Perspective Paper

REGULARIAN PERSPECTIVE

“To gain a sense of why it is important to subject morality to philosophical inquiry, we should view morality, not as a collection of rules, but as a set of guidelines that we must apply to the very complex circumstances of our lives.” (Furrow, 2005)As such, each of the theories discussed in CRJU 250 have their strengths and weaknesses, and serve as base – not an absolute - for resolving ethical dilemmas. There does not appear to be one all-inclusive theory of moral reasoning.

The regularian perspective, at face value, appears simplistic. The only thing the person, making the decision regarding an ethical dilemma, needs to know is the rule(s). This perspective views that an act is morally good if it obeys the rules. If the rule(s) indicates the action is permissible then it is considered ethical; in contrast, if the rule(s) indicates the action is not permissible, then it is considered unethical. This perspective posits that the individual is obligated to follow the rules. Similar to other perspectives, with regularianism, the person making the decision must avoid desires and emotions, and act objectively. This is the most notable advantage of rule-based ethics. Sources for rules include commands, directives, policies and procedures, Code of Ethics, and laws.

Problems: What if it is a bad or immoral rule? An example of this is the Nuremberg Defense; where the individuals who perpetrated crimes against the Jews during WW II, claimed they did nothing wrong since they were following Hitler’s rules to murder them. What if there is not rule? Hmmm?! What if there are two rules that conflict each other? The hope is that the person who is making the decision will find another rule that clarifies the conflict!

STEPS:

1. Regardless of the possible options, what is (are) the rule(s)? I must follow the rule(s).

REFERENCES

Dreisbach, C. (2008). Ethics in Criminal Justice. New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education.

Furrow, D. (2005). Ethics: Key Concepts in Philosophy. New York: Continuum Books.