Final answer:
The first step in facing an ethical dilemma is to ask "Is it ethical?" by engaging in moral deliberation using ethical principles. Applied ethics guides such examinations, often in multidisciplinary contexts like bioethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When facing an ethical dilemma, the first step is not necessarily to ask whether the action is legal, balanced, or how it will make one feel about oneself. While these are important considerations, the first step is actually to ask: "Is it ethical?" This question prompts us to engage in moral deliberation and the application of ethical principles and norms. It draws upon our understanding of various ethical theories, such as the Utilitarian Approach, which seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number, or Rawls's maximum-minimum principle, which involves fairness and justice in decision-making.
Applied ethics is a field that addresses such practical, moral questions, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach. For instance, in bioethics, ethical questions are addressed in the context of biological sciences, where philosophers and professionals consider the moral justification for human actions in various scenarios, whether they be related to healthcare, environmental issues, or business practices.