The use of ethics matrices

Abstract

The PUME matrix helps us define 'what are we discussing'. In a moral debate we often bring in many arguments, some of which have to do directly, and others indirectly with the main moral issue at hand. Moreover the moral issue may lead to other ethical choices and to areas or issues of which we are unsure. In order to clarify one's thinking, in teaching and in moral debate, it is useful to distinguish therefore the main moral argument at hand, for example, sale of organs, from the pragmatic moral issues which arise - which indeed can have weight on the outcome. Then there are other ethical choices to be made - are there exceptions when we can tolerate the sale of an organ, for example if it is put as a condition in one's will? There are areas which we are unsure about - unsure whether they form part of the main moral argument or are more pragmatic such as autostimulation to produce a sample of sperm, as an argument against In vitro Fertilization. PUME stands for Pragmatic, Moral, Unsure and Ethical.