Ethical Reasoning in Writing
Ethical arguments engage with questions of right and wrong, fairness, and moral responsibility. Effective ethical writing acknowledges complexity, considers multiple perspectives, and uses reasoned argument rather than emotional manipulation.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Identify the ethical issue: whose rights or welfare are affected and how
Acknowledge counterarguments to show intellectual honesty and strengthen your position
Use frameworks such as consequences (utilitarian), rights, and fairness (justice)
Avoid logical fallacies: ad hominem, false dichotomy, straw man, slippery slope
Key Vocabulary
Ethics
The study of moral principles and what constitutes right and wrong behaviour
Counterargument
An opposing viewpoint that a writer acknowledges and responds to
Logical fallacy
An error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument
Utilitarian
An ethical approach that judges actions by their consequences for overall wellbeing
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Why should an ethical argument acknowledge counterarguments?
Question 2
The argument "You can't trust his views on climate policy because he drives a car" is an example of:
Question 3
A utilitarian ethical argument would judge an action by:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Identify the ethical issue: whose rights or welfare are affected and how
- ●Acknowledge counterarguments to show intellectual honesty and strengthen your position
- ●Use frameworks such as consequences (utilitarian), rights, and fairness (justice)
- ●Avoid logical fallacies: ad hominem, false dichotomy, straw man, slippery slope