CCE · Primary 6 · Ethical Dilemmas in Public Policy · Semester 2

Introduction to Ethical Frameworks

Learning basic ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology) to analyze moral dilemmas in public policy.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Moral Reasoning - P6
• MOE: Decision Making - P6

About This Topic

Introduction to Ethical Frameworks introduces Primary 6 students to utilitarianism and deontology as tools for analyzing moral dilemmas in public policy. Utilitarianism judges actions by their outcomes, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. Deontology prioritizes duties and rules, such as respecting individual rights, regardless of results. Students apply these to scenarios like allocating limited community resources or enforcing environmental laws, connecting ethics to real civic decisions.

This topic supports MOE CCE standards in moral reasoning and decision-making within the Ethical Dilemmas in Public Policy unit. Students differentiate the frameworks, trace how they yield different policy recommendations, for example utilitarianism favoring majority benefits in housing projects while deontology protects minority homes, and assess limitations like utilitarianism's risk to vulnerable groups. These skills build critical thinking for Singapore's diverse society.

Active learning suits this topic well. Role-plays and structured debates allow students to embody frameworks, test arguments, and uncover nuances through peer challenge. Group analysis of local policies makes abstract ideas concrete, boosts engagement, and develops collaborative evaluation skills essential for ethical citizenship.

Key Questions

1. Differentiate between utilitarian and deontological approaches to ethical decision-making.
2. Analyze how different ethical frameworks lead to varying policy recommendations.
3. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying a single ethical framework to complex issues.

Learning Objectives

• Compare the core principles of utilitarianism and deontology in ethical decision-making.
• Analyze how utilitarian and deontological frameworks lead to different policy recommendations for a given public issue.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of applying a single ethical framework to a complex societal problem.
• Formulate a reasoned ethical argument for a policy choice, referencing at least one ethical framework.

Before You Start

Identifying Values and Beliefs

Why: Students need to recognize their own values and beliefs to understand how different ethical frameworks prioritize different moral considerations.

Analyzing Cause and Effect

Why: Understanding consequences is central to utilitarianism, so students must be able to identify potential outcomes of actions.

Key Vocabulary

Utilitarianism	An ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or 'the greatest good for the greatest number'.
Deontology	An ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on rules or duties. It suggests that actions are right or wrong in themselves, regardless of their consequences.
Moral Dilemma	A situation where a person must choose between two or more actions, each of which has a morally problematic consequence.
Public Policy	A course of action or inaction chosen by government to address a problem or set of problems.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Utilitarianism always favors the majority at any cost.

What to Teach Instead

Utilitarianism weighs overall long-term benefits, not just immediate majority gains. Role-plays of future scenarios help students balance interests. Group debates reveal protections needed for minorities, refining their understanding.

Common Misconception

Deontology means blindly following rules without thinking.

What to Teach Instead

Deontology upholds universal duties like fairness, applied thoughtfully. Analyzing policy exceptions in discussions shows nuance. Active peer reviews encourage students to defend rule choices critically.

Common Misconception

Only one framework works for all dilemmas.

What to Teach Instead

Each framework suits specific contexts; hybrids often best. Comparing outcomes in sorting activities exposes limits. Collaborative evaluations build skills to mix approaches flexibly.

Active Learning Ideas

Dilemma Debate: Resource Allocation

Present a scenario like rationing medical supplies in a pandemic. Split class into utilitarian and deontological teams. Teams brainstorm arguments for 5 minutes, debate for 10 minutes, then vote on the best policy with reasons.

30 min·Whole Class

Framework Sorting: Policy Cards

Prepare cards describing policy decisions, such as building a dam or strict recycling laws. In groups, students sort cards into utilitarian or deontological categories and justify choices on charts. Share and discuss as a class.

35 min·Small Groups

Role-Play: Policy Makers

Assign roles like mayor, residents, and experts to a dilemma on school closures. Groups use one framework to propose solutions, present to class, and field questions. Reflect on framework strengths in journals.

45 min·Small Groups

Ethical Dilemma Carousel

Set up 4 stations with dilemmas on traffic rules, animal welfare, or public transport. Pairs rotate, apply a framework at each, note pros and cons. Debrief highlights framework differences.

40 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• City planners in Singapore use ethical frameworks when deciding on land use for new housing developments. A utilitarian approach might favor building more homes to house a larger population, while a deontological approach might prioritize preserving historical sites or individual property rights.
• Environmental agencies analyze policy options for pollution control. Utilitarianism might support regulations that yield the largest reduction in overall pollution, even if it disproportionately affects certain industries, whereas deontology might focus on the inherent right of citizens to clean air and water.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Present students with a scenario: 'A new factory will create many jobs but also cause some air pollution. Should the government approve it?' Ask: 'How would a utilitarian approach decide? How would a deontologist approach this decision? What are the potential problems with each?'

Quick Check

Provide students with two short policy statements addressing the same issue (e.g., public transport fares). Ask them to identify which statement is more aligned with utilitarianism and which with deontology, and to write one sentence justifying their choice for each.

Exit Ticket

On a slip of paper, ask students to write down one ethical framework they discussed. Then, have them describe one situation where that framework might lead to a difficult choice and explain why it is difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are simple examples of utilitarianism and deontology for P6 CCE?

Utilitarianism: Approving a park that delights most residents but disturbs a few, as net happiness rises. Deontology: Banning the park to uphold property rights, regardless of majority wishes. Use everyday Singapore examples like MRT priority seating to show contrasts, helping students grasp basics before policy analysis.

How do ethical frameworks apply to Singapore public policies?

Utilitarianism supports policies like large-scale HDB upgrades benefiting millions, even if some relocate. Deontology backs data privacy laws protecting individuals from surveillance harms. Students analyze National Day Rally speeches or NEA rules, seeing how frameworks shape decisions and fostering civic awareness.

How can active learning help teach ethical frameworks in Primary 6?

Active methods like debates and role-plays let students argue from frameworks, experiencing tensions firsthand. Sorting cards or carousels build differentiation skills through hands-on practice. These approaches spark empathy, reveal misconceptions via peer feedback, and link concepts to local issues, making ethics engaging and retained longer than lectures.

What challenges arise when evaluating ethical framework weaknesses?

Students may overlook minority impacts or assume perfect outcomes. Guide with structured reflections post-activities. Emphasize real policies' complexities, like trade-offs in climate action, to develop balanced views. Regular key question checks ensure progress in MOE standards.