Which of the following is NOT one of the steps necessary to analyze ethical dilemmas presented in the text?

• A. Identify all potential values involved
• B. Review all the facts
• C. Decide the most immediate moral or ethical issue
• D. Seek the advice of moral or ethical judges

Answer: (D)

Analyzing ethical dilemmas hinges on clearly identifying values at stake, verifying the facts, and naming the central ethical issue to address. First, identify all potential values involved because conflicts among duties, rights, and principles often drive the dilemma. This mapping helps you see what would be at stake for different parties and what obligations might pull in opposite directions. Next, review all the facts to ground the analysis in what actually occurred and what information is relevant. Accurate facts prevent misreading the situation and ensure the values you weigh apply correctly. Then, decide the most immediate moral or ethical issue to focus on; isolating the central question helps prevent peripheral concerns from muddying the analysis and guides toward a principled resolution.

Seeking the advice of moral or ethical judges is not part of the essential analytic steps. It can be a helpful resource for additional perspectives or institutional guidance, but the core process does not require it—you can complete the analysis by thoughtfully weighing values, facts, and the central issue first, and then seek input if needed.