Foundations: Principles for Ethical Decision-Making

Foundations: Principles for Ethical Decision-Making

Aldeana L. Harris | 2019

Abstract

Decision-makers from the personal to the professional and townships to global organizations grapple with the after-effects of decision-making approaches. There is much discussion regarding ethical decision-making and appropriate social constructs for what theory is best. However, people do not give enough bandwidth to how actually to make ethical decisions. Foundational Principles for Ethical Decision-Making (FP-EDM) is a systematic process to guide ethical decision-making efforts. The FP-EDM was developed not to guarantee 100% accuracy in decision-making efforts. The FP-EDM was developed to help make sound ethical decisions. The Foundational Principles for Ethical Decision-Making (FP-EDM) is a values-based approach founded on the Cardinal Virtues of prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. The four elements of the FP-EDM are 1) Be Wise, 2) Be In Control, 3) Practice Impartiality, and 4) Be Bold. It is a life-long learning process that focuses on the whole individual in every area of their lives. Practitioners of the FP-EDM will gain insight on not only what one ought to do, but they will also have a clear and rational understanding of why behaviors are or are not acceptable. The Foundational Principles is a tool to transforms one’s life, to model moral behaviors, it breathes life and focus to those who chose to use it to help shape their lives. The Foundational Principles has the holistic objective of creating individuals who find joy in life knowing they act in a way to do the greatest good.