Make an Ethical Decision

SAF Code Values (Ethic) In this stage, learners will be presented with the information through a 30 mins lecture. They will require understanding of the meaning of values and how it guides their behaviors. In particularly, they will be taught on the ethical reasoning process with the introduction of the ethical reasoning steps. The contents are as follows:
a. Recap on the SAF core values - Values are the attitudes about the worth or importance of people, concepts, or things. They guide or motivate behavior. Some values are described as ethical because they are concerned with the notion of duty or moral obligation (e.g., integrity, loyalty and fairness). They reflect attitudes about what is right, good, or proper. Some of SAF values are:
Discipline
Loyalty
Care for soldier
Ethics
Professionalism
Fighting Spirit
Leadership
All of these values are the benchmark of a good citizen and a professional soldier. There is an assumption that morals and ethics are one and the same. They are not always synonymously. However, for this lesson you will be using them to mean the same.

b. Explain what is an ethical decision is.
Introduction to Ethical reasoning - An ethical dilemma occurs when two or more values conflict or collide. Ethics are moral principles (values) or rules of conduct used for determining whether conduct (behavior) is right or wrong.
c. Ethical decision making requires that you possess a strong desire to act ethically.
Situation 1: You are standing fire-guard duty, it is 02:15, and you are very tired. You know that if you sit down you will go to sleep.
Question: What is the ethical dilemma in this case?
Answer: Whether or not you should sit down and take the chance of going to sleep.
Question: What values are demonstrated if you make an ethical decision?
Answers:
You demonstrate the value of duty by choosing not to go back to sleep while on fire-guard duty. You demonstrate the value of integrity by making an ethical decision.

d. Identify the Ethical Reasoning Model

1. Define the problem
2. Know the principles
3. Lay out a course of action
4. Hold up your course of action
5. Consider the consequences of your action