Ethical Decision Models & Problem-Solving Methodologi 828783

Ethical Decision Models & Problem-Solving Methodologies 7 Step Guide Moral Model

Ethical Decision Models & Problem-Solving Methodologies 7 Step Guide Moral Model State the problem (specific thought or feeling that prompts you to feel uncomfortable). Check facts (consider all points of view). Identify relevant factors (people involved, laws, personal codes of conduct, etc.). Develop a list of options (consider a variety of decisions or solutions). Test the options. Make a choice. Review previous steps (consider how you could avoid having to make this decision in the future). Massage the dilemma Outline the options Resolve the dilemma Act by applying Look back and evaluate entire process Harm test: Does this option do less harm than the alternatives? Publicity test: Would I want my choice of this option published in the newspaper? Would I want my grandmother to know? Defensibility test: Could I defend this choice of option before a committee of peers, or a Congressional Committee without appearing self-serving? Reversibility test: Would I still think this choice of option was good if it were applied to me instead of others especially if some of the effects are adverse? Colleague test: What might my profession's governing board or ethics committee say about this option? Organization test: What does my organization's ethics officer or legal counsel say about this? Virtue test: Would a virtuous person do this? What kind of person does this? What kind of person would I become if I did this kind of thing all the time?

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical decision-making is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, moral principles, and potential outcomes. The 7-step moral model offers a systematic approach to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively and responsibly.

The first step is to clearly state the problem or discomfort that triggers the need for ethical reflection. Recognizing the specific thought, feeling, or situation that causes unease allows for a focused analysis. Once the problem is identified, the next step is to check the facts thoroughly, considering all points of view. Gathering complete and accurate information is essential to avoid biases and ensure an informed decision-making process.

Following this, relevant factors such as the involved people, laws, institutional policies, personal values, and codes of conduct must be identified. These factors help contextualize the dilemma within a broader ethical framework. Developing a list of possible options or solutions then becomes crucial, encouraging creative and comprehensive thinking to address the problem from multiple angles.

Testing the options involves applying a series of ethical tests to evaluate their appropriateness. The harm test assesses whether an option causes less harm than alternatives. The publicity test considers whether one would be comfortable with the decision being shared publicly or with family members. The defensibility test evaluates whether the decision could withstand scrutiny from peers or regulatory bodies without seeming self-serving. The reversibility test prompts individuals to reflect on whether they would support the same decision if roles were reversed or if they were personally affected.

Additional tests include the colleague test, which evaluates whether colleagues or governing bodies would agree with the decision; the organization test, which considers institutional policies and legal counsel; and the virtue test, which asks whether the decision aligns with virtuous character traits such as honesty, fairness, and compassion. These tests collectively help ensure that the decision is ethically justifiable and consistent with moral principles.

Once the options are evaluated, a choice should be made based on the best ethical fit, aligned with both moral reasoning and contextual factors. After making a decision, it is important to review the entire process, reflect on whether the decision could have been avoided or handled differently, and consider lessons learned to improve future ethical decision-making.

Applying these steps to real-world cases can be challenging yet rewarding. For example, in the context of neonatal intensive care, decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment for infants with severe genetic defects such as anencephaly require careful ethical analysis. The moral model guides healthcare providers and families through weighing the prognosis, quality of life, and moral implications of continuing or discontinuing treatment.

In conclusion, the 7-step moral decision-making model serves as a valuable framework for addressing complex ethical dilemmas across various professional contexts. By systematically applying these steps and tests, decision-makers can arrive at morally sound, justifiable choices that respect the rights and dignity of all involved.

References

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