This exercise is about the ethical matrix as a tool for reflection and evaluation in ethics. Students will learn what such a matrix entails and will design matrixes themselves. They will specify the cells or their matrixes and discuss the usefulness of this conceptual tool.
Ethical matrixes can help to analyse the different duties and responsibilities of moral actors involved in a specific ethical situation. In principle, an ethical matrix can be used to make a morally neutral analysis. The matrixes require a specific topic to be filled in. They can also help to make a rational political decision-process easier by formulating the issues at stake in a transparent and generally understandable and acceptable manner. They can be used for individual considerations as well. As ethical matrixes help to explore the moral positions of all involved stakeholders, they offer a just/fair assessment. Finally, ethical matrixes can aid in tracing weaker principles and possible compromises.