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Running head: MORAL REASONING

MICHAEL DUBOSE
SOCIAL WORK 3410
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY














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Running head: MORAL REASONING







MORAL REASONING

In the paper I will discuss moral reasoning and how it affects decision making and the
various theories concerning moral reasoning.

What is moral reasoning? Is the basis for ethical behavior and it develops throughout
childhood to adulthood. It has six identifiable stages.
[According to Kohlberg, Levine, and Hewer the stages are:
Level 1
Pre-conventional reasoning: Obedience and punishment orientation
2. Self-interest orientation,
Level 2: Conventional reasoning (Whats in for me)
Level 2
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Interpersonal accord and conformity ( What do I need to show that I am good)
4. Authority and social order maintaining orientation (What would a moral and
law abiding person do?)
Level 3
5. Post-conventional Reasoning: Social contract and individual rights orientation
(As a member of society, whats right, privileges and laws should I promote?)
6. Universal ethical Principles. (Principle conscience) (Barsky, 2010)
Moral vs Ethical Reasoning
The difference between moral and ethical reasoning is that moral reasoning is a persons
personal values or belief system that controls their decision making.
Ethical reasoning is more so for professionals. Its a set of standard that in various fields
that outlines how a professional should conduct himself and what one in the professional world
should and should not do.
An example of moral reasoning would be if a convicted murder needed my assistance and
because of his past history I didnt feel that he deserved any help because he took someones like
and the deceased person could not enjoy the pleasure this individuals was seeking.
Morally I would be responding based on my belief system, my belief in the right to life
for all. My decision would be controlled by what my morals are.
The decision made in this case would be based on my social and spiritual factors. My
social background and experiences from my childhood on would be the reason I made the
decision not to help a murder. Being raised by my parents and others in my close intimate group
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would have taught that harming other is wrong. The values inculcated in me as a young man
would no doubt control the way I viewed this individual.
On the other hand ethically I would be required to think differently. I would have to set
aside my biases and act in a professional manor and provide whatever service this ex-convict
was seeking. Standard 1.01 of the NASW code of ethics states that a social workers primary
ethical responsibility extends to the client.
This means the social worker should subjugate some of their needs. These needs are not
limited to physical needs. The need to force their views and morals on the client are included in
this code.
This is where an individuals professional training would be of upmost importance. We
as professionals have to have the perfect balance between moral and ethical decision making. We
understand it is not about how we feel about a matter; its about providing quality and equal
service for all. (NASW Code of ethics, 1999)
Why Know Ethical and Moral Code
The moral and ethical code is important to a social worker because the two
codes come very close to crossing while a social worker is practicing his craft. A social worker
has to make some very hard choices when it comes to certain cases and you have to remain
ethical while making those choices.
Some cases my touch a social worker very close to the heart, but it is important to remain
professional at all times to ensure that equality of service is the main factor while assisting client.
Another factor is that you do not want to cross boundaries that could cause harm to yourself
while being empathic to a client.
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Factors That May Affect my Decision Making
Thinking on how I was raised and the different things Ive learned and experienced in life
might make it difficult at times to make decisions both morally and ethical.
First I was raised in a Christian household with a large family 11 siblings all by the same
mother and father. So I might morally find it difficult to understand a woman who has several
children by different men. I find it demeaning to the woman and I sometime dont see how they
cannot see this not being a problem.
Here several different factors might affect my decision making. The first being social
factors. Social factors for me would be me seeing my parents always living together and having
same parents, for me this would be the norm, anything outside of that would interfere with my
values that were instilled in me from my environment.
Next it would be spiritual factors that would make it difficult for me to have any input on
a person who have various children by various men. Being raised Christian you are taught one
man for one woman and vice versa.
So when a situation arises as the one mentioned above you being too thing how could
dealing with a person like this affect your spiritual relationship with a supreme being. Though
the for Christians the guidelines also tells you not to judge, so sometimes spiritual factors make it
even more difficult to make important moral and ethical choices.
Biological factors might play a role in my decision making if I dont nurture myself
properly. If I decline to feed myself properly this will not only affect me physically but also
psychological as well. If Im not mentally healthy this will effect may decision making morally
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and ethically. My choice might be made out of desperation, or I might make rush decisions just
to get through with the task I have at hand.
This isnt fair to anyone involved rather it be a family member, friend or client how has
to deal with the backlash of my decisions.
Validity of Moral Choices
The validity of morally and ethically correct choices made by a social worker is that the
rules/code written by the NASW is not just some information tossed together by someone as just
a basic set of rules to follow. The standards set out in the code have been tested and proven to
work in behalf of the client and social workers safety.
Even though we may feel strongly about a matter we a social worker practitioners must
conform to these standard. The guidelines in the code of ethic have been time tested and that
where the validity comes in place.
Things That May Affect Moral Decision Making
Things that may affect may moral decision making is lack of knowledge about a
problem/situation. What should guide me to make the proper decision regarding the situation is
my training and knowledge of the NASW code of ethics and not putting my personal feeling into
making a decision, but making the decision as a business man.
One would have to be skilled at separating themselves from a case and not become
obsessed or attached to a case, so that they do not get to emotionally involved and begin to make
morally correct choices based on their perception of the matter. Instead of approaching the
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matter from an ethical standpoint and following the proper channels if they feel that there is more
or less that should be done to best benefit the client.
How a social worker should make a moral decision in an ethical matter is the social
worker should assess the situation and see the beneficence and non-maleficence. Would the
workers moral decision hurt the client more than benefit him/ her?
We have to be sure when making a complicated decision such as this that we are thinking
rationally. We cannot be anger or anxious about the matter and start making choices. Thinking
empathically should control all other outside influences. We should have a clear understanding
of the guidelines on the matter ethically and weigh out rather making a moral decision in an
ethical matter will bring harm to ourselves as well.
The key to making an informed decision is to be aware of our own emotions.
Knowing when and when not to support a client decision
A. Yes the decisions made by a client can be supported by me even if I dont feel it is
morally correct. The decision is ultimately up to the client and we are there to support
the client and not pass judgment or make decisions for them.
If a client wanted to stop medication, I would support their decision whatever that may be
but would be sure to inform of the potential dangers of stopping a needed medication. Given the
client has a severely dangers condition that could cause serious harm to them I would notify a
supervisor of the situation because due to the condition the medication/medical problem may be
causing psychological conditions which inhibit clear thinking ability.
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If a client wanted to leave treatment against medical advice I would still have to value the
decision they have made, but ethically I would also report it because this is a life threating
decision. The client might need to be committed to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
My supervisor would direct me further on the next steps I should take.
It is the clients right to terminate a pregnancy. It is my job as the social worker to provide
information on abortion, and to interview them to see are they making this decision on their own
free will.
If a client wanted to lie to an employer it would be solely their decision. I morally dont
condone lying to your employer but that where ethical decision making would come in place.
Im not there to pass judgment on the client but I will interview them and find out why they
believe lying would be beneficial and if his lying would be a serious hazard to anyone else.(
NASW Code Standard 1.01
B. I am willing to meet with clients own their own cultural ground because as a social
worker we must remember its all about the progression of the client and subjugating
ourselves to find common ground or build rapport it beneficial to the working
relationship.
My spiritual beliefs have nothing to do with the way another person lives. We as
social workers shall not discriminate based on religious, race, sexual orientation, or
status. I would be willing to read and become more educated about other cultures their
background and religions because this will assist me in understanding the client better
and help me work with future clients with the same background. (NASW Code, Ss. 1.02,
1.03, and 1.05) (Standard 1.01, 6.01, 6.04)
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C. Yes I can precisely draw out clear boundaries with a client. This can be done by the
manner in which you look at a person, my dress and conduct, being careful as to what
kind of conversations I engage in with a client and being careful about accepting gifts
and compliments. (NASW Code 1.09, 3.01)
D. Yes I can maintain client confidentiality. This is of upmost importance to the client
not to unlawfully reveal and personal information or anything spoken during
interviews, unless it threatens the life/well-being of the client or others.
A person has to be well trained and continue to educate himself on the codes and laws
not to violate the confidentiality agreement. (NASW Code, Standard 1.07)
E. ) If you believe that the rules within your organization or the laws of your state
contravene the values of this profession, such as social justice, or the accord of
dignity to all, are you willing to engage in social and political action efforts to change
this? Yes I am if my agency is acting unethical in a way that harms the welfare of
other and society overall I will seek to change policy. (NASW Code, Standard 3.09)
F. If I expect a colleague of being impaired yes I would intervene I would try to see that
they seek the proper counseling and notify a supervisor to ensure that they are not
working with clients while under the influence.
I dont drink or anything else so this would be a problem for me, but I will always
keep the safety and well-being of the client in mind before engaging in drinking etc.
Yes failure to act will be a violation of the Code because overlooking something such
as being impaired is not having the best interest of the client. (NASW Code, Standard
2.09)
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G. Yes it could be a potential ethical dilemma because if you are seeing clients and
working on treatment plans with them then you cannot just walk away from them
without making the proper transfer to another qualified professional and informing
your clients of your departure.
All of this will be important for the continued success of your clients treatment.
Informing your employer immediately to ensure the proper steps are taken to find a
replacement for you. (NASW Code Standard 3.09, 5.01, 1.16)
H. ) One symptom of burnout may be the use of disparaging language to describe
clients-epithets, crude descriptions, etc. Is this behavior a violation of the Code? If so,
what will you do about it? Yes this is a violation of the code because we as social
workers should maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. To ensure we do
not experience burn out we are to care for ourselves feed, cloth, and rest proper
before seeing any client. (NASW Code Standard 1.01)
I. Are you willing to practice in as transparent a manner as possible? Yes I will act in a
clear distinct professional manner so that the client and my colleagues can see that I
will uphold a high standard of professionalism.
Yes I will be very clear to the client verbally and provide the proper
documentation that will outline rules, laws and standards. (NASW Code 1.01, 1.03)




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Workers, N. A. (2008). NASW Code of Ethics (Guide to the Everyday Professional
Conduct of Social Workers). Washington, DC: NASW