Ethics and Moral reasoning Moral Reasoning is a

Ethics and Moral reasoning

… • Moral Reasoning is a systematic approach to making ethical decisions • It is a structured process, an intellectual means of defending our ethical judgments against the criticisms of others • Knowledge of ethical principles is important but it’s the application and defense of rules of conduct that are core to moral reasoning • Can you provide rational grounds upon which moral decisions have been made? • Different circumstances/ethical dilemmas- require the application of ethical frameworks which moral agents can use to make ethical judgments • Moral judgments should be based on sound ethical theories and defensible through reasoned analysis

… • Process of moral decision making • moral agent must posses knowledge and skills in three areas: – context – philosophical foundations of moral theory – critical thinking. • Understanding of the three areas will support moral decision making

The Context • Ethical decisions are not made in a vacuum • Moral agents must understand context within which the dilemma has occurred. • Context consists of all factors that could influence an individuals resolution • Understand the issue itself, facts of the situation, values, principles and moral duties of the situation • Contextual factors are often culturally determined (i. e. company values and behavioral codes) • Company values and behavioral codes can influence the rendering of moral judgments • Considerations that are unique to a particular situation constitute the context of the ethical dilemma • Moral agent must have knowledge of environment (social and cultural context)

The philosophical foundations of moral theory • Ethical principles have contributed to an individuals moral sense • Ethical theories provide guidelines for moral reasoning • They provide standards and principles for evaluating moral judgments

… • Virtues ethics emphasize character development • Attain virtuous character through habits-practice moral reasoning • Through repetitive moral behaviors, the notion of good is inculcated into the individuals value system. Moral virtues become a way of thinking and acting • Care-based ethics: treat people affected by our decisions with respect. • Moral decisions should be based on respect for the dignity of persons as an end in itself than as means to an end. • Deontology: the intent of the act is as important as the act itself. • Moral agents have a duty to live up to moral principle

… • Utilitarianism: consequences of an ethical judgment • Recognize that difficult moral choices sometimes cause injury to others • Does not take into account the special obligations to individuals or small group of people • It forces us to weight the impact of our behavior on others. • Relativism: what is good for one is not necessarily right or good for another, even under similar circumstance. • Determine what is right or wrong from one’s own view point

Critical thinking in moral reasoning • Critical thinking is the engine that drives moral reasoning • It can be traced back to the work of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle • It enables a more rational approach to decision making • Requires one to devote time to analyzing and evaluating the ethical dilemma and providing decision for ethical judgments made • Critical thinking is a skill that can be learnt • It involves, to some extent, learning to know when to question something and what sort of questions to ask

… • Critical thinking begins with something to critically think about (knowledge of the subject to be evaluated; principles and practices; understanding of moral theories) • Critical thinking requires an ability to identify problems and to gather, analyze and synthesize all relevant information relating to the problem • It also requires an ability to evaluate available alternatives and decisions to be made • The following list identifies the components of critical thinking that are important for moral reasoning – Acquisition of knowledge and an understanding of the context of the ethical situation – Critical analysis of that knowledge and consideration of ethical alternatives – Decision based on available alternatives

A model of moral reasoning • Situation Definition- acquire knowledge and facts and understanding of the context of the ethical dilemma • Understand the situation/subjects to be evaluated – Description of facts – Provide facts and details of the ethical situation; this may include, where possible, the original purpose/intent of the action – Identification of principles and values – Identify relevant principles and values in an ethical dilemma. (principles vary according to situation i. e. right to privacy, justice, fairness, right to life, right to information, loyalty) – Statement of ethical issue or question – Provide a clear statement of the ethical question and the question must be specific. For example; “it is permissible for public communicators to withhold information in their communication? ”

… • Analysis- identify the issues, information and assumptions surrounding the • problem Examine the situation and evaluate the ethical alternatives – Weighing of competing principles and values – Examine the situation and identify conflicting principles and values – Consideration of external factors – Identify and understand external factors that may influence ethical decision making (i. e. company policies, legal constraints, precedents, political climate) – Examination of duties to various parties – Examine the standards of ethical conduct expected of a particular role and the moral duties governing behavior – Discussion of applicable ethical theories – Evaluate ethical theories that you could apply in a moral dilemma. Look at the issue from different ethical perspectives and identify the most appropriate ethical judgment

… • Decision – Rendering of moral agents decision – Defense of that decision based- upon moral theory – Examine alternative and reach a conclusion – Use available information to make a decision and defend decision based on situation definition, situation analysis as well as moral theory

References • Day, A. L. (2006). Ethics in Media Communications: Cases and Controversies. (5 th Ed). USA: Wadsworth • Benz, I. 2001. Moral Reasoning (SAD) Formula. Retrieved from: web. monroecc. edu/ibenz/stories/story. Reader $56