Rae's 7-Step Moral Reasoning Model

Summary

The video script introduces Scott Peck's seven-step moral reasoning model, designed to guide individuals through moral dilemmas by asking the right questions. It emphasizes gathering facts, identifying ethical issues, determining relevant values and principles, listing alternatives, comparing them with moral standards, considering consequences, and making a decision. The model is impartial and considers moral values with consequences as a supporting role, making it a versatile tool for ethical deliberation.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Seven-Step Moral Reasoning Model was developed by Scott Peck, an American theologian and Christian ethics professor, to guide ethical decision-making in moral dilemmas.
• 🎓 The model was introduced in Peck's 1995 book 'Moral Choices and Introduction to Ethics' and is designed to encourage the right questions rather than providing a single 'correct' answer.
• 🌐 The model is consistent with biblical principles but is not exclusively Christian; it is impartial and free from cultural, ethnic, and religious biases.
• 🧐 The model focuses on moral values and principles, with consequences playing a supporting role, especially in complex moral issues like medical cases.
• 🔍 Step One: Gather all relevant facts to establish an objective perspective on the moral dilemma.
• 🤔 Step Two: Identify the competing interests and underlying moral values and principles that cause the tension in the dilemma.
• 📝 Step Three: Determine the moral values and principles that are central to the dilemma and consider their weight and source.
• 🛠️ Step Four: List all possible actions or alternatives that could address the dilemma, expanding the range of choices.
• ⚖️ Step Five: Compare the remaining alternatives against the moral values and principles to eliminate those that do not align.
• 🤷‍♂️ Step Six: If no clear course of action emerges, consider the positive and negative consequences of the remaining alternatives.
• 🏁 Step Seven: Make a decision, acknowledging that moral decisions, especially in dilemmas, are rarely without difficulty or negative consequences.
• 🔄 The model encourages a systematic approach to moral decision-making, promoting a more thorough and thoughtful process.

Q & A

Who developed the seven-step moral reasoning model?

The seven-step moral reasoning model was developed by Scott Peck, an American theologian and Christian ethics professor.

In what year was the seven-step moral reasoning model originally proposed?

The model was originally proposed in 1995 in Scott Peck's book 'Moral Choices and Introduction to Ethics'.

What is the primary purpose of the seven-step moral reasoning model?

The primary purpose of the model is to help people ask the right questions in their ethical deliberation rather than to get them to the right answer.

Is the seven-step moral reasoning model exclusive to any particular religion or culture?

No, the model is impartial and free from cultural, ethnic, and religious biases, although it is consistent with the Bible and uses biblical principles.

What is the focus of the seven-step moral reasoning model when addressing moral issues?

The model is oriented primarily towards moral values and principles, with consideration of consequences as a supporting role.

What is the first step in addressing moral dilemmas according to the seven-step model?

The first step is to gather all the relevant facts of the dilemma to get a more objective perspective.

What is the purpose of step two in the model?

Step two is to identify the competing interests in the dilemma and its underlying moral values and principles.

What does step three of the model involve?

Step three involves determining the moral values and principles that have a bearing on the case and assessing if some should be given more weight than others.

What is the goal of step four in the seven-step model?

The goal of step four is to determine all possible actions one can take for the dilemma, expanding the choice of actions.

How does step five of the model help in making a moral decision?

Step five tests the remaining alternatives by weighing them against the moral values and principles involved in the dilemma.

What should one do if the dilemma is not resolved after step five?

If the dilemma is not resolved, one should consider the possible consequences of the remaining alternatives in step six and then make a decision in step seven.

What is the final step in the seven-step moral reasoning model and why is it important?

The final step is to make a decision, which is important because it requires one to choose the best course of action for the dilemma, even if it may not be a pain-free solution.