Final answer:
Applied ethics involves applying moral norms to specific issues, necessitating strict adherence to ethical standards, such as informed consent and professional ethical codes. Historically significant philosophers contributed to the foundational approaches in ethics. Reflecting on past decisions can lead to improved self-understanding and ethical decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with an ethical dilemma in applied ethics, it is essential to define what applied ethics is. Applied ethics is the branch of ethics dealing with the application of moral norms and principles to specific issues that are usually contentious, such as those in bioethics, environmental ethics, and business ethics. Understanding ethical standards and guidelines is necessary for making informed and moral decisions in various applied ethics subfields. For example, bioethics demands a multidisciplinary approach because it involves the intersection of biology, medicine, law, and ethics.
Historically, philosophers like Aristotle and Kant have provided insights into the moral status of human beings, which serve as a backdrop for modern ethical frameworks. Aristotle focused on virtue ethics, emphasizing the character of an individual as the key element of ethical thinking, whereas Kant introduced a deontological approach that centers on duty and universal maxims. When engaging in any study or research, especially involving human subjects, ethical guidelines set by professional organizations and educational institutions need to be followed rigorously. This includes obtaining written permission from participants, a procedure known as informed consent. The importance of adhering to ethical standards is also emphasized by professional codes, such as the American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics.
\In applying ethics to specific dilemmas, different approaches, such as the utilitarian approach, which focuses on the greatest happiness for the greatest number, can be implemented. When reflecting on decisions and understanding cognitive biases, one can use tools of critical reflection and metacognition to improve decision-making processes and potentially avoid future biases. Analyzing past decisions with time and distance can lead to better self-understanding and help develop strategies for future actions.