Final answer:
The action of stepping back and rethinking in the face of an ethical dilemma fits within the reflective phase of the Five Step Approach, particularly during the final step, which involves reflecting on the decision and its consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action to step back and rethink or adjust your intended course of action when facing ethical dilemmas is part of the reflective process inherent in the application of ethical principles and norms. This reflective process is generally acknowledged in the field of applied ethics where moral agents are encouraged to consider, review, and potentially revise their actions based on a critical examination of their underlying justifications and implications. This step is important in the transition from recognizing an ethical issue to formulating a response that is both morally justifiable and coherent with one's ethical framework.
In the Five Step Approach to Ethical Dilemmas, which includes recognizing an ethical issue, getting the facts, evaluating alternative actions, making a decision and acting, and reflecting on the decision and its consequences, the action of rethinking falls within the final step: reflection. It is during this phase that individuals critically assess the outcomes of their decisions, ensure consistency with their moral values, and determine if further adjustments to their course of action are necessary.
The importance of review and criticism in the ethical decision-making process promotes the growth of moral reasoning by ensuring that individuals are not solely relying on initial judgments but are engaged in an ongoing process of self-improvement and refinement of their ethical stances.