GE1705 The Act Feelings and Moral Decision-making I

Role of Feelings in Ethical Judgment

• Some ethicists believe that feelings play a crucial role in ethical judgments, influencing our moral intuitions and motivating us to act morally.

Reason and Emotion in Ethical Thinking

• Ethicists recognize the interconnectedness of reason and emotion in ethical thinking, suggesting that while reason provides structure and analysis, emotions provide the impetus and motivation for ethical action.

Conclusion on Emotions in Ethical Judgments

• Emotions are not simply distractions in ethical decision-making but rather essential contributors, providing a sense of urgency, empathy, and motivation.

Focus in End-of-Life Decisions

• When considering ethical decisions at the end of a patient's life, the focus should be on respecting the patient's autonomy, dignity, and well-being.

Feelings and Moral Motivation

• Feelings, such as empathy and compassion, can motivate individuals to act morally by making them sensitive to the needs and suffering of others.

Significance of Identifying Moral Principles

• Identifying the moral principles involved in a moral dilemma is essential for providing a framework for ethical analysis and decision-making.

Nature of Being Good

• Many ethicists believe that being good involves not only adhering to moral principles but also cultivating virtues, such as compassion, honesty, and integrity.

Purpose of Listing Alternatives

• Listing alternatives in resolving a moral dilemma helps to expand the range of possible solutions and identify the most ethical option.

Comparing Alternatives with Moral Principles

• Comparing alternatives with moral principles is crucial in resolving ethical dilemmas, ensuring that the chosen option is aligned with ethical values and minimizes harm.

Emotivism and Objective Morality

• Emotivism, a philosophical theory, contradicts the principle that morality is objective, arguing that moral judgments are simply expressions of personal feelings or attitudes.

Purpose of Moral Judgments in Emotivism

• According to Emotivism, the primary purpose of moral judgments is not to state facts but to express emotions and influence others' behavior.

Patient Autonomy in Ethical Decisions

• In ethical decisions, "patient autonomy" refers to the patient's right to self-determination and the ability to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

Emotivist Interpretation of Moral Statements

• Emotivism interprets the statement "Stealing is immoral" as expressing disapproval of stealing and encouraging others to avoid it.

Recognizing Moral Principles in Decision Making

• Recognizing moral principles plays a significant role in decision-making during a moral dilemma, providing guidelines for ethical action and helping navigate complex situations.

Emotivist Interpretation of "Fair Play is Good"

• When someone says "Fair play is good" according to Emotivism, they are primarily expressing approval of fair play and encouraging others to engage in it.

Moral Sentences and Fact-Stating

• Emotivism argues that moral sentences are not fact-stating, meaning they do not describe objective truths but rather express subjective feelings or attitudes.

Challenge to Ethical Discourse

• Emotivism challenges the fundamental idea in ethical discourse that moral truths exist independently of individual preferences or opinions.

Contrast Between Emotivism and Traditional Ethics

• Emotivism contrasts with traditional ethical theories, which seek to discover objective moral principles or values.

Willpower and Its Meaning

• Willpower refers to the mental strength and self-discipline required to resist temptation, overcome difficulties, and achieve goals.

Disregarding Conscience and Its Impact

• Disregarding our conscience can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and diminished self-respect.

Parental Demand for Willpower

• Parents often demand willpower from their children, expecting them to control their impulses and resist temptations.

Moral Courage and Its Requirements

• Moral courage requires the strength to stand up for what is right, even when facing opposition or adversity.

Moral Courage and Willpower's Impact

• Moral courage and willpower help individuals to act in accordance with their ethical convictions and resist peer pressure or societal norms.

Aligning Action with Moral Courage

• Choosing to speak out against injustice, even at the risk of personal consequences, aligns with moral courage.

Next Step in Decision Model

• If a clear decision is not forthcoming after considering the alternatives and moral principles, the next step is to weigh the consequences of each possible action.

Weighing Positive and Negative Consequences

• It's important to weigh both positive and negative consequences when making a decision to assess the potential benefits and harms of each option.

Common Element in Moral Dilemmas

• Moral dilemmas often involve conflicting values or principles, making it difficult to choose the best course of action.

Executing a Good Rational Moral Decision

• Executing a good rational moral decision requires careful deliberation, consideration of all relevant factors, and a commitment to act ethically.

Essence of Morality Alongside Reason

• Alongside reason, feelings, such as compassion and empathy, are emphasized as essential in morality, reminding us of the human consequences of our actions.

Characteristics of a Good Rational Moral Decision

• A good rational moral decision is characterized by thoughtful deliberation, alignment with moral principles, and consideration of the potential consequences.