position+statement+guide

=Position Statement Guide=

//If there is anything I have missed out or didn't go through in enough detail, then don't hesitate to put it in.//

During reading time
- In the exam, you have to choose two of four ethical dilemmas. Work out in reading time what two ethical frameworks you will use and then from there decide which two ethical dilemmas you will write about. You may find out that a certain issue will be argued easily with one framework and more difficult with another - simply choosing the simplest topics may not always work. - It might be helpful to draw up a diagram listing potential stakeholders and linking them together with their rights and duties etc. This could make things clearer when deciding which stakeholders are most relevant to the issue. - If you choose, you can write out your structure, whether it be the '6-step' approach below or your own. It is certainly possible that you will be halfway through your paper and you realise that you forgot to explain your ethical framework. (leaving large spaces between paragraphs may also be helpful in situations like these). You can list important points such as the values and assumptions of each stakeholder here.

General Structure
//Using the '6-step' approach will ensure that all sections are covered and that the assessment principles (below) are achieved:// Before you start nominating a framework and listing your stakeholders, you have to prove to the reader that an ethical dilemma exists. This is usually due to a conflict in values/rights etc. and that an ethical framework is required to help you determine the course of action.
 * 1. Identify and explain the ethical issue**

To come to your position, you will be using an ethical framework. Even though your ethics tutor will be reading this, you need to explain how your ethical framework works, in case someone else reads it, so they can understand how you have come to your point.
 * 2. Nominate and explain an ethical framework to use in arguing your position**

It wouldn't be an ethical issue if no one was involved. Listing each of the stakeholder's values (quality of life) and assumptions (the mother has been pregnant for under 24 weeks - can qualify for the RU486 pill) will ensure your argument follows a logical path as you determine which values matter most.
 * 3. Identify each of the stakeholders, and indicate the values and assumptions that may be relevant to each of them**

For the reader to understand how you utilised your ethical framework, you need to list your own values (ensuring best medical treatment is provided) and assumptions (I am qualified to use CPR correctly). Otherwise, it may not make sense why you came to a certain conclusion (allowing stem cell research, but you did not mention whether you value the life of an embryo or further medical discoveries).
 * 4. Identify and explain your values and other assumptions that are relevant to the issue**

Assuming your above description of how your ethical framework works makes sense, you will do exactly that as you work out your course of action. Ensure that you 'flesh out' your argument, otherwise the reader will not be completely convinced. For example, using Consequentialism, you will explicitly determine how each stakeholder is affected, and whether the act results in more good than bad ('//this action leads to this good and that bad consequence, and because I strongly value this more, more good results, therefore this action is the most ethical//' and rather than '//this action leads to this and that, therefore this action is the most ethical//').
 * 5. Utilise the selected framework and associated values to come to your logical position on the issue**

Restate your position, in case it wasn't made clear in the previous paragraph. (//Using Consequentialism, I have determined that this act results in more good than bad, therefore I agree with legalising RU486)//
 * 6. Write your conclusion**

Example lines
- Using Consequentialism, I will outline the consequences of each decision (*to do this or to do that*) and use the values outlined above to determine the final position that I will take. We will first look at the consequences of *doing this* - To help decide whether an act is ethical or not, we will look at the rights and duties of those who are involved. Every human has rights, and with rights come duties to see that these rights are exercised. Often rights (and therefore duties) come into conflict and need to be prioritised.

**What to do**
- ensure that your ethical decision is argued logically - provide evidence when possible (embryonic stem cells are more valuable than adult stem cells because...) - consider alternative viewpoints (ensure you have considered all potential stakeholders) - focus sharply on what your ethical framework is all about - consequentalism: has more good or bad come about? give a more thorough weighting of the good and bad - if using consequentialism, it may be possible to simply consider the consequences of one of the actions. If the action creates bad consequences, then that would render the other action a more ethical option (this will also cut down on writing) - the same can be said for rights and duties. Every right has a corresponding duty, so we can just look at only the rights, or just the duties and determine which is of the highest priority. (//From my values, I have determined that the patient's right to receive medical treatment is of the highest priority, and in turn, the duty of the pharmacist to provide the medication is the duty proper//)

What not to do
- simply state your opinion (you are entitled to your opinion, but explain it) - create contradictions (being against abortion due to having a child out of wedlock) - give values to something that may not be able to think for itself (foetus) - use only relativism/absolutism (more suited to a side argument than a main argument)

Assessment Principles
//Also refer to the marking guidelines for more in-depth detail// - Identification of issues - Explanation of ethical framework - Identification of stakeholders (discuss their likely views on the issues) - Application of ethical framework (how is this used to come to a position?) - What is your position? - Conclusion (brief justification for your position)

- Content - Logical Flow - Position is clearly expressed - Structure - Written Communication

Finally...
Always have in the back of your mind that this is a position statement that anyone could read and be convinced of your argument (whether they agree or not). If you believe your position statement is capable of this, then you should pass comfortably :)