Final answer:
The first step toward making an ethical decision is identifying the ethical issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step toward making an ethical decision is identifying the ethical issue.
Before any decision can be made, it is crucial to understand and define the ethical problem at hand. This involves recognizing a conflict or dilemma that involves potential harm to others, a violation of rules or principles, and personal gains or benefits.
For example, if you are faced with a situation where you have the opportunity to cheat on a test, the first step would be to identify the ethical issue, which is the conflict between wanting to achieve a good grade and the belief that cheating is wrong.