Day 1: Choosing Wisely — Everyday Ethical Decisions
Every day you make choices that shape who you are and who you become. Today you will practice a clear, repeatable process for making ethical decisions with integrity and empathy. We will work with key ideas such as values, stakeholders, consequences, and dignity, and connect them to school, home, and online life. You will analyze short cases, map ideas, and practice the language of respectful, value-based decisions. By the end, you will feel more ready to choose well even under time pressure or peer influence.
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Apply a 5-step ethical decision process to analyze at least three everyday dilemmas and justify a choice with evidence.
- Differentiate facts, assumptions, and values in a scenario by listing at least two items under each category.
- Evaluate short- and long-term consequences for self and others and propose one empathy-driven improvement to your decision.
- Values — guiding beliefs about what matters (e.g., honesty, respect, responsibility).
- Integrity — acting consistently with your values even when it’s hard.
- Empathy — understanding and caring about others’ feelings and needs.
- Stakeholders — people affected by a decision (directly or indirectly).
- Consequences — outcomes of a choice, short- and long-term.
- Ethical dilemma — a situation with competing “right” values.
Warm-up: Answer briefly, then check each hidden key.
- Name two values that guide your actions online and why.
- What makes a situation an ethical dilemma?
- Difference between a fact and an assumption?
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Sample: Respect — I avoid posts that harm dignity. Honesty — I don’t share unverified information.Show Answer
Two or more positive values conflict (e.g., loyalty vs. honesty), not simply right vs. wrong.Show Answer
A fact can be verified; an assumption is a guess that may be wrong.How to use this section: Read and discuss each checkpoint. Each includes a mini-goal, guided discussion, real-life tie-in, mini-summary, and three guiding questions with hidden answers.
Checkpoint 1 — Why Decisions Feel Hard
Mini-goal: Recognize why everyday choices turn into ethical dilemmas and name the values in conflict.
Guided discussion: Ethical dilemmas appear when two “good” values compete. Helping a friend (loyalty) can conflict with being fair to class rules (justice). Hard choices often combine missing information, time pressure, and social risk. We also slip by mixing facts and assumptions. Facts are observable or verifiable (what was said, what was done, what the policy states). Assumptions are the stories we tell to fill gaps (“She meant to insult me,” “He will never change”). Beginning with a pause helps: list the facts, mark the assumptions, and name the values. That small act shifts you from reacting to reasoning. You can then ask, “Which option respects more values for more people—and avoids hidden harm?” This mindset does not remove discomfort, but it creates clarity and kindness under pressure.
Real-life tie-in: Before forwarding a screenshot from a chat, check: fact—the image exists; assumption—the person won’t mind. Values include privacy, kindness, humor, belonging. Now your next step becomes clearer.
Mini-summary: Dilemmas are value-versus-value problems. Start by separating facts from assumptions and naming the values.
- What turns a choice into an ethical dilemma?
- Why does listing assumptions help?
- Give two values that often conflict in school dilemmas.
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Competing positive values (e.g., honesty and loyalty) pull you in different directions.Show Answer
It reduces bias and overreaction so decisions are fairer.Show Answer
Examples: kindness vs. honesty; loyalty vs. fairness; independence vs. obedience.Checkpoint 2 — A Simple 5-Step Ethical Decision Process
Mini-goal: Learn and practice a repeatable method you can apply quickly in daily life.
Guided discussion: Use this 5-step process: (1) Define the dilemma clearly—what choice must be made and who is involved? (2) Separate facts from assumptions—what do you know for sure, and what are you guessing? (3) Identify values and stakeholders—which values are in conflict and who is affected? (4) Generate options and consequences—list at least two realistic options and their short- and long-term outcomes for all stakeholders. (5) Decide and reflect—choose the option that best honors your core values and human dignity, then add one improvement (tone, timing, support) to make it kinder and more effective. At first this may feel slow; with practice it becomes a habit. The aim is not to be perfect but to be thoughtful and respectful. When you spot a value conflict, pause, run the steps, and communicate with care.
Real-life tie-in: You see a classmate’s embarrassing photo posted without consent. The steps prevent a hot-tempered reaction and guide a response that protects privacy, safety, and respect.
Mini-summary: A 5-step process turns confusion into clarity and supports integrity under pressure.
- Why include both short- and long-term consequences?
- Who counts as a stakeholder?
- What is the goal of the process?
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Immediate effects differ from lasting impacts on trust, habits, and reputation.Show Answer
Anyone affected by the decision, directly or indirectly.Show Answer
To choose an option that best honors core values and human dignity.Checkpoint 3 — Facts, Assumptions, and Evidence
Mini-goal: Practice separating facts from assumptions and seek evidence respectfully.
Guided discussion: Acting on guesses often harms relationships. If you assume a friend was mocking you, you may respond harshly and break trust. Gather evidence instead: read the whole message, note tone and timing, and ask clarifying questions privately. Evidence includes direct statements, policies, past patterns, and reliable witnesses. Be mindful of thinking traps: confirmation bias (noticing only what supports your view), mind reading (claiming to know someone’s thoughts), and overgeneralization (“You always…”). Naming these traps helps you correct them. Verification should respect dignity—avoid public shaming; use calm, private messages. If harm already occurred, focus on repair: acknowledge impact, apologize clearly, and ask what would help.
Real-life tie-in: Before reporting a classmate for cheating, check facts carefully. Did you see the behavior clearly? Was it allowed notes? Fair verification protects both honesty and relationships.
Mini-summary: Distinguish facts from assumptions and verify with respect to prevent unfair judgments.
- Give one respectful way to verify information.
- Name one thinking trap and a counter-strategy.
- Why is public shaming unethical?
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Ask the person privately for clarification before making accusations.Show Answer
Confirmation bias → look for disconfirming evidence on purpose.Show Answer
It harms dignity, spreads assumptions, and escalates conflict.Checkpoint 4 — Consequences and Empathy
Mini-goal: Anticipate outcomes and use empathy to improve your choice.
Guided discussion: Quality decisions consider outcomes for all stakeholders. Ask: “What happens if everyone did this?” and “What message does it send about our community?” Pair this with empathy: imagine how each person might feel and what needs are present (safety, belonging, fairness, recognition). Empathy does not erase rules; it shapes how you apply them. When someone violates a norm due to stress, you still uphold standards, but you choose responses that restore dignity—private conversations, coaching, fair consequences, and a chance to make amends. Empathy also expands your options: instead of punish or ignore, consider teach, mentor, redirect, and restore.
Real-life tie-in: You lead a project and a member misses deadlines due to family duties. Consequences matter (grade, workload), but empathy guides a solution—redistribute tasks, set check-ins, and support them while keeping standards clear.
Mini-summary: Evaluate outcomes and feelings. Empathy helps you meet needs without abandoning fairness.
- How does empathy strengthen a decision?
- Give a long-term consequence of dishonesty.
- What question tests community impact?
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It reveals needs and prevents avoidable harm, making solutions both firm and kind.Show Answer
Loss of trust, damaged reputation, and weaker learning habits.Show Answer
“What if everyone did this?”Checkpoint 5 — Communicating Decisions with Integrity
Mini-goal: Express your choice clearly and respectfully, especially when others disagree.
Guided discussion: Integrity shows in how you communicate, not just what you decide. Use “I” statements, name the value guiding you, and invite dialogue. Example: “I won’t share the screenshot because I value privacy and kindness. If I missed context, I’m open to hearing it.” When facing pressure or teasing, calmly repeat your value statement and suggest an alternative. Keep tone steady; avoid insults. If you make a mistake, own it quickly—apologize, repair harm (delete a post, check in with the person), and commit to a better action. People trust those who correct themselves. Consider timing and channel too: serious topics deserve private, respectful spaces, not public comments meant to score points.
Real-life tie-in: In a group chat, you decline to bully someone and offer a positive topic instead. Your wording is brief, confident, and values-based.
Mini-summary: Clear, respectful communication protects relationships and shows integrity under pressure.
- What are two parts of a strong value statement?
- How can you respond to peer pressure respectfully?
- Why is admitting mistakes part of integrity?
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State your choice and the value behind it (e.g., “I choose… because I value…”).Show Answer
Repeat your value statement and suggest a positive alternative activity.Show Answer
It repairs trust and realigns actions with values.Checkpoint 6 — Practice with Two Mini-Cases
Mini-goal: Apply the 5-step process to realistic dilemmas and justify your choice.
Guided discussion: Work through each mini-case. Write brief notes for each of the five steps. After deciding, add one empathy-based improvement to your plan.
| Mini-case | Core Values | Stakeholders | Options (≥2) | Likely Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A classmate omitted your name on a group submission. | Fairness, honesty, respect | You, classmate, group, teacher | Private talk; correct record with group/teacher; ignore | Repair and accuracy vs. resentment or conflict avoidance |
| Friends push you to post a “funny” meme about a peer. | Kindness, belonging, humor, dignity | You, targeted peer, friend group, class | Decline; propose harmless alternative; confront; report | Short laughs vs. long-term harm and trust loss |
Mini-summary: Structured practice surfaces better options and kinder outcomes.
- Which option best protects dignity in Mini-case 2?
- In Mini-case 1, what is a respectful first step?
- Add one empathy-based improvement to any option.
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Decline to post, suggest a harmless alternative, and quietly check on the targeted peer.Show Answer
Speak privately to clarify and request proper credit.Show Answer
Offer support, invite dialogue, and avoid public shaming.- Worked Example 1: A friend asks for test answers.
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Refuse sharing answers; offer a review session. Honors fairness and supports learning. - Worked Example 2: You find a wallet at school.
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Return it to the office with details. Integrity and responsibility build trust. - Worked Example 3: Group chat spreads a rumor.
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Ask for evidence, discourage sharing, suggest direct clarification. Protects dignity and truth. - Worked Example 4: Editing a classmate’s work.
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Give feedback without rewriting; acknowledge original ideas. Encourages fairness and growth. - Worked Example 5: Balancing family duties and deadlines.
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Communicate early, plan milestones, request support. Aligns responsibility with empathy.
- List two values that guide your online behavior and why.
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Respect (avoid harm), honesty (avoid false posts). - Identify stakeholders when a classmate is excluded from a group.
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Excluded classmate, group members, teacher, class climate. - Classify as fact or assumption: “They ignored my message on purpose.”
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Assumption—intent is unknown. - One short-term and one long-term consequence of copying homework.
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Short: saved time. Long: weak learning and trust loss. - Write a one-sentence value statement refusing to share answers.
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“I won’t share answers because I value fairness; let’s review together.” - Suggest one empathy-based improvement to a strict consequence.
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Private conversation plus a chance to make amends. - Turn a rumor into a respectful question.
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“I’m not sure that’s true. Has anyone confirmed with them privately?” - Create two options for fixing missing credit in group work.
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Private talk to add names; note contributions in a shared doc. - Name one thinking trap and a counter-strategy.
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Mind reading → ask clarifying questions. - Write a one-line rule you’ll use this week.
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“Pause and check facts before posting or forwarding.”
- Multiple choice: An ethical dilemma is mainly about…
A) breaking rules B) value vs. value conflict C) easy choices D) punishmentsShow Answer
B. - True/False: Assumptions are the same as facts.
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False. - Fill-in: Define → Separate → Identify → Generate → ______
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Decide and reflect. - Short answer: One question that tests community impact.
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“What if everyone did this?” - Most overlooked stakeholder in online posting is the ______.
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Person in the post (target). - Match the term: Integrity = ______
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Acting consistently with values. - Scenario: You witness possible cheating but are unsure. First action?
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Gather facts respectfully; seek clarification. - List one short-term and one long-term effect of public shaming.
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Short: fear; Long: mistrust and harm to dignity. - Choose the best communication: (1) “You’re a liar.” (2) “I feel concerned; can we clarify what happened?”
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2. - Fill-in: Empathy helps us meet ______ without abandoning fairness.
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Needs. - Multiple choice: Which reduces bias?
A) assume intent B) seek disconfirming evidence C) publicly accuse D) ignore contextShow Answer
B. - Write one respectful refusal line for a hurtful meme.
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“I’m out—that hurts someone. Let’s share something kind instead.” - Why rules alone may not solve dilemmas.
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Rules can’t cover every case; values guide wise application. - State a value pair that can conflict and a brief example.
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Loyalty vs. honesty—friend asks for answers. - One improvement to your decision after reflection.
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Add a private check-in to support those affected.
- Values Map: Create a mind map of five core values and real examples from your life.
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Teacher guidance: Look for concrete examples and links to habits/role models. - Decision Diary: Track one dilemma for three days; apply the 5 steps and reflect.
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Teacher guidance: Encourage privacy and honest reflection; grade for completion/insight. - Kindness Script: Draft three value-based refusal lines for peer pressure.
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Teacher guidance: Model calm tone and offer alternatives. - Community Lens: Interview two people about a recent dilemma; compare values used.
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Teacher guidance: Summaries should be anonymous and respectful. - Media Audit: Review your last 20 posts/messages for alignment with values.
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Teacher guidance: Private exercise; no public sharing required.
Notebook Task: In 6–8 sentences, describe a decision you will likely face this week. Apply the 5 steps, state your choice, and add one empathy-based improvement. End with a one-line promise to yourself.
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