Ethical Reasoning in Action jmu.edu/ethicalreasoning
Why do we need ethical reasoning skills? Almost every decision we make has a ripple effect, no matter how insignificant it may seem. This is why it is important to slow down our thinking and consider the best course of action knowing that our decision affects more than just ourselves. One way to take that “pause” before deciding is to ask questions of ourselves and of the situation. JMU’s Ethical Reasoning in Action program offers Eight Key Questions to help us approach decisions with curiosity, rather than snap judgements; with First-year students are introduced to ethical reasoning and the 8KQ throughout Orientation, including It’s Complicated , an interactive ethical reasoning workshop designed specifically for new JMU students. With other students and a facilitator, they discuss a case scenario, generate ethical questions to consider before deciding and then decide together the best course of action. Students may also use the 8KQ decision-making strategy in their academic courses where they have opportunities for subject-specific application of ethical reasoning skills. Student life organizations as well as many JMU programs use the 8KQ as a common language for talking about challenging ethical situations at work, in personal life and in the community. How can students get involved more deeply in ethical reasoning? consideration for others, rather than only ourselves. Where and when will students learn the 8KQ?
• Notice the moral situations in your everyday life. • Practice using the 8KQ with classmates and friends.
• Explore becoming an Ethical Reasoning Educator. This group of students--usually undergraduates--facilitate classroom and workshop sessions in ethical reasoning for their peers.
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