Which model is used for making ethics decisions?

Which model is used for making ethics decisions?

• A. Principle-based ethics
• B. Case-based reasoning
• C. Reflective equilibrium
• D. Consequentialism

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is reasoning through ethics by seeking coherence among our specific moral judgments, general principles, and broader theoretical ideas. Reflective equilibrium is a method for doing this: you start with considered judgments about particular cases, compare them to overarching ethical principles, and then revise either the principles or the judgments to reduce tensions. This process is iterative—you adjust your views until your intuitions about cases fit well with your rules and theories, and none of the parts conflict in a substantial way. In practice, it guides decision-making by encouraging you to weigh multiple considerations and avoid rigidly applying a single rule when it would clash with realistic judgments in real-world scenarios. It also helps explain why people sometimes revise their interpretations of a principle to better align with what seems morally plausible in concrete situations. This contrasts with principle-based ethics, which leans on fixed rules applied to cases; casuistry, which focuses on parallels to prior cases; and consequentialism, which centers on outcomes. Reflective equilibrium is about achieving a coherent, justifiable stance through balanced reasoning across principles, cases, and theory.

The main idea here is reasoning through ethics by seeking coherence among our specific moral judgments, general principles, and broader theoretical ideas. Reflective equilibrium is a method for doing this: you start with considered judgments about particular cases, compare them to overarching ethical principles, and then revise either the principles or the judgments to reduce tensions. This process is iterative—you adjust your views until your intuitions about cases fit well with your rules and theories, and none of the parts conflict in a substantial way.

In practice, it guides decision-making by encouraging you to weigh multiple considerations and avoid rigidly applying a single rule when it would clash with realistic judgments in real-world scenarios. It also helps explain why people sometimes revise their interpretations of a principle to better align with what seems morally plausible in concrete situations. This contrasts with principle-based ethics, which leans on fixed rules applied to cases; casuistry, which focuses on parallels to prior cases; and consequentialism, which centers on outcomes. Reflective equilibrium is about achieving a coherent, justifiable stance through balanced reasoning across principles, cases, and theory.