Procedural Ethics: 1993 Eugene Schlossberger

Flowchart

Schlossberger, "A Template for Moral Decision Making"

Notable because the main procedure uses subprocedures, like a computer program

SOURCE FOR THE PROCEDURE

Schlossberger, Euguene. "Ethical Decision Making." The Ethical Engineer. Philadelphia: Temple University, 1993: 23-38.

THE PROCEDURE ITSELF

List options.
Perform subroutine R1.
Are any options marked "R"?
1. If yes:
  1. Check for conflict.
  2. Perform subroutine E1 for those conflicting options.
  3. Is any option marked with both "X" and "R", or are two or more incompatible options marked "R"?
    - If yes:
      - Perform subroutine C1.
      - Continue with step 4.
    - If no:
      - Select the option.
      - Stop.
2. If no:
  1. Perform subroutine E1 for all options.
  2. Eliminate all options marked "X".
  3. Is more than one option left?
    - If yes: Continue with step 4.
    - If no:
      - Select the option.
      - Stop.
Consult values and principles.
1. Which values and principles count in favor, and against, each remaining option.
2. Weigh these values and principles in the light of relevant factors and guiding ideas.
3. Make the best choice possible.
  1. Select the option.
  2. Stop.

Subroutine R1
For each option: Does any specific rule require selecting the option?

If yes: Does following the specific rule violate a general principle or value?
1. If yes: Does the value or principle justify breaking the rule in this case?
  1. If yes: Continue with next option.
  2. If no:
    - Mark the option "R".
    - Continue with next option.
2. If no:
  1. Mark the option "R".
  2. Continue with next option.
If no: Continue with next option.

Subroutine E1
For each option: Does the option violate a specific rule?

If yes: Does following the specific rule in this case violate a general principle?
1. If yes: Is the general principle sufficiently important in this case to justify breaking the specific rule?
  1. If yes: Continue with next option.
  2. If no:
    - Place a question mark under the option.
    - Perform subroutine E1a.
2. If no:
  1. Place a question mark under the option.
  2. Perform subroutine E1a.
If no: Continue with next option.

Subroutine E1a
Does following the specific rule in this case violate a value?

If yes: Is the value sufficiently important in this case to justify breaking the specific rule?
1. If yes: Continue with next option.
2. If no:
  1. Place a question mark under the option.
  2. If there are two question marks under the option, mark the option "X".
  3. Continue with next option.
If no:
1. Mark the option "X".
2. Continue with next option.

Subroutine C1
Is there a way to modify the option so it still follows one rule without violating the other?

If yes: Restart the procedure with the new option.
If no:
1. Consider the relative importance of the two rules.
2. Is there a clear preference?
  1. If yes:
    - Select that option.
    - Stop.
  2. If no:
    - Eliminate all options not marked "R".
    - Continue with step 4.

WALT'S CHECKLIST

The same checklist was applied to all procedures.

This method is most useful when the DECISION-MAKER ...
- can tolerate ambiguity, complexity or conflict [step 3a, R1, C1, and E1]
- has high initial sensitivity to relevant ethical "features" [step 1]
- has plenty of time for investigation and analysis
- is skilled in conflict- or dilemma-resolution methods [step R1, E1 and C1]
- is skilled in the application of general ethical principles to specific cases [step 4]
- uses a "bookkeeping" system that allows multiple alternatives to be tracked, scored, ranked and compared
This method is most useful in a SITUATION ...
- that will change little over time
- where an optimal decision is required
This method is most useful when STAKEHOLDERS ...
- share ethical principles [step 4]
- share values [step 4]