or inaction conforms to one’s morals. Typically, we refer to a moral decision when the choice made is not the choice that would be valid per some rationale, such as greater comfort, financial reward or lower cost or elimination of some problem. • Morals are acquired (learned or self- developed) rules of behavior categorized into ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, where the rules typically omit context and nuance. Curiously, morals have a high-level of culturally and socially acquired variation. Often, this occurs for morals originating in religious rules over conduct by followers. It is also found where there is enforced social stratification Principle of Moral Discernment Let’s just begin with a definition of the word discernment Many people just use discernment as a synonym for “decide.” But discernment is a richer and deeper concept that, while related and antecedent to “deciding” is distinct from it. The goal of discernment is to see beyond the mere external dimensions of something, and to probe to its deeper significance. The word discern comes from the Latin dis- “off, or away” + cernere – “to distinguish, separate, sift, set apart, divide, or distinguish. Thus, to discern is to distinguish or sort out what is of God, and what is of the flesh, the world or even the devil. As such, discernment, in its root meaning is something that ought to precede decision and aid it. Principles Principle 1 – State of life. There are many different states in life, some permanent, some long-lasting, some only temporary. We may be single, married, a priest, a religious, young, old, healthy, or fragile in health. We may be a student, a parent, rich or poor. Being clear about our state in life can help us discern if a call is from God or not. Principle 2 – Gifts and talents It is a clear fact that people have different combinations of virtues and talents, gifts and skills. In discerning the will of God, regarding a course of action, or of accepting an offer or opportunity, we ought to carefully ponder if it will make good sense based on our skills and talents. Principle 3 – Desire Desire as a principle of discernment surprises some people. We are often suspicious of our desires, and not without reason. When it comes to most things regarding the Moral Law and Doctrine, our feelings and desires are largely irrelevant, and should not be determinative of understanding God’s will. For example that we should not commit adultery remains the clear will of God, no matter how we feel about. That Jesus is God is true, no matter our feelings. Principle 4 – Organic development
This principle simply articulates that
God most often moves us in stages rather than in sudden and dramatic ways. While it is true, in most lives, there are times of dramatic change, loss, and gain, it is more usual for God to lead us gently and in stages toward what he wills for us. Principle 5 – Serenity When God leads us, the usual result is serenity (peace) and joy. In my own priestly life I have at times, been asked to move from one assignment to another. At such moments there is great sadness, since I had to say goodbye to people I greatly love. And yet, when it is God’s will that the time has come for moving on, in spite of the sadness, I also feel an inner peace, a serenity. Principle 6 – Conformity to Scripture and Tradition.
Some may think that this principle
should be at the top of the list, and you are free to put it there. But I prefer to say that the Word of God and the teachings of the Church has the last word in any decision. Well formed Conscience The Church equips its members to address political and social questions by helping them to develop a well- formed conscience. Catholics have a serious and lifelong obligation to form their consciences in accord with human reason and the teaching of the Church. Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere “feeling” about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil. Conscience always requires serious attempts to make sound moral judgments based on the truths of our faith. The formation of conscience includes several elements. First, there is a desire to embrace goodness and truth. For Catholics, this begins with a willingness and openness to seek the truth and what is right by studying Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church as contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is also important to examine the facts and background information about various choices. Finally, prayerful reflection is essential to discern the will of God. Catholics must also understand that if they fail to form their consciences in the light of the truths of the faith and the moral teachings of the Church they can make erroneous judgments. — from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right Strategies of Moral Decision Making Process Recognizing your circumstances Thinking about origins of problem, individuals involved, and relevant principles, goals & values; considering one’s own role in causing and/or resoling the problem Seeking outside help
Talking with a supervisor, peer, or
institutional resource, or learning from others’ behaviors in similar situations Questioning your own and others’ judgment
Considering problems that people often
have with making ethical decisions, remembering that decisions are seldom perfect Dealing with emotions
Assessing and regulating emotional
reactions to the situation Anticipating consequences of actions
Thinking about many possible outcomes
such as consequences for others, short & long term outcomes based upon possible decision alternatives Analyzing personal motivations
Considering one’s own biases, effects of
one’s values and goals, how to explain/justify one’s actions to others, & questioning ability to make ethical decisions Considering the effects of actions on others Being mindful of others’ perceptions, concerns, and the impact of your actions on others, socially and professionally Ethical Dilemmas What is an Ethical Dilemma?
An ethical dilemma (ethical paradox or moral
dilemma) is a problem in the decision-making process between two possible options, neither of which is absolutely acceptable from an ethical perspective. Although we face many ethical and moral problems in our life, most of them come with relatively straightforward solutions. On the other hand, ethical dilemmas are extremely complicated challenges that cannot be easily solved. Therefore, the ability to find the optimal solution for ethical dilemmas is critical to everyone.
Every person can encounter an ethical dilemma in
almost every aspect of their life, including personal, social, and professional. How to solve an ethical dilemma?
• The biggest challenge of ethical dilemma is
that it does not offer an obvious solution that would comply with ethical norms. Throughout the history of humanity, people always faced ethical dilemmas, and philosophers aimed and worked to find solutions to the problems. By far, the following approaches to solve an ethical dilemma were deduced: • Refute the paradox (dilemma): The situation must be carefully analyzed. In some cases, the existence of the dilemma can be logically refuted. • Value theory approach: Choose the alternative that offers the greater good and the lesser evil. • Find alternative solutions: In some cases, the problem can be reconsidered, and the new alternative solutions may arise Examples of ethical dilemmas
Some examples of ethical dilemma examples
include: • Taking credit for others’ work • Offering a client a worse product for your own profit • Utilizing inside knowledge for your own profit The End Thank You !