Question

Define ethics, and describe the role that it plays in discretionary decision making. Give an example.

Answer 1

Ethics is the philosophical study of morality that guides right and wrong behavior, playing a critical role in discretionary decision making where one must choose actions based on moral principles. An example is a physician making tough treatment decisions based on ethical theories such as consequentialism and care ethics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Definition of Ethics

Ethics is the field of philosophy concerned with moral reasoning and the systematization of concepts of right and wrong behavior. It aims to establish principles that dictate what is considered morally good or bad, right or wrong.

The Role of Ethics in Discretionary Decision Making

Ethics plays a crucial role in discretionary decision making, where individuals must choose actions that align with moral principles, often in situations that involve complex judgments and lack clear-cut rules. Ethical decision-making requires one to consider the consequences of one's actions, the relationships affected by those actions, and the inherent value of the choices made.

Example of Ethics in Discretionary Decision Making

For instance, a physician must decide whether to prioritize treatments for a severely ill patient with a low chance of survival or to allocate resources to patients with higher recovery prospects. This decision involves applied ethics, where the physician uses ethical principles, like consequentialism (the outcome of actions) and care ethics (focus on individual relationships), to deliberate on the most morally appropriate action.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethics can be defined as the study of the behaviors that guide human behavior, that is, society is developed through a set of moral behaviors that define its values ​​and its conception of which human behaviors and attitudes are positive or negative. Ethics then emerges as the standardization of these behaviors and moral values, it is a code of conduct for positive actions by man in society in all areas of life.

In discretionary decisions, in which there is a possibility of interpretation by the legislators, ethics appears as a normative instrument for the conduct of decisions, being a guide for the legislator to decide for what will have greater ethical value and benefits for society.