Summary
The chapter “Ethics and Moral Reasoning” begins by explaining the foundations and processes of moral reasoning. The systematic approach is critical whenever making a moral decision. The practice relies on persuasion and human logical argument. According to the author, moral judgment should follow sound moral theories. Moral reasoning is successful when it considers these three areas: philosophical foundations of ethical or moral theory, the moral context of the problem, and critical thinking. The individual should understand the background or facts of the dilemma. The next stage is to embrace the idea of morality.
Some moral principles include teleological, virtue, and deontological theories (‘Ethics and moral reasoning’ 2006). The author encourages every person to take the three theories seriously. The theories can make the moral reasoning process successful. The author goes further to outline the best strategy to get a moral solution to every problem. Each of the three moral theories is meaningful during the moral reasoning process. The author also supports the use of virtue during moral reasoning and decision-making. The virtue approach is relevant because it seeks a permanent solution whenever dealing with two extremes.
The third process is critical thinking. This process is relevant because it promotes the decision-making process. According to the chapter, critical thinking is a critical process that calls for knowledge of the situation and the subject. The involved parties should be ready to make the best decisions (‘Ethics and moral reasoning’ 2006). The author supports the SAD Formula because it is the best model towards a successful moral reasoning.
This formula encourages every human being to define and understand the situation. The next stage is to make the best ethical decision. Every person can use this formula to describe the facts and issues inherent in the case. The approach also promotes the use of moral reasoning. The formula also weighs the situation and every competing value. The decision-maker will also consider the implications of every external factor. This process also encourages every individual to use different ethical theories. The final step is to render the targeted decision. The person will use the approach to make his or her judgment and defend it.
Personal Reflection
The article presents some of the best concepts and ideas about moral reasoning. The author’s systematic approach explores the importance of moral reasoning. The article goes further to identify some of the best theories and ideas to use whenever making a moral decision. I am ready to use these ideas whenever making my moral decisions. I have gained new knowledge about critical thinking. The practice helps every person make the best decisions based on different theories of morality. I support the author’s opinion about the SAD Formula. The model is useful whenever a person is engaged in moral reasoning.
The above formula encourages every person to make the best decisions and defend them. Moral reasoning can help people address most of the challenges affecting our world. The author explores some of the contributions by greater thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, Stuart Mill, Aristotle, and Immanuel Kant (‘Ethics and moral reasoning’ 2006). The approach makes the reading meaningful in every person’s life. I would encourage every person to consider the ideas and concepts presented in the article. The three stages of moral reasoning are applicable in many situations. Every person can use this approach in order to achieve his or her goals.
Reference
‘Ethics and moral reasoning’ 2006, Foundations and Principles, vol. 1, pp. 53-73. Web.