What is ethical reasoning?

Ethical reasoning is a type of critical thinking that uses ethical principles and frameworks. It is a process of identifying ethical issues and weighing multiple perspectives to make informed decisions. Ethical reasoning is not about knowing right from wrong, but being able to think about and respond to a problem fairly, justly and responsibly.

For more information, listen to our Edspresso podast interviews with Simon Longstaff and Sandra Lynch.

Why should we teach ethical reasoning?

The rise of artificial intelligence has a range of ethical implications for the way we live and work, including fake news, bias in AI design and data privacy. Students increasingly need to understand and navigate these challenges. Teachers can support them to do so by developing young people's ethical reasoning skills and sense of ethical responsibility.

Ethical reasoning in the classroom

Ethical reasoning can be taught by teachers of all subjects and year levels. There are a range of methods that teachers can use to do this, including case studies, role playing games and student-led projects on real-world issues. Students should be given opportunities to apply their ethical reasoning skills across a range of subjects and regularly practice them.

Ethical reasoning resources

• Digital Citizenship