Are emotion and reason equally necessary in justifying moral decisions Essay

Are emotion and reason equally necessary in justifying moral decisions - Essay Example (Westacott, 2006; Davis, 2005; Westacott, 2000) There are many considerations that build-up a person’s moral judgment. First, our conscience serves as our guide when choosing between something that is morally right or wrong. (Paunil-Ciabal, 2003: 23) It is also unavoidable that some of us may end up having to face a situation wherein we need to make a major life decision based on the principle of choosing the lesser evil. (Paunil-Ciabal, 2003: 33) Since we all have the freedom to make choices in our lives, some of us may end up deciding to act on something that may not be morally right in the eyes of another person. Choosing the action that does not fully promote humanity is never an easy task. Considering all the factors that may contribute to the development of moral decisions in each person, this study will examine and provide some real-life examples that will prove as to whether or not the application of pure emotions, pure logical reasoning, or both is necessary when it comes to the justification of a moral decision. Torturing or inflicting cruel acts on another human being is morally unacceptable considering that the act itself, regardless of its purpose, is considered as evil and inhumane. (Kershnar, 2004; Paunil-Ciabal, 2003: 33) Back in 2002, we have heard from the news about the story behind the American soldiers in Afghanistan, Guantà ¡namo Bay naval base, and Iraq wherein the prisoners were brutally tortured as part of their preferred â€Å"interrogation technique† in order for the American soldiers to gather more information with regards to the terrorists group that has attacked the Americans back in 2001. (Davis, 2005) Basically, the five possible reasons behind torturing another individual includes: (1) to make another person confess; (2) to gather sensitive information; (3) to intimidate another party; (3) as a punishment; (5) to make another person suffer for the personal satisfaction