PAPER 3 REMINDERS

THREE SECTIONS Critical Thinking Moral Reasoning Tentative solution

Mechanics 6-8 pages long (estimate only) Critical thinking = 3 pages Moral reasoning = 3 pages Conclusion/solution = 1 pages Full Works Cited Section Writing = as perfect as you can make it MLA format = as perfect as possible

MORAL REASONING A methodology to help people deal with moral dilemmas The Key to doing well on paper 3

Moral Reasoning and Paper 3 Your paper has a value-laden problem Paper 3 uses moral reasoning to assess the moral components of each position Read Section 4 of the Handbook

Moral Reasoning Requirements for the Capstone Project For Each Side in Paper 3 you must identify analyze for the proponents and opponents – The Obligations inherent in the position – The Values underlying the position – The potential consequences of the position – The position in terms of the normative principles and theories that support it

Moral Reasoning and Capstone Don’t simply list the values, obligations and consequences Use the literature to justify these things for each side. Do not just assume that they believe it.

WHAT IS A MORAL DILEMMA? Occurs when you are facing a value-laden problem and… All the choices appear to have merit

WHAT IS MORAL REASONING? Ability to work through moral dilemmas using a rule- based framework Involves both decision-making and taking action Focuses on situations that involve value conflicts – Beliefs about what is good/desirable and undesirable

What are Morals? What are morals? Moral Relativism Moral Absolutism

INSUFFICIENT, CRITERIA FOR MORAL DECISION-MAKING Feelings Religion Majority view Law

ACCEPTABLE CRITERIA FOR MORAL DECISION-MAKING Obligations Values Consequences Be sure to consider each criteria before making any moral decisions.

OBLIGATIONS Relationships imply obligations Obligations relate to governmental roles Obligations imply restrictions Formal – Contracts, vows Informal – Citizenship, friendship, family, professions

When Obligations Conflict Sometimes both sides will have legitimate obligations Give preference to the more important one Try to find a middle ground and serve both If only one can be served – What is the first obligation – What will cause the greatest harm if not filled

WHAT ARE VALUES ? Beliefs about what is good/desirable and bad/undesirable Guide us on how to behave Unique to each individual Change due to time, experience

SOME EXAMPLES OF VALUES (terminology: Milton Rokeach) TERMINAL National security Family security Economic prosperity A peaceful world Inner harmony Salvation Equality Wisdom Justice An exciting life INSTRUMENTAL Imaginative Honest Kind Friendly Productive Polite Fair Obedient Generous

Questions to Help identify Values What utility do those holding a side expect to achieve? What interest do those holding a given position wish to protect or gain? What harm do those holding a position wish to prevent?

When Values Conflict Select the higher ideal Select the action that will achieve the greatest good If there is no good, then choose the one with the lesser evil

CONSEQUENCES They are the projected results that might occur from any given action. Beneficial or detrimental Immediate or long-range Intentional or unintentional Involve the person performing the action and/or others

Measuring Consequences Difficult to predict because people behave irrationally Immoral Acts that produce good results – No Moral Acts that produce mixed consequences- maybe What if a choice must be made