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4: Theories of Individual Ethics

  • Page ID
    363010
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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

    1. Explain the four major approaches to individual ethics—utilitarian (outcome-based), deontological (duty-based), virtue (character-based), and communitarian (community-based)—and the core “rules of the ethics game” (impartiality, rationality, consistency, reversibility).
    2. Differentiate each approach by its central question, decision rule, and view of rights, duties, character, and community in a public-service context.
    3. Analyze the strengths and limitations of each framework for common government dilemmas (e.g., resource allocation, transparency vs. safety, public health trade-offs).
    4. Apply at least two ethical frameworks to a real or provided case and defend a recommended action using clear reasoning and evidence.
    5. Evaluate how different frameworks affect stakeholders (including vulnerable groups) and justify how to balance competing values (efficiency, fairness, rights, community well-being).
    6. Reflect on personal values and professional duties to articulate an ethical decision-making toolkit you will use in public service.


    This page titled 4: Theories of Individual Ethics is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tabitha Raber.