Ethics in Action: Vignettes from the Field

1
Ethics in Action Vignettes from the Field

• Lynn Milgram Mayer
• August 22, 2007

2
Presentation Overview

• Why do we talk about ethics?
• What is an ethical dilemma?
• How do we resolve ethical dilemmas?
• Case Vignettes
• Questions Discussion

3
Why do we talk about ethics?

• Licensing requirements
• NASW Code of Ethics
• Reality we all face dilemmas in practice

4
What is an Ethical Dilemma?

• Wikipedia
• An ethical dilemma is a situation that will often
  involve an apparent conflict between moral
  imperatives, in which to obey one would result in
  transgressing another.

5
What is an Ethical Dilemma?Continued

• Institute for Global Ethics
• Right v Right
• The Social Work Dictionary
• A situation that occurs when two or more moral
  values seem to be equally valid but contradictory
  and the individual is required to make the best
  possible choice from among them

6
How do we resolve Ethical Dilemmas?
7
Decision Process

• Identify the situation and explicitly state the
  ethical dilemma involved
• Give the background
• Identify the values involved
• Consider personal values biases
• Identify possible courses of action
• Justify your position
• Implement decision
• (MVJ 2005)

8
Questions Discussion

• Reporting back on the case vignettes
• Did any of the dilemmas strike a nerve?
• Any dilemmas youd like to share?