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1. ) By shaping our analytical skills, we can become more independent in our thinking and less susceptible to world views that foster narrow-mindedness (pg. 37). The thinking process can be broken down into three levels; which are experience, interpretation, and analysis. The levels are not clear-cut; they overlap and interact with one another. Experience, the first level of thinking, goes beyond the five senses. We notice: specific events occurring, different feelings within ourselves, and views of the world by learning of the experiences of others.
At this level we basically describe our experiences. No interpretation is made or judgment is passed. Without experience thought cannot exist. Interpretation is basically trying to make sense of our experiences, individual or collective.
Analysis is impossible without knowing the difference between fact and opinion. Analysis is interdisciplinary and requires the refusal to accept narrow-minded ideas. Be open and make adequate assessments. 2. ) A moral dilemma is a situation where we have conflict between moral values. In a case like this no matter what we choose it will involve doing wrong in order to do what is right. Since the solution is based on the individual there is no right or wrong, only better or worse.
Moral dilemmas are never clear-cut. Practice at resolving moral dilemmas has been found to be an effective means of improving our skill at moral reasoning (pg. 72). There are five steps for resolving moral dilemmas. 1) Describe the facts. Describe the dilemma without the use of emotional or bias language.
This may reveal what was thought to be a moral dilemma was not that at all. If it is proceed to step two. 2) List relevant moral principles and sentiments. Decide which moral values are actually in conflict. Our relationships with the people involved and our individual temperaments and circumstances all affect how much weight we give to each of the conflicting moral values (pg. 72). 3) List possible courses of action. This is the time to brainstorm any possible ideas for actions that come to mind. Some ideas that dont seem possible to work may be able to when combined with others. 4) Devise a plan of action.
Your chosen course of action should cater to the largest possible number of moral concerns. Always have a back up plan just incase that first doesnt work. 5) Carry out the plan of action. This is self-explanatory. 3. ) Behaviorists believe that you are a product of your environment. There are three main factors that form or shape your conscience. 1) Heredity and biological factors.
These are innate; you are born with this moral capacity or moral disposition. Psychopaths lack this. 2) Learning and environmental factors. These increase your moral capacity. Examples are family, church, community, school etc. 3) Conscious moral direction. This is autonomous moral reasoning (self rule or self legislation). The exercise of your moral direction develops through your actions.
Aristotle believes in habituation. If you practice good actions you will do good out of habit and if you practice bad you will do bad out of habit. Your conscience can be broken down into affective (moral sentiments; emotions and feelings) and cognitive (rational) components. Affective: -Compassion = active form of sympathy -Helpers high = behave justly without expectations -Indignation = moral outrage when others are injured -Resentment = moral outrage when personally injured -Presentiment = occurs when resentment is not reflected, it is redirected -Guilt = results from violation of moral norm -Shame = results from violation of social norm 4. ) Civil disobedience involves the refusal to obey certain government laws for the purpose of trying to bring about a change in legislation or government policy (pg. 160).
Since natural Law is based upon a power greater than humans it is necessary that we remain consistent with it. Human or cultural laws sometimes conflict with Natural Law (availability of rights based upon ethnic background etc. ). In cases like this civil disobedience may not only be morally acceptable but morally required. (Example: Martin Luther King, bus boycott in 1955 and the million man march) Henry David Thoreau said, We have a moral obligation to take direct nonviolent action in the face of an unjust law. Breaking these unjust human laws must be consistent with Natural Law. -Use only moral and nonviolent means to achieve your goals. -First make an effort to bring about change through legal means. -Be open and public about your actions. -Be willing to accept the consequences of your actions. 4. ) Utilitarianism is a rational principle and it is universal (it holds true for all cultures). The principle of utility is based upon usefulness for the majority. The action its self is neither deemed right or wrong, the concern is with the consequences; which everything is determined according to.
John Stewart Mills ideas influenced our Constitution. Human happiness is not just for the individual; it is concerned with benefit for the whole community. There are two types of utilitarianism: 1. ) Rule Utilitarianism- Apply standards, rules of behavior, conduct. Concerned with classes of situations. More black and white (letter of the law). Greater net good.
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Research essay sample on Plan Of Action Moral Dilemmas
