ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the six-component model of practical ethics developed by Martin Benjamin, preparing the ground for fleshing out the relationship between Benjamin's philosophy of conflict and Positional analysis (PA) as a decision-making approach. It argues that his model of practical ethics is well suited to addressing the ethical dimensions of scientific practices, decision-making and public debate for sustainability. The chapter examines elements of Benjamin's practical ethics model will be related to some of the theoretical and practical challenges of PA and sustainability decision-making. Reflective equilibrium as presented by Benjamin is a process of seeking as much consistency among our various beliefs, theories, models, metaphors, paradigms and any other element of our mental and emotive lives. Legitimate compromise, as presented by Benjamin, necessarily consists of both the process and the outcome. Pragmatic conception of moral reasoning and justification – grounded by Benjamin in wide reflective equilibrium – raises questions about the possibility of inter- and intra-personal application.
