Tests in Moral Problem Solving

Part 2

The Ethics of Respect for Persons

Those rules or actions are right which, if followed, would accord equal respect to each person as a moral agent.

Moral Agent

Beings capable of formulating/pursuing goals and purposes of their own.

Ends in themselves

Autonomous actions

- Intentional

- Performed without external controlling influences

- Made with understanding

Three Respect-for-Persons Tests

The Golden Rule Test

The Self Defeating Test

The Rights Test

The Golden Rule Test

To treat everyone equally as a moral agent.

Universalizability Criterion

In order to be ethically valid, the resolution of a moral issue must be universally acceptable if others resolved similar issues in similar ways.

Requires us to evaluate effects of our actions on others by asking whether we would be willing to exchange places with recipients of our actions.

Variant of Golden Rule in religions

To apply the Golden Rule

1. Analyze situation to determine alternative actions

available.

2. Determine consequences of alternative actions.

3. Place ourselves in place of recipient of each alternative and ask whether we would accept it.

Avoiding possible problems

Placing ones self in position of recipient and adopt his values and own individual circumstances as well

The Self Defeating Test

Another way of applying universalizabilitycriterion

Whether I would be able to perform action in question if everyone else performed the same action in same circumstances?

To apply the Self Defeating Test

Analyze situation and determine options

Determine the outcomes of options

Determine whether options, if universally adopted, are self-defeating. If they are, action is impermissible.

Comparison with Golden Rule

Does not refer to values or circumstances of either agent or recipient.

Question is more objective; whether everyones performing the action would be self-defeating.

Limitation

Unethical actions might pass the test

The Rights Test

Respecting moral agency of others requires that we accord others the rights necessary to exercise it.

A right is an entitlement to act in a certain way

Different from utilitarianism (freedom and well being)

Implementation

Hierarchy of rights

Three tiers distinguishing more basic to less basic rights

Tier 1: most basic, essential preconditions of action (life, physical integrity, mental health)

Tier 2: maintain purpose fulfillment (not to be deceived, stolen from, defamed, have promises broken)

Tier 3: increase purpose fulfillment (right to property, self-respect, nondiscrimination)

Applying Rights Test: 4 Stages

Analyze action to determine what options are available and what rights are at stake.

Determine audience of action.

Evaluate seriousness of rights violation as a result of action and compare violations with those of alternative actions.

Choose course of action that produces least serious rights violation.