MARY ANNTONETH R.

LAPECEROS BSTM-2A
GE-SS 201 ETHICS 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM T-F

 Performance Task # 6
As you have read and view the learning materials, tell me what you think about this matter.

1.) Explain reason as one of the minimum conceptions of morality.

Reason is the mind's force, by the mechanism of reasoning, to think, learn, and form conclusions.
The minimum understanding of morality is justification and impartiality. Rachels says that
"morality is at least an effort to guide one's action based on the most logical choice while giving
equal importance to the interests of each individual affected by one's choice." According to Dr.
James Rachels, we need to think about how our decisions and actions impact the situation and
the people around us in order for our decisions and actions to be fair and impartial.

2.) Explain impartiality as one of the minimum conceptions of morality.

In the other hand, impartiality is generally understood as the theory of justice. It means
'not being biased' in basic terms. According to Dr. James Rachels, we need to think about
how our decisions and behavior impact the situation and the people around us without
favoring either group in order for our decisions and actions to be rational and impartial.

3.) Enumerate and explain each step of the Seven Steps Model in Moral Decision Making.
Scott Rae’s seven steps model in ethical decision making.

Gather facts; Making sure the facts are clear is the simplest way of clarifying an ethical
dilemma. In order to make decisions, we must ask if we have all the details that are required.
We need to analyze what we know and what we still need to understand, while we collect as
many facts as we can. We need to take notice that, inevitably, some facts can turn out to be
misleading, or not at all true. So, in every given ethical circumstance, our diligence and
meticulousness in determining the truth would always be checked. Good and sound decisions
are often based on data or evidence that is transparent, concrete and factual.

Identify stakeholders; In nature, positive and rational choices are also prosocial. This
implies that moral choices and acts should always give equal priority to the interests of each
affected individual. Therefore, apart from making the facts straight, all the people involved
need to be known and would be influenced in an ethical situation. The affected primary and
secondary stakeholders need to be identified. Via the perspective of the people impacted, we
need to look at the situation.

Articulate dilemma; we need to articulate the conflicting alternatives-the ethical principles

and values of the moral situation in order to get a clear-cut picture of it. Confusion arises
which will definitely obstruct the evaluating process if we cannot clearly see the conflict at
hand. Ethical interests are stated in terms of legitimate competing interests or goods. The
competing interests are what creates the dilemma. Moral principles, values, and virtues must
support the competing interests
List the alternatives; As we already establish the conflicting ethical interests, it is natural
that we will have the feeling of confusion. It is now high time to think and consider other
alternatives that might serve as bridge of reconciliation between these conflicting interests.
Using our moral imaginative capacity, we need to think and imagine of other alternatives
aside from the conflicting interests at hand. This is important to note since oftentimes people
fail to see better alternatives- better solutions which are actually present.

Compare the alternatives with the principles; After thinking imaginatively and listing all
the possible alternatives, we need to check these possible alternatives if indeed they reconcile
the conflicting ethical interests. We need to check and see if these alternatives are better
alternatives compare to the identified conflicting alternatives. If such alternatives fail to
embrace the conflicting ethical principles and values and in no way better alternatives
compare to the conflicting alternatives at hand, then such alternatives may not be considered
as moral choices.

Weight the consequences; As we already think and compare other alternatives with the
conflicting principles at hand if these alternatives will fully reconcile and eliminate the
conflict, we also need to evaluate and consider the consequences of these alternatives specially
to the people affected. Definitely, any alternatives who fully reconcile or eliminate the
conflicting interests and principles will greatly yield positive consequences. But we still need to
identify these consequences in order to have informed moral choices. However, there are
ethical situations or issues which we cannot think of any other possible alternatives that will
reconcile or eliminate the conflict. This is where this process is highly significant which will
require full attention and articulation. If the conflicting interests and principles will not yield a
clear decision, then we need to consider the consequences of these conflicting alternatives. We
need to work out the positive and negative consequences of each by identifying and weighting
these consequences in terms of their reasonable moral worth. Maybe, some might have greater
weight than others.

Make a decision. As we have undergone the tedious process of gathering data, articulating
the conflicting interest with their moral principles and values, and weighting the
consequences of each of the conflicting interests, so we definitely need to decide on the matter.
Moral deliberation cannot go forever as the moral issue or situation must be urgently decided.
Otherwise, failure to decide promptly may paralyze the expected outcome. There is no easy
and painless decision to a moral dilemma. But we must avoid “analysis paralysis” or the state
of over-analyzing a situation in order to responded appropriately.

4.) What is moral courage?

Even if you may be in doubt, or fear, or face adverse consequences, moral courage is the
courage to bring your moral values into motion. It requires thorough deliberation and self-
mastery. Not only is it necessary for a virtuous life, but also for a pleasant one, because
Self-esteem requires honesty.

5.) What is moral imagination?

Moral imagination is the capacity to explore and assess possibilities by challenging and
extending one's operative conceptual structure within a specific set of circumstances.