Final answer:
W.D. Ross argued for a nuanced approach to morality with prima facie duties that require individual judgment to discern our most pressing duty in the face of conflicting moral obligations. Duties are not absolute, and resolution relies on a balance of rightness over wrongness.
Step-by-step explanation:
W.D. Ross's ethical theory outlines prima facie duties, which represent moral commitments. These include the duty of fidelity, the duty of reparation, the duty of gratitude, the duty to promote the maximum aggregate good, and the duty of non-maleficence. Although these duties are not absolute, Ross emphasizes the importance of judgment in determining which duty is most pressing in any given situation, such as when conflicting moral responsibilities arise.
Ross's theory steps away from the singular principles of classic utilitarianism and deontology, proposing a more nuanced approach that considers a variety of moral obligations. The example of choosing between helping a coworker in distress or fulfilling a promise to a friend, illustrates the type of practical moral judgment Ross advocates for in resolving the conflicts between duties.
In summary, Ross believes that morality often requires individual discernment to balance conflicting duties, and our actual duty is defined by the one that is most immediate and pressing, considering the consequences it entails.