Identify Ethical Choices

Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong. An ethical choice is one that is fair, honest, and respectful to others. Making ethical choices helps us build trust, keep relationships healthy, and feel good about ourselves. Unethical choices may feel easier in the moment but often cause harm to others or ourselves.

What Makes a Choice Ethical?

• It treats others fairly — the same way you would want to be treated.
• It is honest — you would not be ashamed to tell someone about it.
• It does not harm anyone physically, emotionally, or socially.
• It respects rules, agreements, and other people's rights.

The Three-Question Ethics Test

1. Is it fair? — Would I be happy if someone did this to me?
2. Would I be proud? — Would I feel comfortable if everyone knew what I did?
3. Does it hurt anyone? — Will this action cause harm to someone else?

Ethical Dilemmas

• An ethical dilemma is a situation where two choices both seem acceptable, but one is clearly more ethical.
• Example: You find a wallet with money. You could keep it or return it. Returning it is ethical because it respects the owner's property.
• When facing a dilemma, use the three-question test to guide your thinking.