TOPIC A: FEELINGS AND MORAL DECISION-MAKING

WHAT IS ‘FEELINGS’ ?
• Feeling is the nominalization of the verb to feel.
• It was first used in the English language to describe the physical sensation of touch through either
experience or perception.
• In psychology, the word is usually reserved for the conscious subjective experience of emotion.

WHAT IS ‘MORAL DECISION- MAKING’?

• Moral decision-making is an essential asset for humans' integration in social contexts. Emotional
processes contribute to moral judgment by assigning affective value to the moral decision-making
scenarios, thus guiding the distinction between acceptable and inacceptable behaviors.
• Moral decision making is having the ability to decide which is the right course of action once we have
spotted the ethical issue. Sometimes this can be very difficult, as multiple options may seem morally
defensible (or, perhaps, no options seem morally acceptable).

MORAL
 • During the early part of philosophizing, David Hume (1711- 1776) believed virtues in conformity to
reason. Like truth, morality is discerned merely by ideas. In order to distinguish the good and bad, we
have to consider the reason alone.

MORAL EMOTIONS
 Inner Emotions-directed negative emotions like guilt, embarrassment, and shame often motivate
people to act ethically.
 Outer Emotions-directed negative emotions, on the other hand, aim to discipline or punish. For
example, people often direct anger, disgust, or contempt at those who have acted unethically. This
discourages others from behaving the same way.

Feelings and institutions or what we call as “MORAL EMOTIONS” play a major role in
most of the ethical decisions people make.
 Decisions people make vary when they are happy from when they are sad or emotional.
 Words that come out of our mouth sometimes are also affected by the emotions that we feel.
 And so with our actions.
 Emotional decision making can affect not just the outcome of the decision, but also the speed at
which you make it. Anger can lead to impatience and rash decision-making. If you're excited, you
might make quick decisions without considering the implications, as you surf the wave of
confidence and optimism about the future.

TWO RELATED MODELS IN ETHICS

1. Ethical Subjective; and
2. Emotivism

1. What is ‘ETHICAL SUBJECTIVISM’?

 It holds that the truth or falsity of ethical propositions is dependent on the feelings, attitudes, or
standards of a person or group of persons.
 It is based solely on ‘FEELINGS!

2. What is “EMOTIVISM”?
 It is a naïve version of ethical subjectivism. This version says that a moral belief is true if it is
held with sincerity and conviction.
 To say that an act is right, or a person is good, is merely to emote, just to express emotions.
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
 Traditionally, ethical decision-making process has been understood as an exclusively mental process;
that our feelings have nothing to do with matters of right or wrong and good or bad, precisely because
our emotions are very unstable.
 So, while we may believe that our moral decisions are influenced most by our philosophy or religious
values, in truth, our emotions play a significant role in our ethical decision- making.
 Bo Sanchez, in his book, Heart Detox, expressed that there is a difference between experiencing the
emotion and expressing the emotion.
 He further stressed that there are no bad emotions, only bad expressions of emotion.
 Emotions evoked by suffering, such as sympathy and empathy, often lead people to act ethically
toward others;
 And always remember that, “DON’T LET YOUR EMOTIONS MAKE YOUR DECISIONS”

Some ethicist believe that ethics is also a matter of emotions.

“FEELINGS” as instinctive and trained response to Moral Dilemmas.
“FEELINGS” as obstacles to making the right decision.
How feelings help in making the RIGHT DECISION?
 Do not REPLY when you are ANGRY.
 Do not make decisions when you are SAD.
 Do not make promises when you are HAPPY.

TOPIC B: REASON AND IMPARTIALITY AS A MINIMUM REQUIREMENT

FOR MORALITY
 7 STEPS OF MORAL REASONING (SCOTT RAE)

1. Gather the facts

The simplest way of clarifying an
ethical dilemma is
to make sure the facts are clear. Ask:
Do you have
the facts that are necessary to make a
good
decision? What do we know? What
do we need to
know? In this light it might become
clear that the
dilemma is not ethical but about
communication or
strategy
1. Gather the facts/Information.

2 . It is essential that in moral

decision- making, one has to know the
general
3. facts of the moral situation, before
coming up with a moral analysis, more
so,
4. a decision or an evaluation.
 It is essential that in moral decision- making, one has to know the general facts of the moral situation,
before coming up with a moral analysis, more so, a decision or an evaluation.
 The simplest way of clarifying an ethical dilemma is to make sure the facts are clear. Ask: Do you have
the facts that are necessary to make a good decision? What do we know? What do we need to
know? In this light it might become clear that the dilemma is not ethical but about communication or
strategy.
2. Determine the ethical Issues.
 After having identified the facts and overall context of the moral situation, the ethical issue/s involved
in the situation, must be clearly stated in order to specify what issue one has to make a decision to.
This section must likewise clearly state the major moral dilemma involved in the case.
5 . After having identified the facts
and overall context of the moral
situation, the
6. ethical issue/s involved in the
situation, must be clearly stated in
order to
7. specify what issue one has to make a
decision to. This section must likewise
8. clearly state the major moral dilemma
involved in the case
 Ethical interests are stated in terms of legitimate competing interests or goods. The competing
interests are what creates the dilemma. Moral values and virtues must support the competing
interests in order for an ethical dilemma to exist. If you cannot identify the underlying values/virtues
then you do not have an ethical dilemma. Often people hold these positions strongly and with passion
because of the value / virtue beneath them.

3. Determine what virtues/principles

have a
bearing on the case
In an ethical dilemma certain values
and principles
are central to the competing
positions. Identify
these. Determine if some should be
given more
weight than others. Ask what the
source for the
principle is - constitution, culture,
natural law,
religious tradition...
3. Determine what virtues/principles have a bearing on the case.
 Applicable ethical values and principles relevant to the case must be identified and briefly
explained in order to justify how such principles could be used in coming up with a decision concerning
the moral dilemma later on. In addition, the sources of these principles must be acknowledged
likewise. These values, principles could come from: (1) established philosophical ethical
principles; (2) socio-cultural norms; (3) socio-political norms and laws;(4) religious traditions; and
others.
 In an ethical dilemma certain values and principles are central to the competing positions.
Identify these. Determine if some should be given more weight than others. Ask what the source for
the principle is - constitution, culture, natural law, religious tradition... These supplement biblical
principles (Rae 2018).

4. List the alternatives

 After having identified relevant values, virtues, and principles involving the moral situation, possible
alternative courses of actions must then be proposed and briefly explained. These
suggested courses of actions must then be evaluated based on its applicability, sensibility,
practicality before selecting one as the course of action or decision to be made regarding the moral
situation.
 Creatively determine possible courses of action for your dilemma. Some will almost immediately be
discarded but generally the more you list the greater potential for coming up with a really good one. It
will also help you come up with a broader selection of ideas (Rae 2018).
 Compare the alternatives with the
virtues / principles
  The initial list of suggested
courses of actions must then be
evaluated from
 the vantage point of the identified
ethical values and principles.
  This step eliminates alternatives
as they are weighed by the moral
principles
 which have a bearing on the case.
Potentially the issue will be resolved
here
 as all alternatives except one are
eliminated. Here you must satisfy all
the
 relevant virtues and values -
so at least some of the
alternatives will be
 eliminated (even if you still have
to go on to step 6). Often here you
have to
 weight principles and virtues -
make sure you have a good reason for
each
 weighting (Rae 2018).
5. Compare the alternatives with the virtues / principles
 The initial list of suggested courses of actions must then be evaluated from the vantage point of the
identified ethical values and principles.
 This step eliminates alternatives as they are weighed by the moral principles which have a bearing on
the case. Potentially the issue will be resolved here as all alternatives except one are eliminated. Here
you must satisfy all the relevant virtues and values - so at least some of the alternatives will
be eliminated (even if you still have to go on to step 6). Often here you have to weight principles and
virtues - make sure you have a good reason for each weighting (Rae 2018).

6. Consider the consequences.

 If principles have not yielded a clear decision, consider the consequences of your alternatives. Take
the alternatives and work out the positive and negative consequences of each. Estimate how
beneficial each positive and negative consequences are – some might have greater weight than others
(Rae 2018).
s
7. Make a decision (including one’s justification for the decision)
 After having analyzed the moral dilemma situation (from step 1 to 6), one must now make a decision
based on what have been previously discussed and must clearly justify the decision that has been
made.
 - Ethical decisions rarely have pain-free solutions – it might be you have to choose the situation with
the least number of problems/painful consequences. Even when making a “good” decision you might
still lose sleep over it! (Rae 2018).

MORAL DILEMMA SITUATION

Miles is a dedicated employee. Despite his poor circumstances, he married Lynette, who comes from a wealthy
family. Lynette’s family was never supportive of their union. When they attended Lynette’s family events,
Miles was frequently insulted, embarrassed, and disrespected. Lynette is always saddened by their predicament,
yet she cannot speak out against her family for fear of losing her entire estate.

Despite the insults directed at Miles, he stood firm in his convictions and continued to work diligently. While he
was performing his duties, he noticed that Ms. Gemalyn, his boss at the tiny publishing business where he
worked, was catching a glance of him with her eyes full of admiration. Miles felt strange and attempted to avoid
his boss’s gaze, but the lady kept approaching him as if he was pleading for his attention. Miles made every
effort to get away, but he was cornered. A tremendous filled the room as the boss was prepared to do something
to Miles. They both noticed Lynette’s sister, Abbie Kate, who had a shocked expression on her face.

Abbie was intended to get a copy of Jana Mae’s proposal for a new product release in the publishing house
where Miles worked, but she was taken aback by what Gemalyn was ready to do to Miles, which he mistook for
Miles initiating the situation. She hastily exited the building and, as expected, informed the entire Booc family
of what she had just witnessed. When Lynette heard what her sister had just stated, she had a meltdown. Lynette
was supposed to reveal that she was 2-weeks pregnant with their first child on that day.

Miles hurriedly found his way into the Booc residence. When he approached at the gate, Manong Jeson, the
family’s security, barred him from entering because he had been told that he was no longer permitted to do so.
On the other hand, Donna Mae, the oldest of the Booc siblings, suggested that Miles be allowed in and given
the opportunity to explain the issue. Lynette interrupts her sister, saying that she has heard enough and that her
kid does not require a traitorous father. They can’t even say anything because of what they’ve just heard and the
certainty that Lynette intends what would she say.

Lynette was devastated at the idea of Miles cheating on her after they had already created a family. She should
have given her husband the chance to explain himself, but she was exhausted and heartbroken. Her mother
entered the room and counseled her to go to the United States so that the baby could grow up in a healthier
environment. Lynette was flabbergasted by her mother’s suggestion and pondered it for a lengthy moment. If
she moved to the United States and lived there for the longest time possible, she would be guilty of sin before
God for abandoning her husband and not giving him the opportunity to explain, or she could stay and stress
herself out, which might result in miscarriage because the doctor told her that she had a very delicate uterus.
 APPLYING THE 7-STEPS OF MORAL REASONING MODEL

STEP 1: GATHER THE FACTS/INFORMATION

Lynette hails form an affluent family, but she married Miles, a low-level employee at a tiny publishing firm,
and they became one. Lynette’s family was never a fan of their relationship, despite the fact that they were
already married. Miles had gained a lot of resentment from Lynette’s family, and one mishap that Abbie
witnessed at Miles’ workplace cause a great deal of trouble. Lynette was devastated by what had occurred, and
her mother advised her to go to the United States so that the baby would be protected and born into a nice
environment. Lynette was undecided about what to do; either she’d forsake her spouse and move to the United
States permanently, or she’d stay but jeopardize her baby’s safety.

STEP 2: DETERMINE THE ETHICAL ISSUE

The dilemma in the circumstance arose when Abbie Kate saw Miles and Gemalyn in an unusual posture,
mistaking Miles for the initiator of the predicament while Miles was actually trapped. Abbie returned home and
told her family about what she had seen at the publishing house, and the entire family forbade Miles from
entering the parameters of Booc residence.

STEP 3: DETERMINE THE VIRTUES/PRINCIPLES WHO HAVE BEARING ON THE CASE

We can consider values such as integrity and fairness in this circumstance because the Booc family displayed
prejudice by barring Miles from entering their parameters while Miles had the right to clarify because the
employer initiated the incident and Abbie misinterpreted the situation, blaming him.

In terms of principle, we can look to God’s rule, which states that husband and wife who have been united by
God as one should fight for their marriage at all costs. It’s a bind that God Himself has blessed. Another
premise is God’s law, which states that no one should kill, as mentioned in the Ten Commandments. A parent
should never put their child’s life in jeopardy, hence she should go to whatever length for the benefit of the
child.

STEP 4: LIST THE ALTERNATIVES/DEVELOP A LIST OF OPTION

OPTION 1: Lynette will stay and face the consequences, but she will not confront her husband and the
company’s boss, whom Abbie Kate spotted on the edge of doing something with Miles, because she might have
severe rage, causing her to stress out and miscarry, so she will appoint someone to speak for her.

OPTION 2: Lynette would settle down in the United States and wait for a suitable moment to give birth to her
kid safely, following which she would return to the country and confront the conflict. She must prioritize the
health and well- being of the baby.

STEP 5: COMPARE THE ALTERNATIVES WITH THE VIRTUES/PRINCIPLES

OPTION 1: “Lynette will stay and face the consequences, but she will not confront her husband and the
company’s boss, whom Abbie Kate spotted on the edge of doing something with Miles, because she might have
severe rage, causing her to stress out and miscarry, so she will appoint someone to speak for her.”, this goes
against God’s commandment regarding killing. If Lynette decides to stay, she is putting her child’s life at
jeopardy.

OPTION 2: “Lynette would settle down in the United States and wait for a suitable moment to give birth to her
kid safely, following which she would return to the country and confront the conflict. She must prioritize the
health and well- being of the baby.” In this scenario, Lynette would move away for a period of time without her
husband’s permission, which is against the law of husband and wife union. However, Lynette’s decision would
allow the kid to live and grow in a safe environment getting away from the strife.

STEP 6: CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OR TEST THE OPTIONS

OPTION 1: Lynette may inherit stress, which may result in miscarriage as a result of being exposed to a really
difficult scenario, especially if she has a delicate uterus and even a small amount of stress might cause the baby
to die in her womb.

OPTION 2: Lynette will leave her husband without first resolving the matter to preserve the safety of her child,
but will return to the country after the baby is born, allowing the baby to be born safely but leaving her husband
perplexed.

Step 7: MAKE A DECISION

At all costs, a mother will guarantee the safety of her child. A mother’s love is the best love of all for she can
put her feelings aside for the sake of her baby. In this case, Lynette will accept her mother’s offer to stay in the
United States, but she will not remain there permanently. It had always been her and Miles’ desire to have a
child, but because of her uterus’s state, and because the position the are in may put the child’s life jeopardy, so
she must protect her child first, as stress may take the child’s life. Lynette will come back to face the conflict
after the child is born. Apart from that, Lynette will be in the United States with her mother, so she will have
someone to lean on. In light of God’s concept, it’s never a good idea to kill anyone, much less even a fetus, thus
Lynette should choose to shield the baby first, knowing that she’ll be able to return to the dispute when the baby
is born.
TOPIC C: MORAL COURAGE

FOR ARISTOTLE FOR MILLER