Ethics Case Studies Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Ethics: Moral principles that govern a person's behavior.

• Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character.

• Accountability: Obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities.

Important Concepts

Ethical Theories

• Utilitarianism: Maximizing overall happiness; greatest good for the greatest number.

• Deontology: Duty-based ethics; actions are morally right if they adhere to rules.

• Virtue Ethics: Focus on character and virtues rather than rules or consequences.

Interlinking Concepts

• Constitutional Provisions: Articles 14 (Equality), 21 (Right to Life), and 51A (Fundamental Duties).

• Committee Recommendations:

• Second Administrative Reforms Commission: Emphasizes ethics in governance.

• Kothari Commission: Advocates for value-based education.

Key Formulas

• Ethical Decision-Making Framework:

 
  Decision = (Values + Consequences + Stakeholders) / Context 
  

• Values: Personal and societal morals.

• Consequences: Outcomes of actions.

• Stakeholders: Individuals affected by decisions.

• Context: Situational factors influencing decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing ethics with law; ethics is about moral obligations, while law is about enforceable rules.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "V.U.D." —

• Virtue Ethics

• Utilitarianism

• Deontology

Key Diagrams

      Ethics
        |
  -----------------
  |       |       |
Utilitarian Deontology Virtue

Tip: Use the diagram to visualize the relationships between different ethical theories.