Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This document has been updated to address issues that have arisen from moderation.
Ethical issues, criticality and current practice
A contemporary ethical issue is a health-related controversial issue of current public concern where there are contrasting perspectives held by groups of people. The standard does not define the country the ethical issue is from, but this clarification is written as though a New Zealand ethical issue is selected to analyse. The analysis of the ethical issue will be supported by recent and relevant evidence.
‘Perspectives’ are the attitudes, values, and beliefs of groups, and individuals within these groups, that shape and determine the ethical issue and the nature of the debate. Implications for well-being need to be considered in relation to current practice in New Zealand. This current practice is likely to be determined by laws and/or social mores, and is likely to align with one of the perspectives.
At all levels, a critical perspective is needed. This means that students might: identify and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions, explore who is advantaged and disadvantaged by aspects of the ethical issue, focus on the ‘key’ aspects of the issue, and/or make explicit links to the underlying concepts of the learning area.
Analyse the ethical issue
Students will explain the contrasting perspectives on the issue, and the reasons for these different perspectives. At least two groups should be considered for each of the opposing perspectives. It is the intent of the standard that the perspectives of major stakeholders/groups are explained, rather than individual people’s points of view.
The implications of current practice in New Zealand for well-being at societal, interpersonal and personal levels will be explained. This may include short and long-term impacts; positive and negative.
Analyse, in depth, the ethical issue
Students will provide a balanced view of the differing and opposing perspectives and show clear links to the underlying concepts.
Analyse, perceptively, the ethical issue
Insight will be shown into the reasons for the differing perspectives, including links to underpinning ethical principles. The more crucial aspects of the ethical issue need to be considered. For example, key groups’ perspectives will be explained, and key implications discussed. Evidence should to be used coherently and consistently to support the analysis, and links to underlying concepts will be made throughout the analysis.