1) Provide an appropriate definition, discuss your understanding, and provide an illustrative example for the term “ethical dilemma” (minimum 100 words, excluding the definition)
An ethical dilemma is a complex situation that requires a choice to be made between multiple options regarding a course of action, and no matter which course of action is chosen, some ethical principle is compromised (Allen). Essentially, there is no perfect solution to a situation. There are both absolute and approximate ethical dilemmas. An absolute ethical dilemma is one where “two or more ethical standards apply to a situation but are in conflict with each other” (Allen). A conflict between personal and professional ethics is not an absolute or pure ethical dilemma because it involves personal feelings where the rational processes for solving ethical dilemmas can’t be used for conflicts in values. So, even though situations where professional ethics and personal values collide are difficult and uncomfortable, they are not absolute ethical dilemmas, but rather approximate dilemmas (Allen). This means that in order to have a pure or absolute ethical dilemma a situation must require a decision to be made between two conflicting ethical standards from our Clergy Council Code of Ethics. A situation that presents a conflict between the Clergy Council Code of Ethics and our own Personal Code of Ethics would be an approximate ethical dilemma at best.
I’ve experienced both absolute and approximate ethical dilemmas within the field of education. When a student confides abuse to me, I am required by state law as well as standard 3.e in the “Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators” to make an official report. However, standard 5.a in that same Code of Conduct also forbids sharing confidential student information, which is needed to make the report (Ohio Dept. of Education). Because there is a conflict in the ethical standards put forth in the Code of Conduct for Educators with this situation, it is an absolute ethical dilemma. There is also an approximate ethical dilemma present in this situation if I fear for the safety of the student if I make the report. However, the Code of Conduct, as well as the overall continued safety of the child depend on making an accurate report, and thus while both conflicts in ethics and values technically present ethical dilemmas, for me this was not a particularly difficult decision.
2) Identify, list and briefly explain the steps to a “Problem Solving Process.” Process steps may vary in style depending on student preference and source. (minimum 100 words each step; citation of source for process required)
Many problem-solving processes are similar in their layout of steps to take. The problem solving process presented by the Global Development Research Center has six steps (Srinivas), as explained below:
1) Define the Problem – The first step is to define what the actual, specific problem is. This requires those that are involved in the problem solving process to focus in on what the problem is. When you write down the problem, you are creating a check you can use throughout the rest of the process. This is also useful for those working through the problem and possible solutions to be sure that they are remaining focused on the problem at hand, and not off shoot or unrelated other problems. By writing down the problem you are focusing on, you then have a statement you can come back to ensure you’re coming up with as many solutions as possible and that they relate directly to the problem.
2) Analyze the Problem – The next step in the problem solving process is to analyze the problem. This can take a couple of forms, all of which are important. One analysis should look at the root cause of the problem. By examining this, you are looking at base issues which may be feeding into the specific issue at hand, and you will also be examine base issues to ensure that the problem won’t repeat itself in another form. Depending on what you find in this step, you may want to go back to step 1 and redefine your problem. Another aspect to analyzing the problem is that you want to know what kind of environment the problem exists in, because that will determine what kind of solutions are viable. This is also the step where you will come up with criteria with which you can evaluate the possible solutions you will come up with in the next steps.
3) Brainstorm Solutions – After cycling through steps 1 and 2, and perhaps revisiting step 1 a number of times in order to determine what the actual problem you’re focusing on is, you will then begin the process of brainstorming solutions. The important note for this step is that this is not where you will be evaluating their merits, how well they may work, whether they’re viable, whether you like them, or choosing which possible solution to attempt at all. This is the step where your goal is to come up with as many ways to solve the problem as possible, as off-the-wall as some of them may be. I would even say that a few off-the-wall ideas are good, because they will encourage thinking outside the box and creativity in the brainstorming process.
4) Analyze Solutions – This next step is similar to step 2, except that you’ll be looking at each of the solutions you brainstormed, rather than the problem you came up with. This is the step where you will take a close look at each possible solution and define its good and bad points. You will examine where the places are where it could work well, and where the places are where it has some weaknesses or possibilities for failure. At this point you are still not yet picking which solution you will use, but rather are examining each individually on it’s own merits. You may find that this step may circle back around to step 3 as you see specific ways that a solution could be improved.
5) Pick a Solution – In this step you finally go about evaluating each individual solution and ranking them based on usefulness and likelihood that they will work to solve the problem. This can be done with a yes/no system, a weighted voting system, gut and intuition, or some combination of those. When you rank all your possible solutions you end up with a smaller list of those you may want to implement. If you still have too many, it may be worthwhile to refine your ideal requirements so that you end up with less possible solutions to work with. Ultimately you’ll end up with no, one, or many possible solutions.
6) Plan the Next Steps – In this last step in the problem solving process you’ll be working with the possible solutions you came up with in the previous step. If you didn’t come up with any working solutions in the previous step, you’ll need to back to at least step 3 and brainstorm more solutions, if not all the way back to step 1 and redefine what your actual problem is. If you have one or more solutions, you’ll want to decide which solution you’ll try to implement first, and then write out the actual steps for making that happen. It may include deciding what materials and personnel you need, as well as timeframes for certain things to happen in, and checking each step along the way to be sure it has been done and things are still on track for solving.
3) Provide the following information for each of the situations described below.
- a) Explain how you would utilize your problem solving process to resolve the situation. Discuss an effective resolution and why you believe the resolution would be effective (100 words minimum); b) Discuss how your personal Code of Ethics was utilized in the resolution of the issue presented. (100 words minimum); c)Discuss whether you would consider the situation to be an “ethical dilemma?” Why or why not? (100 words minimum)
Question 3: Situation 1
It is a long-standing tradition within your Grove to pass the Waters of Life using a single vessel for high day celebrations. Your group has always been small and the group at large prefers alcoholic Waters of Life, which is the plan for this high day event. Prior to the beginning the ritual pre-briefing you become aware that several new individuals are in attendance. One of these individuals discusses with a member of your Grove that they learned of your event from a poster in a local Unitarian Universalist Congregation where they attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. What do you do?
a) Explain how you would utilize your problem solving process to resolve the situation. Discuss an effective resolution and why you believe the resolution would be effective (100 words minimum)
The problem that I identify in this situation is that there may be those present at a ritual who do not drink, or who do not wish to be pressured to drink. In our grove we’ve already taken into account this kind of situation to help avoid it. In general, we simply don’t use alcohol of any variety as the Waters of Life. Not only do the spaces we rent prohibit alcohol, we also don’t want to put anyone in this type of situation, whether or not we suspect a recovery status or not. In order to be welcoming to all, including those in recovery and to families and children, we simply don’t use alcohol in the Return Flow. Other possible solutions to this situation are to offer both alcohol and water in separate vessels, allowing each person to determine which one they will take. Another possible option would be to explain the various methods of ‘taking in’ the blessing. At sumbels it is common to hear an explanation that you may drink from the horn, kiss the horn, or pour out a libation on the ground. All are acceptable. If we offered options that included alcohol in a ritual, I would be sure to always take a non-alcoholic option to ensure that the folk knew that it was acceptable in practice, and not just in words, to do so.
b) Discuss how your personal Code of Ethics was utilized in the resolution of the issue presented. (100 words minimum)
There are two main ways my personal Code of Ethics supports my resolution to not offer alcohol as the Waters of Life. First, because “I will be kind to others” that means that I will ensure that all have the safest space possible in which to experience a relationship with the Kindreds. This means removing the pressure and stigma of alcohol. Second, because “I will be a … responsible person,” especially as it pertains to the law, I will not violate the regulations of the spaces that we rent for our rituals (Avende). In the Clergy Council Code of Ethics, under Integrity, the Priest has a “responsibility to promote inclusivity,” and as such, I think to be inclusive both to those in recovery and to families, we need to allow for changing circumstances that may necessitate us using non-alcoholic beverages for the Waters of Life (ADF Clergy Council).
c) Discuss whether you would consider the situation to be an “ethical dilemma?” Why or why not? (100 words minimum)
This is neither a difficult decision for me, nor is it an ethical dilemma. Not only do I feel that I have a moral imperative to ensure that I make reasonable accommodations for all ritual attendees in order to ensure that they all have the ability to experience joy and a relationship with the Kindreds, my personal Code of Ethics specifically supports the decision to use a non-alcoholic option in this case, and the ADF Clergy Council Code of ethics empowers me to use my best judgment to make this decision. This is neither an approximate nor an absolute ethical dilemma.
Question 3: Situation 2
While meeting with a couple to plan a hand-fasting ritual you have been asked to facilitate, you notice one of the partners continually makes all of the decisions concerning the ceremony and refuses to let his/her partner participate in the discussion. When you encourage the silent partner to participate the other individual becomes obviously agitated. You notice several bruises on the silent partner legs and arms and he/she appears afraid to express any thoughts and ideas. Following the discussion, you receive a phone call from the silent partner apologizing for the conduct of his/her partner. The wedding is a month away and the couple has written an oath for the ceremony that professes a desire for a healthy relationship and equal partnership. What do you do?
a) Explain how you would utilize your problem solving process to resolve the situation. Discuss an effective resolution and why you believe the resolution would be effective (100 words minimum)
The problem that I identify in this situation is that presumably one of the partners is being physically, and also perhaps emotionally, abused by the other. When I analyze this problem, I find that it is outside both my skill set and comfort zone to address the issues at hand. My response after speaking with the couple would likely be to inform them that I was unavailable on their preferred wedding date, and to refer them to the other local ADF priest in the community who I know has a better ability to cope with this situation than I do.
b) Discuss how your personal Code of Ethics was utilized in the resolution of the issue presented. (100 words minimum)
The decision to refer this particular situation on to a fellow priest within my own ethics comes from a place of integrity. When I am a “responsible and independent person” it means that I know my own skill sets and my own limits, and do my best to not exceed those limits. When I “am loyal” it means that when I don’t know, or in this case, can’t do, something, I will find someone who can (Avende). The decision to refer this particular situation on to a fellow priest within the Clergy Council ethics comes from the concept of *ghosti and the concept of Competency. Because a priest may refuse service to anyone, and “will make every reasonable effort to refer the individual to other options for that service,” I will refer to a fellow priest who I believe has the skill set to manage the situation. I will do so because I recognize that I have strengths and weaknesses and that I will “work within those realizations” (ADF Clergy Council).
c) Discuss whether you would consider the situation to be an “ethical dilemma?” Why or why not? (100 words minimum)
While this is a difficult decision for me because I feel like I want to be able to help, it is not in fact an ethical dilemma because both my personal Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics for the Clergy Council require me to not handle a case that is outside of skill set when I have the ability to refer the case to one who is better qualified and I have a reasonable expectation that they could help. Because the Clergy Council Code of Ethics specifically allows for a Priest to refuse services, particularly as long as they refer the client to someone else, this solution to the situation is not an ethical dilemma, despite being a difficult decision requiring me to know myself well.
Question 3: Situation 3
You are facilitating a children’s activity concerning the 9 virtues and the Kindred for your Grove. A ten-year old child approaches you during the activity and says, “Can I tell you a secret?” You let the child talk and he tells you that his stepmother, who is an active member of your Grove, doesn’t follow the virtues or care about the Kindred. You ask him why he believes this and he tells you, “Because if she did she wouldn’t hurt me!” Once more you ask the child what he means and he shows you a horseshoe-shaped belt mark on his back and says, “Don’t tell anyone.” The father and stepmother are in the next room at an adult workshop. What do you do?
a) Explain how you would utilize your problem solving process to resolve the situation. Discuss an effective resolution and why you believe the resolution would be effective (100 words minimum)
The problem that I identify in this situation is that there is child abuse occurring, specifically that it is occurring within my religious community. The only acceptable solution to this problem is to make a report to Child Protective Services. The fact that I suspect abuse at all means that I am obligated to make a report both by my own ethics and by law. Possible methods could involve making the report immediately with the child in the room, or waiting until the meeting is over and making the report after. From experience and training in education, the process I would follow would be to inform the child that I am there to support them, that I believe them, and that this requires me to report the suspicion to children’s services. I would not inform the parents that I was making the report, because I do not have the expertise on dealing with safety of the child once the parents know, whereas Children’s Protective Services does.
b) Discuss how your personal Code of Ethics was utilized in the resolution of the issue presented. (100 words minimum)
The decision to make a report to Children’s Protective Services fits with my personal Code of Ethics because “I will be a … responsible person,” especially as it pertains to the law (Avende). I am a mandated reporter according to Ohio Law, and as such, if I suspect abuse, I am obligated to report it. Relatedly, the decision to make a report to Children’s Protective Services in response to this situation fit with the Clergy Council Code of Ethics because according to the principle of *ghosti “privileged communications … are considered confidential information … subject to limitation only by … applicable law” (ADF Clergy Council). Again, because I am a mandated reporter, even though the child asked me not to tell anyone, I am required by law to report the suspicion.
c) Discuss whether you would consider the situation to be an “ethical dilemma?” Why or why not? (100 words minimum)
Because my personal Code of Ethics contains a point stating that “I will be loyal” and goes on to explain that “I will maintain the confidence of those who have trusted me to hold space with them” but also states that “I will be a … responsible person,” especially as it pertains to the law (Avende), along with the clause in the Clergy Council Code of Ethics that contradicts my own confidential point with it’s exceptions, this is technically an approximate ethical dilemma because it points out a discrepancy between my professional and personal ethics. Nevertheless, it is not a difficult decision for me. If for some reason I didn’t believe that reporting child abuse was in the best interest of the child, perhaps it would be a difficult decision in addition to being an approximate ethical dilemma, but as I believe my reporting provides the best support and safety for the child, and follows the law, the decision for me to report is easy.
Question 3: Situation 4
A young woman from your local Neo-Pagan community contacts you and expresses a desire to attend your Grove’s upcoming high day; however, she explains that she is in a wheel chair and has an uncontrolled seizure disorder. Another local Neo-Pagan group had explained to this individual that they were unable to accommodate her needs at this time. The young woman plans to bring her personal care attendant with her, but the attendant is opposed to Neo-Pagan beliefs and does not want to actually participate in the service and plans to wait outside the ritual area. Your regular outside ritual space is not readily handicap accessible and the ritual is planned for this outdoor space. What do you do?
a) Explain how you would utilize your problem solving process to resolve the situation. Discuss an effective resolution and why you believe the resolution would be effective (100 words minimum)
The problem that I identify in this situation is that the ritual space does not meet the woman’s needs. This is an issue of accessibility. Possible solutions may include telling the woman that we can’t accommodate her needs, moving or rearranging the current ritual space, or telling the woman that on this short notice we don’t have the ability to accommodate her needs, but will need time to make the space accessible to her wheelchair and invite her to the next public ritual. While the second option is the best option, if the space is already not handicap accessible, the likelihood of our Grove being able to make it so without switching locations on short notice (near impossible to do in our parks system) is very unlikely. Therefore, the most likely solution for this situation is to discuss with the woman what specific accessibility needs she has (ramps, distance from parking lot, etc.) and arrange for those accommodations to be made at the next ritual. Even if this particular woman does not show up again, it is an important modification to make regardless.
b) Discuss how your personal Code of Ethics was utilized in the resolution of the issue presented. (100 words minimum)
My own personal Code of Ethics relates to my resolution regarding this situation in a couple of ways. First, “I will lead others to the flame” means in part that I will do what I am able to do in order to ensure that all can experience the relationship they desire with the Kindreds. Second, “I will be kind to someone.” This situation goes beyond mere kindness in my opinion and is more akin to civil rights. Being kind means that I will grant all basic human rights to individuals, and this means as a Priest I should provide access to a person’s desire to experience this spirituality as much as I am able (Avende). My decision relates to the Clergy Council Code of Ethics in multiple aspects. Under Service, “The Priest has a responsibility to provide service to the Folk.” This does not specify which Folk are worthy of expending the effort to provide service. Additionally, the Clergy Council Code of Ethics specifically focuses on non-discrimination, stating “The Priest has a responsibility to promote inclusivity, diversity, and non-discrimination; additionally, our clergy should promote the respect, self-worth, and dignity of individuals” (ADF Clergy Council). This means that we have a duty to make an attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for all members and potential members of our community.
c) Discuss whether you would consider the situation to be an “ethical dilemma?” Why or why not? (100 words minimum)
This is not an ethical dilemma because it doesn’t conflict with either my personal Code of Ethics or with the Clergy Council Code of Ethics. This may be a difficult situation, depending on what kind of accommodations are needed, and it may be an awkward conversation with both the woman, and perhaps with her non-Pagan caretaker, but it is not an ethical dilemma. Every person has a right to pursue the spiritual path that they feel called to, and they have a right to expect reasonable accommodation to be made for that if they have a disability. It may take some work and some time to figure out how to meet those needs, but it is not an ethical dilemma.
Works Cited
ADF Clergy Council. “ADF Clergy Council Code of Ethics.” Adf.org, Ár nDraíocht Féin, 9 Oct. 2011,www.adf.org/system/files/members/org/clergy-council/adf-clergy-code-of-ethics.pdf. Accessed 13 Sept. 2016.
Allen, Karen, Ph.D, LMSW. “What Is an Ethical Dilemma?” SocialWorker.com, 22 Dec. 2013, www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/what_is_an_ethical_dilemma%3f/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2016.
Avende, Rev. Jan. “Thoughts on Virtues and Ethics.” Mist to Open. Mists to Bind, 4 Sept. 2015, hellenicdruid.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/thoughts-on-virtues-and-ethics/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2016.
“Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.” Ohio Department of Education, 11 Mar. 2008, education.ohio.gov/getattachment/topics/teaching/educator-conduct/licensure-code-of-professional-conduct-for-ohio-ed/licensure-code-of-professional-conduct.pdf.aspx. Accessed 14 Sept. 2016.
Srinivas, Hari. “The Problem Solving Process.” The Problem Solving Process, The Global Development Research Center, www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html. Accessed 14 Sept. 2016.
Mist to Open. Mists to Bind. 