Lesson 12: Reasons and Impartiality as Requirements for Ethics

• It is enlightened self-interest

• It is the traditional law

• It is a responsibility

• It is what is fair and equitable

• People have shared human needs

Why should human beings be moral? (5)

Reason

the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic

Immanuel Kant

argued that reason alone is the basis for morality, and once the person understood this basic requirement for morality, he or she would see that acting morally is the same as acting rationally (Beck, 1960)

Impartiality

denotes that decisions should be "based on objective criteria rather than on the basis of bias, prejudice, or preferring to benefit one person over another for improper reasons" (Jollimore, 2011)

Impartiality

It is a core value in professional codes of ethics.

Impartiality

It is commonly known as a principle of justice.

Morality

is the effort to guide one's action based on the most logical choice (reason) while giving equal importance to the interests of each person affected by your decisions (impartiality)". (Dr Rachels, 2004)

gray

Most ethical decisions lie in a ____ area.

Ethical decision-making

requires interpretation of the situation, application of your values, and estimating the consequences of your action.

Ethical decision-making

is a process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner that is consistent with moral principles (University of California, 2004)

1. Gather the facts

2. Identify the stakeholders

3. Articulate the dilemma

4. List the alternatives

5. Compare the alternatives with the principles

6. Weigh the consequences

7. Make a decision

Seven-step Ethical Decision-making Model

Step 1: Gather the facts

Do not jump to conclusions. Ask questions (who, what, where, when, how, and why).

Step 2: Identify the stakeholders

Identify all the persons involved and will be affected in an ethical situation.

Step 3: Articulate the dilemma

Its purpose is to make sure that you understand the situation and the moral conflict you are facing

Step 4: List the alternatives

Think creatively about potential actions, as there may be choices you neglected.

Step 5: Compare the alternatives with the principles

specify the relevant values that you want to uphold in making your decision. Then compare whether your alternative actions are in line with your values

Step 6: Weigh the consequences

Determine how all the stakeholders will be affected by your decision or will violate ethical values

Step 7: Make a decision

Avoid "paralysis by analysis" or the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.