Which model seeks balance between intuition and theory to resolve ethical questions?

Which model seeks balance between intuition and theory to resolve ethical questions?

• A. Deontology
• B. Utilitarianism
• C. Ethical egoism
• D. Reflective equilibrium

Answer: (D)

Reflective equilibrium is the approach that seeks coherence by balancing our intuitive judgments about particular cases with broader moral theories. It starts with considered moral judgments about real-world scenarios and pairs them with general principles (like fairness, autonomy, and minimizing harm). When tensions appear, we revise either our intuitive judgments or the principles until everything fits together consistently. This means neither relying solely on gut feelings nor following a fixed rule system dogmatically; instead, we continuously adjust to achieve a harmonious fit between what we intuit in specific situations and the overarching theories we endorse. In practice, this can help resolve ethical questions that require nuance, such as cases where honesty might conflict with preventing harm or protecting someone’s rights, by weighing and balancing the intuitive responses with the governing principles until a coherent stance emerges.

Reflective equilibrium is the approach that seeks coherence by balancing our intuitive judgments about particular cases with broader moral theories. It starts with considered moral judgments about real-world scenarios and pairs them with general principles (like fairness, autonomy, and minimizing harm). When tensions appear, we revise either our intuitive judgments or the principles until everything fits together consistently. This means neither relying solely on gut feelings nor following a fixed rule system dogmatically; instead, we continuously adjust to achieve a harmonious fit between what we intuit in specific situations and the overarching theories we endorse. In practice, this can help resolve ethical questions that require nuance, such as cases where honesty might conflict with preventing harm or protecting someone’s rights, by weighing and balancing the intuitive responses with the governing principles until a coherent stance emerges.