Process of Moral Decision-Making (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Process of moral decision-making
When faced with serious moral dilemmas, morally mature individuals need structured approaches to navigate complex ethical situations. Two key frameworks can guide this decision-making process: the S.T.A.R. method and the principle of double effect. These methods help ensure that moral choices are made thoughtfully and systematically.
The S.T.A.R. method
The S.T.A.R. method provides a straightforward framework for making moral decisions and learning from their outcomes. This systematic approach helps individuals work through ethical dilemmas step by step, ensuring that all important factors are considered before taking action.
The S.T.A.R. method is "a straightforward method of understanding how to make and learn from the decisions" that provides structure to moral reasoning.
Stop
When confronted with a complex moral decision, the first step is to pause and stop what you are currently doing. This creates space for proper reflexion rather than making hasty choices that might be regretted later. Taking time to pause prevents impulsive reactions and allows for more considered decision-making.
Think
During this crucial phase, you should carefully consider all the moral implications and potential outcomes of different courses of action. This involves examining the situation from multiple angles, considering who might be affected by your decision, and thinking through the various consequences that could result from each possible choice. This thorough analysis forms the foundation for ethical decision-making.
Act
Once you have completed your thinking process, you should take action based on what you have determined to be the best course of action. This step involves implementing the decision you have reached through your careful consideration. The action should align with the moral reasoning you have undertaken.
Reflect
After taking action, it is essential to evaluate the outcome of your decision. This reflexion involves asking yourself whether you would make the same choice if faced with an identical situation again. This step is crucial for moral development, as it allows you to learn from your experiences and improve your decision-making process for future ethical dilemmas.
The principle of double effect
The principle of double effect is an ethical framework that helps evaluate whether actions are morally permissible when they have both positive and negative consequences. This principle is particularly useful when dealing with situations where doing something good unavoidably causes harmful side effects.
Origins and definition
This ethical framework originated in the work of Thomas Aquinas, specifically in his treatment of homicidal self-defence. The principle addresses situations where a person's otherwise legitimate action will simultaneously cause an effect that would normally be considered wrong or harmful.
The principle of double effect is "a set of ethical criteria which people use for evaluating the permissibility of acting when one's otherwise legitimate act will also cause an effect one would normally be obliged to avoid."
The four essential conditions
For an action to be morally justified under the principle of double effect, all four of the following conditions must be met:
The Four Essential Conditions for Double Effect:
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Moral neutrality of the act itself: The nature of the action must be either morally good or at least morally neutral. The basic action being performed cannot be inherently wrong.
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Proper intention: The person performing the action must intend only the good effect, not the harmful one. The bad effect cannot be desired either as a means to achieve the good effect or as an end goal in itself.
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Proportionality: The positive effect must outweigh the negative effect. The circumstances must be sufficiently serious to justify accepting the harmful consequences, and the person must make reasonable efforts to minimise the harm caused.
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Due diligence: The individual must exercise appropriate care and effort to reduce the harmful effects as much as possible.
Historical example: French farmers during World War II
A powerful illustration of the principle of double effect in action occurred during World War II when French farmers hid Jewish families beneath their houses to protect them from Nazi persecution.
Historical Application: WWII French Farmers
The Situation: French farmers hid Jewish families beneath their houses to protect them from Nazi persecution. These farmers had to lie to authorities and neighbours about the presence of the hidden families.
Application of Double Effect:
- Good Act: Saving innocent lives (morally good)
- Bad Effect: Lying to authorities (normally wrong but unavoidable)
- Intention: Primary goal was protecting lives, not deception
- Proportionality: Preserving human life clearly outweighed the harm of lying
- Due Diligence: Farmers took appropriate measures to minimise harm while maximising protection
This demonstrates how the principle allows for morally justified actions even when they involve otherwise wrong consequences.
Key Points to Remember:
- The S.T.A.R. method (Stop, Think, Act, Reflect) provides a systematic approach to moral decision-making that includes learning from outcomes
- The principle of double effect helps evaluate actions that have both good and harmful consequences by applying four specific conditions
- Both methods emphasise the importance of careful consideration and proper intention in moral decision-making
- These frameworks originated from established philosophical traditions but remain practically relevant for modern ethical dilemmas
- Reflexion and learning from moral decisions is essential for developing greater ethical maturity over time