Chapter 5 -- The Ethical Cycle

Question 1

ill-structured problem

Answer 1

problem that has no definitive formulation of the problem, may embody inconsistent problem formulations, and can only be defined during the process of solving the problem

Question 2

ethical cycle

Answer 2

tool in structuring and improving moral decisions by making a systematic and thorough analysis of the moral problem, which helps to come to a moral judgement and to justify the final decision in moral terms

Question 3

moral problem

Answer 3

problem in which two or more positive moral values or norms cannot be fully realized at the same time

Question 4

moral dilemma

Answer 4

moral problem with the crucial feature that the agent has only two (or a limited number of) options for action and that whatever he chooses he will commit a moral wrong

Question 5

ethical cycle

Answer 5

Case → Moral problem statement → problem analysis → options for action → ethical evaluation → reflection → moral acceptable action

Question 6

where are the feedback loops in the ethical cycle

Answer 6

Problem analysis & moral problem statement
Ethical evaluation & problem analysis
Reflection & options for action
Reflection & problem analysis

Question 7

stakeholders

Answer 7

actors that have an interest in the development of a technology; Can be individuals, colleagues, groups

Question 8

black and white strategy

Answer 8

a strategy for action in which only two options for actions are considered: doing the action and not

Question 9

strategy of cooperation

Answer 9

action strategy that is directed at finding alternatives that can help to solve a moral problem by consulting other stakeholders

Question 10

whistle blowing

Answer 10

speaking to the media or the public on an undesirable situation against the desire of the employer

Question 11

intuitivist framework

Answer 11

ethical framework in which options for action are evaluated on basis of one’s view about what is intuitively most acceptable and that formulates arguments for this statement

Question 12

common sense method

Answer 12

method that weighs the available options for actions in the light of the relevant values

Question 13

moral deliberation

Answer 13

an extensive and careful consideration or discussion of moral arguments and reasons for and against certain actions

Question 14

overlapping consensus

Answer 14

an agreement on the level of moral judgements, while there may be disagreement on the level of moral principles and background theories; each of the participants should be able to justify the overlapping consensus in terms of his or her own wide reflective equilibrium