Moral dialogue: An interactional approach to ethical decision making

Abstract

Abstract This article proposes an ethical decision‐making process for clinical practitioners that bridges the gap between more abstract ethical frameworks in our current literature and the actual process of ethical decision making that occurs at the practice level. The bridge is provided by the use of the concept of “moral dialogue,” which focuses on the ongoing interactions between clients and workers. The use of preexisting clinical skills guides the process of assessment and decision making rooted in the moral aspects of the challenges often embedded in practice situations. Furthermore, this article addresses the usefulness of the emerging literature on spirituality, diversity, narratives and transpersonal theory in adding to the social workers’ capacity to enter this realm of practice from a non‐moralistic stance. Hence, this approach avoids many of the pitfalls that have plagued clients and professionals throughout our history.