affirmative action in hiring police officers, racial profiling in drug law enforcement, rioting to protest police brutality, drug prohibition/legalization/decriminalization, aggressive enforcement of laws against carrying concealed firearms, abortion, jury nullification. For each issue, fill in the boxes.

 

Issue Rhetoric: Describe the issue in the most neutral terms possible:

 

 

 

Describe the issue in terms preferred by one of the sides.

Describe the issue in terms preferred by the other side.

Ethical Principles: What general ethical principles can be applied to this case:

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What ethical principles are likely to be cited by this side.

What ethical principles are likely to be cited by this side.

Consequences: What are the likely consequences of a policy decision in this area:

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Which consequences are emphasized by this side?

Which consequences are emphasized by this side?

Common Ground: What points might both sides be willing to consider?

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Which common ground points would this group be most likely to accept?

Which common ground points would this group be most likely to accept?