Which is the first step in ethical decision-making?

The first step in ethical decision-making is recognizing the ethical dilemma or issue at hand. This foundational step involves identifying that a situation involves a potential conflict of values or ethical principles. By recognizing the ethical aspects of a situation, individuals can begin to understand the implications of their choices and the impact those choices might have on stakeholders involved.

This step is crucial because if an individual fails to recognize that there is an ethical issue, they cannot effectively engage in further analysis or testing of potential solutions. Once the ethical dilemma is acknowledged, the decision-maker can then proceed to analyze the situation, evaluate alternatives, and ultimately implement a decision aligned with ethical considerations. Hence, recognizing the ethical dimension sets the stage for all subsequent steps in the decision-making process.