Ethical Language
Ethical Lenses
Dilemma Concepts
Movies and Morals
100

This term is defined as what you care about and prioritize. 

What are values?

100

This lens starts from the belief that humans have dignity based on their human nature or on their ability to choose freely what they do with their lives.

What is the rights lens?

100

You have to have at least one of these to lead you to a justification that leads you to a position.

What is a reason?

100

In The Lion King, Simba displays this ethical trait when deciding whether to return to Pride Rock or stay in exile.  

What is courage and/or responsibility?

200

This ethical term describes the essence and meaning of something. 

What is purpose?

200

This lens starts with the idea that each person should be given their due, and what people are due is often interpreted as fair or equal treatment. 

What is the justice lens?

200

You'd better consider these if you're to understand the conditions that condition that influences a situation.

What are factors?

200

In Avengers: Endgame, the team debates whether sacrificing one life to save millions is ethical, reflecting this approach to philosophy?

What is utilitarianism?

300

This ethical term expresses what you think and feel to be true. 

What are beliefs?

300

This lens is rooted in relationships and in the need to listen and respond to individuals in their specific circumstances, rather than merely following rules or calculating utility. 

What is the care ethics lens?

300

When you present your case, this is the thing you better have figured out (right after thanking everyone for participating). 

What is a position?

300

In Frozen, Elsa isolates herself to protect others from her powers, demonstrating this ethical principle.

What is avoiding harm to others?

400

This term means what is expected and accepted in certain situations. 

What are norms?

400

This lens is an ancient approach to ethics argues that ethical actions ought to be consistent with certain ideals that provide for the full development of our humanity. 

What is the virtue ethics lens?

400

Any main question in a dilemma will ask you to figure out if something is this or not this

What is permissible?

400

In Black Panther, T’Challa must decide whether Wakanda should share its resources with the world or keep them to retain Wakanda's power, showing these two ethical values in conflict.

What are loyalty and responsibility?

500

This broad ethical terms expresses concepts that guide you in life. 

What are principles?

500

This lens argues that life in a community is a good in itself and our actions should contribute to that community’s well-being.

What is the common good lens?

500

These are people or really any being that has a relationship to an ethical dilemma.

What are stakeholders?

500

In The Dark Knight, the Joker gives Batman the choice to save Harvey Dent or Rachel Dawes, causing Batman to likely use this ethical lens. 

What is care ethics?