The Ethical Cycle

Ill-structured problem

A problem that has no definitive formulation of the problem

Ethical cycle

A tool in structuring and improving moral decisions by making a systematic and thorough analysis of the moral problem

Moral problem

Problem in which two or more positive moral values or norms cannot be fully realized at the same time

Moral dilemma

A moral problem with the crucial feature that the agent has only two (or a limited number of) options for action and that whatever he chooses will commit a moral wrong

Cooley's moral dilemma

A moral problem in which the agent has two or more options for actions, each of which has large moral significance and that whatever permissible action the agent chooses will leave moral residue.

Stakeholders

Actors (valuable beings) that have an interest ("a stake") in the development of a technology

Black-and-white strategy

A strategy for action in which only two options for actions are considered: doing the action or not

Strategy of cooperation

The action strategy that is directed at finding alternatives that can help to solve a moral problem by consulting other stakeholders

Whistle-blowing

Speaking to the media or the public on an undesirable situation against the desire of the employer.

Intuitivist framework

The ethical framework in which options for action are evaluated on basis of one's view about what is intuitively most acceptable and that formulates arguments for this statement

Common sense method

The method that weighs the available options for actions in the light of the relevant values

Wide reflection equilibrium

Approach that aims at making coherent three types of moral beliefs: (1) Considered moral judgment, (2) Moral principles, (3) Background theories

Moral deliberation

An extensive and careful consideration or discussion of moral arguments and reasons for and against certain actions

Overlapping consensus

An agreement on the level of moral judgements, while there may be disagreement on the level of moral principles and background theories.

Ad hominem

An attack on the person's character rather than her argument.

Law = Morality

Equating what is legal or illegal with what is moral or immoral.

Straw person

Attacking the weakest version of an argument that no reasonable person would hold.

Wishful thinking

Evidence is interpreted based on what the person desires rather than what the evidence says.

Naturalistic fallacy

Assuming what is the case is the same as what ought to be the case.

Privacy fallacy

If you have done nothing wrong, then you have nothing to worry about.

Ambiguity

Using words unclearly to confuse the issue.

Poll argument

Using majority opinion as the only evidence needed to establish a claim.

Only game in town fallacy

Saying that one explanation has to be right because others cannot come up with a better one at that time.

Sunk-Cost fallacy

Concluding that more resources should be invested because a lot of resources have already been invested.

Sheer size fallacy

Comparing risk from two products that cannot be compared

Fallacy of naturalness

The artificial is always worse than the naturel.

Ostrich's fallacy

As long as there isn't an obvious risk, there is no risk at all.

Delay fallacy

We have to wait until we know all risks.

Technocrat fallacy

Only the professional technocrat has any say in making decisions.

Quasi-Categorical Imperative (QCI)

An act is morally right only if in doing the act, the agent does not treat any valuable being as a mere means.

Reasonable Person Utilitarianism (RPU)

An act is morally right only if a reasonable person would reasonably believe that the utility of the consequences of the act will probably be as great as any alternative to the action at that time.