Predicting consequences

Moral reasoning involves predicting the consequences of an action before we act.  There are always consequences when we take the action we think is right, and when we try to be good persons, and usually these include unintended as well as intended outcomes. 

When the likely beneficial outcomes of acting on an ethical presumption seem to outweigh the likely adverse outcomes, then predicting consequences confirms our presumption. But when we predict that the adverse consequences will outweigh the beneficial consequences, even when we are obeying an ethical rule or following an inspiring story, then we should consider whether to make an exception to the rule or to look to a different story for guidance. 

We must remember, however, that before we act we can never know for certain what the consequences will be.Therefore, we should take care in predicting what will result from acting on an ethical presumption. 

With hope...Bob