Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: What We Choose: An Adult Program on Ethics for Unitarian Universalists

Activity 2: Opening Scenario

Part of What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers, and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the scenario so you will be comfortable presenting it.
  • Post blank newsprint.

Description of Activity

Introduce this activity using these or similar words:

Each workshop in this series will open with an ethical dilemma for which there is not a single, correct responsive. The idea is not to debate what is the best response in the situation, but rather to consider some of the issues we will explore in that particular workshop.

Share this scenario:

You are driving a car when you come to a four-way intersection. Your light is red. There are no other vehicles or people anywhere nearby What do you do? Why?

Invite participants to turn to a partner and share their response to the dilemma. Urge participants to focus more on the reasoning behind their response than the response itself. Allow ten minutes for pairs to talk, and then re-gather the group. Ask: "What ethical precepts, reasons, or frameworks were named in your partner conversations?" List these precepts on the newsprint you have posted.