Part 1: Ethical Dilemma Identification

Part 1: Learning Outcomes

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By the end of Part 1, you should be able to:

• Distinguish genuine ethical dilemmas from practical problems or clear-cut choices

• Identify how your different roles create competing obligations

• Assess whether your dilemma can sustain semester-long exploration

• Use AI as an interviewing partner to discover hidden complexity

• Articulate your ethical situation clearly with concrete stakes and tensions

Distinguish Ethical Dilemmas from Other Problems

Students will differentiate between genuine ethical dilemmas and practical problems, personal preferences, or situations with clear right answers.

Evidence of Learning:

• Can explain why competing values (not just difficult choices) define ethical dilemmas

• Identifies situations where reasonable people would disagree about the right choice

• Distinguishes between observing others' problems and having personal decision-making power

Identify Role-Based Competing Obligations

Students will recognize how multiple authentic roles create conflicting moral demands in their actual life situations.

Evidence of Learning:

• Names specific roles they occupy (parent/employee, student/community member, etc.)

• Articulates how different roles create different obligations and expectations

• Explains concrete ways these role obligations pull in competing directions

Assess Dilemma Sustainability and Complexity

Students will evaluate whether a situation can sustain semester-long philosophical exploration without becoming stale or overwhelming.

Evidence of Learning:

• Selects dilemmas with ongoing relevance rather than one-time decisions

• Chooses situations with genuine personal stakes and meaningful consequences

• Identifies dilemmas complex enough for extended analysis but manageable in scope

Apply Collaborative AI Discovery Process

Students will use AI as an interviewing partner to explore and refine their understanding of their ethical situation.

Evidence of Learning:

• Guides AI conversations toward deeper self-discovery rather than external advice

• Uses AI questioning to reveal hidden complexity in seemingly simple situations

• Maintains control of the exploration process while benefiting from AI's probing questions

Articulate Personal Ethical Complexity

Students will clearly communicate the structure of their ethical dilemma, including competing stakeholder interests and decision-making tensions.

Evidence of Learning:

• Describes their dilemma without relying on abstract ethical language

• Identifies at least three different groups affected by their decisions

• Explains why the situation matters to them personally with concrete stakes

• Creates a concise summary that captures core tensions and competing obligations

NA

Clayn D. Lambert