In a structured ethical decision-making model, what is typically the first step when confronting an ethical dilemma?

• A. Gather relevant facts
• B. Identify the ethical issue
• C. Consider stakeholders
• D. Decide and act

Answer: (B)

Recognizing the ethical issue first is essential because it frames the entire dilemma in moral terms. Before you can weigh values, duties, or consequences, you need to name what ethical question is being asked and what moral principle is at stake. By identifying the issue, you clarify which rights or duties are in tension (for example, truth-telling, autonomy, fairness, or beneficence) and establish the lens through which all subsequent analysis will occur.

Once the ethical issue is clearly defined, you can gather relevant facts to understand the context, identify stakeholders who are affected, and then explore possible options. If you jump straight into collecting facts or weighing consequences without a clear ethical framing, you risk mistaking a practical or legal problem for a moral one, which can lead to an inappropriate or incomplete resolution.

In short, naming the ethical issue sets the purpose and boundaries for the whole decision-making process, making it the natural starting point in a structured approach.