Theory of Reflective Equilibrium

The concept of Reflective Equilibrium refers to a process by which we try to figure out how we know if something is morally right or not and whether our beliefs about what is moral are consistent

We usually examine our moral judgments about a particular issue by looking for their coherence with our beliefs about similar cases and our beliefs about a broader range of moral and factual issues. In this everyday practice, we seek for “reflective equilibrium” among these various beliefs as a way of clarifying for ourselves just what we ought to do. We may also try to persuade ourselves that our conclusions are justifiable. Reflective equilibrium is the end-point of a deliberative process in which we reflect on and revise our beliefs about an area of inquiry, moral or non-moral. The method of reflective equilibrium can be carried out by individuals acting separately or together. In the latter case, the method is dialogical and agreement among participants may or may not be accompanied by a search for coherence.