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Teaching Background
Students learn the characteristics of ethical questions through
structured examples. Three ‘practice sheets’ allow students to first
clarify how an ethical question differs from other questions, then
to identify ethical questions among other types of questions in a
particular context, and lastly how to ask ethical questions that apply
to a specific situation.
Ethical questions involve or imply the words ‘ought’ or
‘should’. They involve consideration of conflicting moral
choices and dilemmas, with several alternative solutions, none
of which is without some challenging or problematic aspect.
They arise because of our social responsibilities to others in our
community and because our behavior is capable of influencing
the welfare of others. Conflicts among principles and values
held by different individuals or groups generate such questions.
Student Handouts: Ethical Question Practice Sheets.
1. Overview - Questions: Background Characteristics
2. Ethical Questions #1: Distinguishing Ethical Questions from
Other Kinds of Questions
3. Ethical Questions #2: Distinguishing Ethical Questions
Within a Scenario
4. Ethical Questions #3: Asking Ethical Questions
Introduce different types of questions (Scientific, Religious/Cultural,
Legal, or Ethical) by having students brainstorm what the defining
characteristics of each are. Remind them that questions may be of
more than one type, and that other types of questions also exist.
Lead them through discussion to the characteristics described on
the Overview sheet. The Overview may be a helpful resource to them
when they are completing the Practice Sheets.
Note that the sheets are intended to encourage discussion, and there
are not always necessarily ‘right’ answers, but there are answers that
are better-reasoned than others.
