When applying the Three-Step Ethics Model, what is the first question you should ask?

In the Three-Step Ethics Model, the first question to ask is about the legality of the action in question. This foundational step is crucial because it establishes the framework within which ethical considerations should be evaluated. Legal compliance provides a baseline for ethical behavior; actions that are illegal cannot reasonably be considered ethical. By determining whether the action is legal, you ensure that any further ethical deliberation is grounded in a robust understanding of the law, which governs professional conduct and protects individuals' rights.

Following the legality assessment, ethical questions about fairness, benefits, and overall ethical implications can then be properly discussed. By starting with legality, individuals can avoid engaging in discussions that could inadvertently endorse illegal or harmful practices. Thus, establishing legality serves as the cornerstone upon which further ethical evaluation can be built.