What value do ethical theories bring to decision-making?

Ethical theories provide essential frameworks for moral reasoning, which is crucial when faced with complex decisions. They help individuals and organizations analyze situations by offering structured approaches to evaluate the ethical dimensions involved. Different ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, each emphasize various aspects of moral considerations, such as consequences, duties, and character.

This framework allows for a more informed and reasoned decision-making process, where stakeholders can articulate why a particular choice aligns with certain ethical standards. It helps in recognizing and weighing different moral principles and the implications of actions on stakeholders. By grounding decisions in established ethical theories, decision-makers can navigate dilemmas more thoughtfully, fostering accountability and integrity within their practices.