ANALYSIS OF ISSUES IN ETHICAL PROBLEMS
A fi rst step in solving any ethical problem is to completely understand all of the issues involved. Once these issues are determined, frequently a solution to the prob- lem becomes apparent. The issues involved in understanding ethical problems can be split into three categories: factual, conceptual, and moral [ Harris, Pritchard, and Rabins, 2000 ]. Understanding these issues helps to put an ethical problem in the proper framework and often helps point the way to a solution.
4.2.1 Types of Issues in Ethical Problem Solving Let’s begin by examining in depth each of the types of issues involved in ethical problems. Factual issues involve what is actually known about a case—i.e., what the facts are. Although this concept seems straightforward, the facts of a particular case are not always clear and may be controversial. An example of facts that are not nec- essarily clear can be found in the controversy in contemporary society regarding abortion rights. There is great disagreement over the point at which life begins and at which point a fetus can be legally protected. Roe v. Wade, the original Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States, was decided by the Supreme Court in a split decision. Even the justices of the Supreme Court were unable to agree on this “fact.”