Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

College of Social Science and Humanities

Department Freshman Engineering (Degree Program)

COURSE: MORAL &CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION (MCED1011)

Assignment Title: Ethical Decision Making & Moral Judgments

GROUP NAME ID NO

1) Abrham Mulugeta ETS0092/16

2) Abrham Tadele ETS0093/16
3) Abreham Teramed ETS0094/16
4) Absalat Girum ETS0095/16
5) Abubeker Nassir ETS0096/16
6) Abubeker Sukara ETS0097/16
7) Abyssinia Zewdie ETS0098/16
8) Addis Shiferaw ETS0099/16
9) Addisalem Hailey ETS0100/16
10)Addisalem Mengistu ETS0101/16

Submitted to: Dr. Teshome Abera

April 22, 2024 G.C

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Table of Contents

Content page
Abstract...................................................................................................................................................ii

Acknowledgment.....................................................................................................................................ii

Introduction............................................................................................................................................iii

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING AND MORAL JUDGMENTS..............................................................1

1.1 How can we make ethical decision and actions?..........................................................................1

1.1.1 Ethical principles and values of moral judgments................................................................1

1.1.2 Moral intuition and critical reasoning..................................................................................2

1.1.3 Thinking ethically: A framework for moral decision making..............................................5

1.2 To whom or what does morality apply?.......................................................................................6

1.2.1 Religious morality................................................................................................................6

1.2.2 Morality and nature..............................................................................................................6

1.2.3 Individual morality..............................................................................................................7

1.2.4 Social morality.....................................................................................................................7

1.3 Who is morally/ ethical responsible?...........................................................................................7

1.3.1 Moral judgments..................................................................................................................8

1.3.2 What make an action moral?................................................................................................8

1.4 Why should human beings be moral?..........................................................................................8

1.4.1 Argument from enlightened self-interest.............................................................................8

1.4.2 Argument from tradition and law.........................................................................................9

1.4.3 Common human needs.........................................................................................................9

Summary...............................................................................................................................................10

References.............................................................................................................................................11

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Abstract
Ethical decision making and moral judgments play pivotal roles in shaping individual
behavior, organizational culture, and societal norms. At the core of ethical decision making is a
complex interplay between cognitive reasoning and emotional responses. Cognitive processes
such as moral reasoning, moral intuition, and ethical sensitivity interact with emotional factors
such as empathy, guilt, and moral identity to guide individuals towards morally acceptable
actions. Moreover, this examines the role of moral education and ethical training in enhancing
ethical decision making.

In conclusion, ethical decision making and moral judgments are multifaceted phenomena
influenced by cognitive, emotional, and social factors. By unraveling these dynamics and
addressing inherent biases, we can strive towards a more ethically enlightened society and foster
environments where integrity and moral principles thrive.

Acknowledgment
First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our academic advisors and
mentors for their invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the working
process. Their expertise and insights have been instrumental in shaping the direction and depth
of this exploration. We are also grateful to the participants who generously shared their time and
perspectives, enabling a richer understanding of the complexities surrounding ethical decision
making and moral judgments.

Finally, we extend our appreciation to our teacher and classmates for their unwavering
support and encouragement throughout this endeavor. Their patience and understanding have
been a constant source of motivation.

Thank you!

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Introduction
In a real life, we may get difficulties to know and make right and moral decisions. To
encounter this problem, we have to insist in the idea of Ethical decision making. It involves the
process of evaluating the rightness and wrongness of an action by considering values, principles,
and consequences. It requires a considerate analysis of various verge of points, cultural norms,
and ethical theories to reach at morally sound judgments. In this paper, we will go through into
the fundamentals of ethical decision-making, examining the principles that underpin moral
reasoning and the frameworks that assist individuals in making ethically responsible choices.
Ethical decision has also a real-life application in on our day to day activity that relates human
beings to different things like; the certain supper natural force, the person himself, to the
environment and also to the other person or the society. Besides this we tried to explain the
reason why human beings should be moral and the advantage they could get by being an ethical
person. By understanding these concepts, we can be able to sharpen our ethical reasoning skills,
and we could be a good decision maker in different circumstances.

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ETHICAL DECISION MAKING AND MORAL JUDGMENTS

1.1 How can we make ethical decision and actions?

The ethical nature of actions and decisions depends on one's understanding of concepts like
"good" and "bad," "right" and "wrong." Some things are instrumentally good because they can be
used as an instrument to get a desirable result; while others are called intrinsic good, as the name
indicates this means they are good in themselves not by their results. But oppositely, there are
things that are both instrumentally or intrinsically bad, which fulfils the exact converse of the
above two, such as unethical practices like Female Genital Mutilation, early marriage, and
corruption.
Ethical reasoning involves critically analyzing the values we hold and the obligations we
perceive towards others. In end-of-life care, key values include sanctity of life, quality of life,
and autonomy. Additionally, ethical evaluation involves assessing the adequacy of reasons
offered for actions, such as arguments for medical treatment decisions.

1.1.1 Ethical principles and values of moral judgments

The fundamental principles which guide our decision-making ability in a morally acceptable
manner is Ethical principles. These principles play a crucial role for ethical reasoning and
provides a way to evaluate the rightness or wrongness of actions. They help individuals and
organizations by providing guidance on how to act in ways that promote moral integrity and
respect for others. They provide a framework for evaluating actions and determining what is
morally right or wrong. These ethical principles serve as foundational concepts in ethical
decision-making across various contexts, including healthcare, business, law, and personal
relationships.
Moral judgments refer to evaluations or assessments made by individuals regarding the
rightness or wrongness of actions, behaviors, or decisions based on moral principles or standards.
These judgments involve applying ethical values, beliefs, or norms to determine whether an
action morally acceptable or not. Moral judgments can vary among individuals and cultures,

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influenced because of personal beliefs, upbringing, cultural norms, religious teachings, and
societal influences. Making moral judgments involves considering the consequences of actions,
the intentions behind them, and the ethical principles guiding them.

1.1.2 Moral intuition and critical reasoning

Moral intuitions refer to instinctive or immediate judgments about the rightness or wrongness
of actions, often made without conscious reasoning or deliberation. These intuitions are
influenced by a combination of innate predispositions, cultural norms, personal experiences, and
social influences.

Moral intuitions play a significant role in guiding moral judgments and behavior, operating at a
subconscious level and influenced by a range of factors. While intuitive moral responses can be
valuable in certain situations, they are also subject to biases and may benefit from further
reflection and deliberation.

Critical reasoning involves the process of objectively analyzing and evaluating information,
arguments, and evidence to make informed decisions or arrive at well-supported conclusion.

Critical reasoning is essential for making informed decisions, solving problems, and engaging in
rational discourse. It empowers individuals to think independently, evaluate information
critically, and navigate complex issues with clarity and confidence.

1.1.2.1 Rationalization
Rationalization is a psychological process through which individuals attempt to justify or
explain their actions, beliefs, or feelings in a way that appears logical or reasonable, even if those
actions, beliefs, or feelings are not objectively justifiable. It involves constructing plausible
explanations or excuses to make one's behavior or attitudes seem more acceptable to oneself or
others. While rationalization serves a psychological function by protecting individuals from
cognitive dissonance and preserving self-esteem, it can also lead to self-deception, moral
evasion, and ethical lapses. Recognizing and addressing rationalizations is essential for fostering
genuine self-awareness, moral integrity, and responsible decision-making.
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1.1.2.2 Type of reasoning
There are several types of reasoning, each with its own characteristics and applications. Here are
some common types of reasoning:
1. Reasoning by Analogy: It is the way of reasoning by comparing things that have
similarity. At a time when the things similarity is more than then their difference, the
analogy called good or strong analogy.
Example: Life is like a race.
Finding a good man is like finding a needle in a haystack.
2. Deductive Reasoning: involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles
or premises. It follows a top-down approach, where if the premises are true, the
conclusion must logically follow.
For example: - All humans are mortal. (Premise)
- Socrates is a human. (Premise)
- Therefore, Socrates is mortal. (Conclusion)
3. Inductive Reasoning: Inductive reasoning involves drawing general conclusions
from specific observations or evidence. It follows a bottom-up approach, where the
conclusion is likely but not guaranteed to be true based on the available evidence.
For example: - Every observed crow is black. (Observation)
- Therefore, all crows are black. (Conclusion)
Each type of reasoning has its strengths and limitations, and they are often used in combination
to support decision-making, problem-solving, and logical analysis in various fields such as
science, mathematics, philosophy, and everyday life.

1.1.2.3 Ethics and Religious faith

For many people Religious faith and Ethics are more related in various ways, because
religion can be considered as a source of different ethical beliefs, values, and moral ideas. To the
contrary some philosophers do not view arguments from religious faith as a rational one.
Religious faith is crucial in ethical debates, closely tied to morality for many. Despite this,
religious faith-based arguments are important to moral philosophy for the following reasons.
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 Moral disagreements are common, making it uncertain if rational reflection alone can
establish right or wrong.
 The widespread reliance on religion for moral guidance highlights the impact of religious
teachings on promoting higher moral standards.

Therefore, moral principles and decisions should be justified by rational arguments, and thus
consideration of religious arguments should not be excluded from the study of ethics.

1.1.2.4 Testing moral arguments

Systematic approach that combines logical analysis, ethical reasoning, empirical evidences
and others are needed to test moral arguments. To effectively test our moral arguments, we must
insist in the principle of critical thinking. This involves actively analyzing, questioning, and
evaluating ideas and beliefs. By responding clearly to the following key questions, we enhance
our ability to defend and refine our ethical /moral viewpoints. These are,
What kind of reasoning the arguer is using? Deductive/ inductive.

 If deductive: -
 What kind of principle is it?
 Is the principle rational?
 If it is Inductive: -
 Is the evidence reliable?
 Is the arguer gives rationalizations, not reasons and the conclusion make sense?
 Does the conclusion drawn make sense, given the reasons they have given?

But there are three main and acceptable ways of testing moral arguments.

1. Factual Accuracy: means ensuring that the claims and premises presented are
supported by verified, objective truths. It involves rigorous scrutiny of empirical
evidence and logical coherence to establish credibility and validity in ethical
reasoning.

2. Consistency: ensures that the reasoning flows logically and without contradictions.
It's about making sure all parts of the argument fit together smoothly. This helps
strengthen the argument's reliability and makes it easier to understand and accept

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3. Good Will: means prioritizing sincerity, integrity, and fairness over personal biases
or agendas. It involves an open-minded approach, willingness to consider opposing
ideas.

1.1.3 Thinking ethically: A framework for moral decision making

It provides individuals with a structured approach to navigating ethical dilemmas and making
morally responsible choices. The first step in analyzing moral issues is to getting facts, which is
the necessary and obvious thing. Facts alone, however, do not determine what ought to be done;
ethical analysis also requires consideration of values. Ethics involves navigating complex
questions of right and wrong, and different individuals may reach different conclusions. To guide
ethical decision-making, various approaches have been developed, including Fairness and
Justice, the Common Good, Utilitarianism, Rights, and Virtues. These approaches provide
frameworks for evaluating moral issues and making ethical judgments, recognizing the diversity
of perspectives and values involved.

1.1.3.1 Fairness and justice approach

This approach is based on Aristotle's teachings, which says, “Equals should be treated
equally and unequal’s unequally.”. It raises questions about the fairness of actions, whether they
show favoritism or discrimination. Favoritism and discrimination are considered as unjust and
wrong, because they distribute benefits and burdens without justifiable reasons. Aristotle viewed
ethical knowledge as practical rather than theoretical, requiring exercising rather than mere study
of the scenario. He also considers ethical knowledge as general knowledge instead of a precise
knowledge. The ultimate goal of it is the Highest good, achievable through fulfilling one's
human function, which he defined as the ability to reason. The principle says, “Treat people the
same unless there are morally relevant differences between them.”

1.1.3.2 The common good approach

This approach to ethics emphasizes the importance of interlocking relationships within
society and advocates for respect and compassion for all individuals, particularly the vulnerable.
Appeals to the common good encourage us to consider ourselves as part of a unified community,
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pondering how to create a society that benefits everyone. While respecting individual freedoms,
this approach challenges us to promote shared goals and values. The principle underlying the
common good approach is that ethical actions are those that advance the well-being of the
community as a whole.

1.1.3.3 The rights approach

The Rights Approach to ethics, stemming from the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and others,
emphasizes the individual's right to choose for themselves. This approach highlights various
rights, including the right to truth, privacy, freedom from harm, and fulfillment of agreements.
Reflecting on ethical decisions, individuals can evaluate which approach they used and assess
their effectiveness and the quality of their choices. The Rights Approach underscores the
importance of respecting and protecting individuals' interests and rights, ensuring that each
person is treated as a free and equal rational being capable of making their own decisions. This
implies the protection of various rights, such as privacy, free consent, and freedom of
conscience, essential for individuals to lead autonomous lives.

1.2 To whom or what does morality apply?

The application of morality, four aspects may be considered: religious morality, morality and
nature, individual morality, and social morality.

1.2.1 Religious morality

Religious morality refers the human being relationship to the supernatural being or beings. It
plays a central role in shaping the ethical conduct and worldview of individuals and communities
who adhere to a particular religion. The first three commandments in Christians and Jewish
shows this type of morality.

1.2.2 Morality and nature

Morality plays a vital role in shaping human attitudes, behaviors, and responsibilities
towards nature, influencing ethical considerations related to animal welfare, environmental

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protection, human-nature relationships, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Integrating moral values into decision-making processes can contribute to a more ethical and
sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world. Natural morality has been
prevalent in all primitive culture, such as that of the Native American, in culture of Far East
overall, the r/n morality and nature involves complex philosophical, ethical and practical
consideration.

1.2.3 Individual morality

Individual morality refers to individuals in relation to themselves and to an individual code of
morality that may or may not be sanctioned by any society or religion. It refers to the ethical
beliefs, values, principles, and behaviors of a single person. It encompasses the personal
standards of right and wrong that guide an individual's actions, decisions, and interactions with
others. It plays a fundamental role in shaping ethical behavior and contributing to the moral
fabric of society. A person may or may not perform some particular act not because society, law
or religion says, but because he himself think it's right or wrong from within his own conscience.

1.2.4 Social morality

Social morality refers to the collective ethical norms, values, and standards that govern
behavior within a society or community. It encompasses the shared beliefs and principles that
guide interactions, relationships, and institutions at the societal level and the moral principles and
codes of conduct that are widely accepted and followed by members of that society. It’s probably
the most important aspect of morality. Social morality plays a crucial role in promoting ethical
behavior, fostering social cohesion, and advancing the common good within diverse
communities and societies. By upholding shared values and principles, individuals and
institutions can contribute to a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.

1.3 Who is morally/ ethical responsible?

Morality and ethical responsibility can apply to various entities, depending on the context
and circumstances. Morality pertains to human beings and only to human beings. All else is

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speculation. If one wants to hold animal or plants morally responsible for destructive acts against
each other or against human, then he has to ignore most of evidence that science has given us
concerning the instinctual behavior of such beings and the evidence of our own everyday
observation. When we use the terms moral and ethical, we are using them in reference only to
human beings we don't hold wolf responsible for killing a chicken.at this point in world's history,
only human being held morally responsible for their actions and behavior.

1.3.1 Moral judgments

Moral judgments are evaluations the rightness or wrongness of actions, behaviors, or
decisions based on their moral beliefs, values, and principles. These judgments involve
discerning whether an action conforms to or violates one's ethical standards and determining the
moral significance or implications of that action. Moral judgments play a central role in guiding
human behavior and shaping moral conduct within societies. By exercising moral discernment
and ethical reasoning, individuals strive to make informed and responsible decisions that align
with their values and principles, contributing to the cultivation of a more ethical and just world.in
judging moral conduct we have to consider the motives, the means, the consequences and the
moral situation of an action.

1.3.2 What make an action moral?

An action is considered moral when it conforms to ethical principles, values, or standards that
are deemed right, good, or virtuous within a particular moral framework or context. All actions
are not moral. To take an action as moral It has to fulfil certain criterial. It must have an agent,
which is any creature that can freely and thoughtfully choose its action. It also has to be done by
a certain intention, things done by without any intention, most of the time, considered as a
morally natural one. Besides the two moral actions also must have an effect on others. An action
which contains these three criterial can be considered as a moral action.

1.4 Why should human beings be moral?

We should be moral because being moral is following the rules designed to overrule self-interest

“Whenever it is in the interest of every one alike that everyone should set aside his interest.”
John Hospers
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1.4.1 Argument from enlightened self-interest
Self-interest is the sole basis of one ethical theory, ethical egoism. However, it is not being
suggested at this point that one ought to pursue one ‘s own self-interest. Rather, an argument is
being presented that if everyone tried to do and be good and tried to avoid and prevent bad, it
would be in everyone ‘s self-interest.

1.4.2 Argument from tradition and law

This argument suggests that because traditions and laws, established over a long period of time,
govern the behavior of human beings, and because these traditions and laws urge human beings
to be moral rather than immoral, there are good reasons for being so. Self-interest is one reason,
but another is respect for the human thought and effort that has gone into establishing such laws
and traditions and transferring them from one historic period and one culture to another.

1.4.3 Common human needs

All human beings have a lot of common needs, desires, goals and objectives. Morality exists, in
part, because of human needs and through recognition of the importance of living together in a
cooperative and significant way. It may not be the case that all human beings can be convinced
that they should be moral, or even that it will always be in each individual ‘s self-interest to be
moral. However, the question ―why should human beings be moral? It generally, can best be
answered by the statement that adhering to moral principles enables human beings to live their
lives as peacefully, happily, creatively, and cooperatively as is possible.

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Summary

Ethical reasoning is fundamental in navigating ethical complexities, providing a framework

based on shared concepts and principles. It serves as a rationale for structuring ethical decision-
making, with ethical theories and principles forming its cornerstone. To ensure ethical decisions
are made thoughtfully and respectfully, individuals need a systematic procedure. This procedure
should consider all relevant factors and weigh the interests of both oneself and others. Consistent
practice of ethical conduct is essential for developing moral character. Without regular moral
engagement, correct moral beliefs alone cannot shape one's moral identity. Understanding the
rationale behind moral behavior helps individuals grasp the importance of making sacrifices for
morality. Emphasizing the significance of moral theory, ethical reasoning guides decision-
making and shapes one's commitment to ethical conduct and justice.

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References
1. “Milestone Education Review (The Journal of Ideas on Educational & Social
Transformation) Chief-Editor: Dr.Desh Raj Sirswal Year 10, No. 01 & 02 (October,
2019)

2. Velasquez, Manuel, Andre, Claire, Shanks, Thomas S.J., and Meyer, Michael J. "A
Framework for Thinking Ethically." Santa Clara University, 2009.

3. https://www.umassd.edu/fycm/decision-making/process/

4. Barry, V. (1983) Philosophy: A Text with Readings.2nd Ed.

5. https://unacademy.com/content/cat/study-material/data-interpretation-and-logical-
reasoning/types-of-reasoning/

6. Belmont, Wadsworth Publishing com. Bonevac, D. (1999) today’s Moral Issues:

Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, 3rd Ed.

7. California, Mayfield Boss, J. A. (1999) Analyzing Moral Issues. Mayfield Publishing

Company.

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