Lesson 5

The 7 –Step Moral Reasoning Model – Part 1

BY Dr. Scott B. Rae

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

1. Define reason.
2. Define impartiality
3. Cite examples of the application of reasons and impartiality.

This lesson introduces the use of REASON and IMPARTIALITY in deciding on moral
matters.

Reason and Impartiality Defined

Reason is the basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction.

There is always a reason or reasons why we are doing things.

 REASON – the basis for an action or decision

 In making moral judgments, it must be backed up with reasons.
 As a quality, it refers to the capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; for
consciously making sense of things, establishing and verifying facts, applying common
sense and logic, and justifying, and if necessary, changing practices, institutions, and
beliefs based on existing or new existing information.
 It also spells the difference of moral judgments from mere expressions of personal
preference. In the case of moral judgments, they require backing by reasons.
 It also spells the difference of moral judgments from mere expressions of personal
preference. In the case of moral judgments, they require backing by reasons.
  Thus, reason commends what it commends, regardless of our feelings, attitudes, opinions,
and desires.

Impartiality involves the idea that each individual’s interests and point of view are equally
important.

 It is a principle of justice holding that decisions ought to be based on objective criteria,

rather than on the basis of bias, prejudice, or preferring the benefit to one person over
another for improper reasons.
 Impartiality in morality requires that we give equal and/or adequate consideration to the
interests of all concerned parties.
 The principle of impartiality assumes that every person, generally speaking, is equally
important; that is, no one is seen intrinsically more significant than anyone else.I.2The 7-
Step Moral Reasoning Model – Scott B. Rae, Ph.D.

IMPARTIALITY

 Equal treatment of all

 All individual’s points of view are equally important.
 It is based on facts.
 A principle of justice

Principle of Justice
The most fundamental principle of justice—one that has been widely accepted since it

was first defined by Aristotle more than two thousand years ago—is the principle that "equals

should be treated equally and unequals unequally."

In its contemporary form, this principle is sometimes expressed as follows: "Individuals

should be treated the same, unless they differ in ways that are relevant to the situation in which

they are involved.

On the other hand, there are also criteria that we believe are not justifiable grounds for

giving people different treatment.

Decisions must be based on objective criteria.

Objective
  A statement is said to be objective when it is based on facts, and it can be proved
easily and is impossible to deny.
 Although in the absence of facts on a matter, then the statement becomes subjective
which is always biased.

Subjective

 Subjective perspective is based on personal feelings, likes, interest, dislikes, and the
like. So, the actual difference between objective and subjective piece of information
lies in the facts and opinion.

Objective is factual while subjective is opinionated.

The 7 –Step Moral Reasoning Model

1. Gather Facts
2. Determine the ethical issues
3. Identify the Principles that Have a Bearing on the Case
4. List the alternatives
5. Compare the Alternatives With the Principles
6. Weigh the Consequences (Based on the alternatives):
7. Make a decision.