Miller and Spielman, "Paramedic Method" (early version)
Notable because it addresses the fact that professional ethicists may be unavailable for consultation
SOURCE FOR THE PROCEDURE
Miller, Keith. "Paramedic Prose." Personal email (19 Jun. 1989).
The
new version
of the Paramedic Method takes a very different approach.
THE PROCEDURE ITSELF
- Look for the human values inherent in the decision.
- Examine the situation from alternative perspectives.
- Question all justifications, especially those that seem "obvious" or "natural."
- Insist on reasoned arguments; avoid emotional rhetoric
- Examine all possible consequences you can think of.
- Examine obligations and rights that may be affected by your decision
- Examine the way power relationships will change or be reinforced.
- Ask yourself if the decision is appropriate for a person with your ideals.
WALT'S CHECKLIST
The same checklist was applied to all procedures.
- This method is most useful when the DECISION-MAKER ...
- cultivates personal virtues [step 8]
- has high initial sensitivity to relevant ethical "features" [step 1]
- has keen insight into human motivation [step 7]
- has plenty of time for investigation and analysis [steps 2, 3 and 5]
- is skilled in causal or consequential reasoning [step 5]
- is skilled in the formulation and evaluation of ethical arguments [step 4]
- This method is most useful in a SITUATION ...
- that will change little over time
- where the decision-maker is also a stakeholder [step 6 and 8]
- This method is most useful when STAKEHOLDERS ...
