great thinkers, great ideas

Epilogue 251

to compromise certain positions we hold because of our priori­
ties, which value some things more than others. Also, we should
learn in the process which priorities should be held in higher
esteem than others.
What follows will be a brief outline of how we will address
any social problem. Let us take as an example the problem of
capital punishment. Should the state use capital punishment, and
if so, in what cases. If not, why not?

1. The first step in the process is to define the problem not only
   in terms of semantics, but in terms of the history of the issue.


2. The second step is to present our own moral position, first in
   a general sense, then in the particular as it applies to this issue.


3. The third step is to present our own political position, first in
   a general sense, then in the particular as it applies to the issue.


4. The fourth step is to present our own economic position, first
   in a general sense, then in the particular as it applies to the
   issue.

At this point we must analyze our moral, political and eco­
nomic premises to see if they are consistent with one another;
e.g., one cannot assert the majority-rule principle as a basic
political position and simultaneously assert that the state can do
whatever it chooses to do in regard to the issue of capital
punishment. Nor can one assert that as a moral absolute the
taking of life is always wrong, whether by an individual or a
state, then justify capital punishment because the majority
desires it, or introduce the concept of expense in maintaining
convicts. If, indeed, there are conflicts of premises, then we must
identify the conflict, determine the priority, explain the process
for the determination—then make the choice.
Once all the moral, political, and economic premises have
been determined, all the contradictions have been eliminated (or
the priorities have been set and explained), then we are ready to
apply the principles to the problem. This brings us to step five.

5. The fifth step, which is in fact a combination of the steps listed
   above, is to apply our own moral, political and economic
   premises, not just as an intellectual exercise, but with an
   understanding of all the complex factors which are a part of