Read the scenario and then answer the questions that follow in your group.

Question

Sophia is about to finish high school, and she has received a fully paid scholarship to study at the University of
Cape Town, However, it feels like the whole world is falling apart. She is not entirely sure what is going on, but her
parents have been fighting constantly over the past few months. She even overheard them considering divorce.
To make matters worse, Sophia’s mom has started drinking again. Her mom is a recovering alcoholic and has
been sober for six years, but with the constant fighting, she has “fallen off the wagon” again. Sophia’s father doesn’t
know it yet, but all the signs are there. The moment Sophia’s dad leaves for work, her mom dashes into the car
and reaches for the “water bottle” under the seat. She hides bottles in the laundry room where she thinks Sophia’s
dad won't see them. She speaks with a slur. She drives irresponsibly when she takes Sophia and her siblings to
school and often forgets to pick them up after school. Yet she sleeps it off before Sophia’s father gets home at
night, so for the moment, he does not seem to suspect anything.
Sophia’s mom went to rehab when Sophia was in primary school. Sophia’s dad has threatened he would leave her
and the children if she ever goes back to again. It was like living in a nightmare. Sophia’s parents are already in a bad space. If she tells her father her mother is drinking again, her dad will leave all of them. If she doesn’t say
anything, something bad could happen to her mom or siblings. Can she still accept the scholarship obtained for
the University of Cape Town whilst her family is in Bloemfontein? Can she leave her younger siblings with their
mom? What will happen to them? Sophia feels like there isn’t a single good choice to make. What should Sophia
do?
Questions:
2.1 Name and discuss the ethical decision-making frameworks you learned in class. (8 marks)
2.2 Explain the best-suited ethical decision-making framework to resolve this situation and explain why you
think this approach is the most suitable. (4 marks)

Answer 1

2.1 Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

There are several ethical decision-making frameworks that assist individuals in navigating complex moral dilemmas. Here are some commonly discussed frameworks:

1. Utilitarianism: This framework suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It involves assessing the consequences of different actions and choosing the one that leads to the greatest good for the largest number of people.

2. Deontological Ethics: This framework, associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant, focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions rather than their consequences. It emphasizes duties, rights, and obligations, suggesting that one should act according to rules that could be universally applied.

3. Virtue Ethics: This framework emphasizes the character of the moral agent rather than rules or consequences. It advocates for actions that align with virtues such as honesty, courage, compassion, and kindness. The decision-maker considers what a virtuous person would do in a similar situation.

4. Care Ethics: This framework prioritizes interpersonal relationships and the needs of others. It emphasizes empathy, compassion, and the importance of context, focusing on maintaining relationships and understanding the emotional aspects of ethical dilemmas.

5. Social Contract Theory: This framework suggests that moral and political obligations are dependent on a contract or agreement among individuals to form a society. It emphasizes mutual agreements and the responsibilities that come with them.

6. Narrative Ethics: This framework focuses on the importance of storytelling and personal narratives in understanding ethical dilemmas. It emphasizes the role of individual and cultural stories in shaping one’s ethical views and decisions.

2.2 Best-Suited Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Framework: Care Ethics

Reasoning: Care ethics is the most suitable framework for Sophia’s dilemma for several reasons:

1. Emphasis on Relationships: Care ethics prioritizes the significance of relationships and responsibilities to one’s family. Given Sophia's concern for her younger siblings and her mother, this framework encourages her to consider the relational dynamics and the emotional well-being of all involved.

2. Focus on Empathy and Compassion: This framework allows Sophia to act from a place of empathy, understanding the struggles of her mother as a recovering alcoholic and the potential trauma her siblings might face. It encourages her to think about the feelings and perspectives of her family members.

3. Context-Driven Decision Making: Care ethics emphasizes context and the nuances of personal situations. Sophia's reality is complicated and context-specific—she faces emotional turmoil and must take into account the potential consequences of her actions on her mother and siblings.

4. Balance of Accountability and Support: Rather than making a decision solely based on rules or consequences, care ethics supports Sophia in seeking a balance between holding her mother accountable and providing the necessary support to help her regain stability, all while considering her siblings' needs.

By applying care ethics, Sophia would likely prioritize finding a way to help her mother and protect her siblings while also contemplating her future and responsibilities. This framework allows for a holistic approach to her ethical dilemma, prioritizing the well-being of her family as a whole.