In their Framework for Ethical Decision Making, the Markulla Center for Applied Ethics lists six "ethical lenses" through which to approach an issue and make an ethical decision.

Each lens corresponds to a principle or approach promoted by a particular school of ethical thought. By considering them all at once, you'll be able to uncover all the relevant ethical dimensions. And doing so will help you make a sound ethical decision.

Let's take a look at the six lenses.

The Rights Lens

Will the decision respect the rights of all who have a stake?

The Justice Lens

Will the decision treat people treated fairly?

The Utilitarian Lens

Will the decision produce the most good and do the least harm for as many stakeholders as possible?

The Common Good Lens

Will the decision serve the whole community and not just some people?

The Virtue Lens

Will the decision reflect the kind of person I want to be?

The Care Ethics Lens

Will the decision account for the relationships, concerns, and feelings of all stakeholders?

Balancing the Lenses

It's important to realize that these lenses are intended only to surface the relevant ethical dimensions. There is no guarantee that by using the lenses you'll make the best ethical decision.

Some considerations will conflict with each other. An action that promotes the most good, for example, might infringe on some people's moral rights. Or an action that respects everyone's rights might still be unfair (in some senses) to those affected.

It is up to you to use your best judgment to balance these considerations and make a good decision.