In a stepwise ethical model, which component helps avoid bias by considering similar past cases?

• A. Guesswork
• B. Intuition
• C. Impulse
• D. Analogical reasoning

Answer: (D)

Analogical reasoning relies on comparing the current situation to similar past cases to guide the decision. In a stepwise ethical model, this component helps avoid bias by anchoring judgments in precedent rather than personal whim or unexamined assumptions. By examining how similar situations were analyzed and resolved, you can identify which factors were decisive, which principles were used, and what outcomes resulted, promoting consistency and fairness across cases.

This approach encourages you to assess the relevance of the similarities and differences between cases, ensuring that you don’t overgeneralize or ignore important context. When applied carefully, analogical reasoning grounds ethical choices in established patterns and documented reasoning, making the decision process more transparent and less susceptible to individual bias. Keep in mind, though, that past cases must be truly relevant; if the similarities are weak, the analogy can mislead, so it’s important to judge the scope and applicability of prior reasoning before applying it to the current situation.