The 7-Step Moral Reasoning Model

Introduction

Making decision may not be easy. People change their decisions now and then. They
vacillate in their stance unsure about the right thing to do. This is usually the case when facts and
ideas about certain issues are unclear. Furthermore, people’s decision about certain issues gets
more confused because of their knowledge about the people to be affected by their decisions.
Whether right or wrong, they seem to favor more those close to them and are quite harsh and
unforgiving to those they have less knowledge about. Decisions do not seem to depend on the issue
but rather on the people involved. In fact, decisions are all the more biased and subjective when
the persons who are supposed to decide are themselves involved in the issue. They are more
concerned about saving their skin even if the responsibility for certain errors are theirs and
definitely have less or no consideration at all to other parties involved even if they are right. People
obstinately insist only on their rights, privileges and interests but are not fair toward others’
legitimate demands and interests.

How can people arrive at a more objective and right decisions? Even when people are up
to what is legitimate and acceptable decision for everyone, it looks like decisions made are not
always the way everybody wants them to be. Something always escapes and remains unattended.
The topic might help people in their quest for a more objective, fair and rightful solutions to issues
affecting their lives.

Learning Outcomes
1. Perform the 7-step Moral Reasoning Model;
2. Judge their personal moral actions using the 7-step moral reasoning model; and
3. Check real life cases using the 7-step model.

Activating Prior Learning

Debate on the premise:
Resolve that the age of committing a crime is lowered at 15 years of age.

Presentation of Contents
How does one arrive at an acceptable and right moral decision? The following steps are
suggested as guides in making moral decision which is called the Seven (7) Step Moral Reasoning
Model.
1. State the problem. Gather the facts

Before any decision, it is important that decisions makers have in their possession
all the necessary facts and data concerning an issue. Decisions are based on facts and
not on opinions neither on hearsay. Facts and data clarify the issues that need to be
resolved. When facts are incomplete a definite resolution to a problem may not be
reached. The acceptability also of a solution to a problem or issue will depend on the
completeness of facts and evidences.
2. Check the facts. Determine the ethical issue (Is it moral if …)

In the second step, it is necessary to determine the ethical issue. In other words,
what is the problem about? It is a point of clarifying and distinguishing whether a
situation demands moral valuation or not. Some issues do not really qualify to be
considered a moral or ethical issue. When I have to decide about the time I should eat
my breakfast or, when I have to decide whether I have to study for tomorrow’s
examination in my Physics class do not necessarily require deliberate moral decision.
But when contemplating to secretly sell a family property without the knowledge of
the other members is an example of a situation in which a moral valuation is called for.
Here, I have to ask myself whether my intention to sell the family property is ethical or
unethical. Is it the right thing to do even if I have important needs to address?

3. What principles have a bearing on the case? Identify relevant factors.

In the case mentioned above about secretly selling a family property, I should
consider the principles that would be violated by my decision. It is dishonest to sell a
common property without the knowledge of my co-owners. I am violating the principle
that I should be honest at all times. Furthermore, my intention violates the principles
about private properties owned by others. My intention violates at least two principles.
In the example, there are principles that have a bearing on the intention to secretly sell
a communal property and these principles tell us about some irregularities ethically
speaking.

4. List down the alternatives. Develop a list of options.

Finding a solution to a moral issue may involve several alternatives. Again, in the
example above about selling the family property secretly may not be the only solution
to a financial crisis. Other alternatives may be possible like asking the other co-owners
to buy themselves my own share in the property. Or, maybe, if I have an existing
problem in which considerable amount of money is involved, it is possible that I can
have recourse to the generosity of my siblings. They may not be the only alternatives
found, others may still be possible. Should my siblings and other members of the family
know my situation, they might be able to offer better alternatives other than those I
know. By listing down possible alternatives to resolve a problem, I have created several
or a few possibilities from which I can choose a more feasible alternative.
 5. Compare the alternatives with principles. Test the options.

It would be interesting to compare the different alternatives; this involves the

examination of the different alternatives analyzing their advantages and disadvantages.
It would also require finding which of the alternatives would violate less the identified
principles with bearing on the issue. An alternative solution that does not violate any
principle would normally be the recommended one.

6. Assess the consequences. Make a choice.

Having identified the different alternatives, the next step to be undertaken would
be the evaluation of the possible consequences of the different alternatives. Which
among the choices would bring about the most benefits?

In the assessment of the consequences, it is suggested that the moral agent consider
at least the minimum requirement in making a moral decision, referred to as reason and
impartiality. Hence, the task is to consider not only the benefits that could be derived
by the moral agent himself or herself but also those that would benefit all individuals
to be affected by the moral decision. Again, it is important that the moral agent does
not only look at his or her interests but also giving fair consideration to the interest of
all the people affected by the decision.

7. Make a decision (Review steps 1-6).

The last and final step involved would be to make a decision. A responsible and
conscientious moral agent knows that a morally acceptable decision is well discerned
and has considered all possible consequences and the interest of everybody to be
affected by it.

Note: For more readings on this topic, & Step Method for Ethical Decision Making,
contact Center for the study of Ethics in the Professions. Illinois Institute of Technology
CSEP @IIT .EDU.312.567. 3017. Copyright. Seven Step Method for Ethical Decision Making,
Michael Davis, 2013.

Summary
A disorganized and unsystematic way of dealing with situations like problems or in this
case an ethical issue would lead us to nowhere. To be able to systematically address a situation,
there is a need to work with a certain framework or model or at least a guide. The 7-step reasoning
model is precisely a guide in making a moral decision. Going through the different steps may be a
laborious one, but it helps moral agents not to neglect and disregard important considerations
before arriving at a resolution.
 The temptation is always to make shortcuts since it saves time and energy and voila an
instant solution is at hand. This manner of course of solving a problem would be most welcome if
we hit the most appropriate alternative from the many. However, it is not always the case. By
deploying our efforts to the wrong alternative we consume more time and energy because that
would lead us back to the point of departure and rethink the entire process and thus, we are back
to zero. It is usually the case of the heuristic method. It is best known as the trial and error method.
People may be lucky but we can never be sure about this method in looking for the best solutions.

In solving moral issues, one should not attempt to find easy solutions but one should rather
opt for lasting solutions to problems even if it will require more deliberation, brainstorming and
getting together. A solution moreover that is the fruit of a collaborative effort is better than the one
found by a single individual because more people will give their commitment in the
implementation of the solution. The 7-step moral reasoning model is just like that; by considering
every element in finding a solution, people do arrive at a more permanent, lasting and morally
right alternatives.