ETHICS 1.

5
READING MATERIAL

The Minimum Requirement (Elements) of Morality: Reason and

Impartiality
Definitions do not make one instantly moral but it is by trying to be. To help us continue in our
journey to appropriate what is morally right and avoid what can possibly lead us to be just the
opposite; let us consider the “minimum conception of morality” by James Rachels (2003). He says:
“Morality is, at the very least, the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason – that is, to do what there
are the best reasons for doing – while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual who
will be affected by what one does.”

Rachels(2003) mentions two important things; reason and impartiality. When deciding, he
suggests that one should have a good reason or reasons for deciding so. A good reason is not one
that is one-sided or looks only at the interest of the one making the decision. “When I decide and
I look only at the advantages I get from my decision; it does not make me a better moral agent.”
He describes what it takes to be a better moral agent. He describes an enlightened moral agent as
a conscientious moral agent.

A conscientious moral agent according to him is the one who is concerned impartially. That means
someone who considers the interests of everyone affected by what one does or decides. The
conscientious moral agent takes every effort to carefully analyze every fact and examines their
implications and consequences if they will be acted upon; accepts principles of conducts only after
having scrutinized them to be sure that they are acceptable not only for the one deciding but
including everyone who will be affected by the decision later on. Further, Rachels insists that a
conscientious moral agent is the one who is willing “to listen to reason” which means that the
moral agent is willing to make changes or revise earlier conviction. Finally, the conscientious
moral agent is willing to act on the bases of such deliberations.

Learning to be impartial is too often difficult and painful because it implies the willingness to give
up some of our interests in favor of others’ interests. People cannot simply give up certain
advantages because they have been so used to it that losing them is unacceptable and would require
sometimes a radical change in their life.

For example, giving up a business enterprise which one has been managing for a long time but
legally does not belong to him or to her would not be easy. It would demand radical shift in one’s
life – habits, lifestyle, economic status, associations, security and even one’s identity.

To be impartial means “free from biases”. It is the readiness to re-examine facts and data and
willingness to re-consider past decisions and adopt new ones. To be able to achieve this, it would
necessitate appealing to reason. Only a rational person would be willing to change, challenge
traditions, consider one’s real duties and obligations and to be selfless in one’s perspective and in
making decisions. Like Rachels’s reflection, it would take a conscientious moral agent who is
willing to “listen to reason” and act accordingly.