The Impact of Ethics on Decision-Making
The Impact of Ethics on Decision-Making
If decision-making requires that we employ the basic standards of critical thinking, mainly, perception, assumptions, emotion, language skills, arguments, fallacies, logic and problem solving, then, would it be correct to assume that if we employ the standards of ethical behavior to such decision-making processes the chosen alternative to the problem may create a dilemma between critical thinking and ethical conduct? At times it may. Many issues have to be taken into consideration. Some of these ethical issues involve tradition, personal believes, family values, patriotism to one’s country, religious believes, and cultural values.
Ethical behavior is consistent with agreed principles of correct moral conduct. It is consistent because it is steady, unchanging, dependable and true to type, mainly, agreed principles. The principles, themselves, are agreed upon by a group of individuals that follow correct moral conduct. The conduct itself is correct because any other type of conduct is deemed unacceptable by those that follow this moral conduct. The conduct itself is also moral because it is righteous, upright, honest and blameless. In addition, ethical behavior is concerned with conduct because it is a way of behaving, habits and manners and presiding over situations and events.
If these terms are so clearly defined, then why is it that various chosen alternatives with some individuals are in conflict with true happiness and a peaceful state of mind? The most likely reason for this alteration of minds lies with how incorrectly many individuals employ the standards of critical thinking in addition to having a disregard towards ethical conduct. The
greater the deviance from critical thinking and ethical conduct, the greater the altered state of mind. Contrary to this, the closer that one is to the standards of critical thinking and ethical conduct, the greater the level of inner peace with oneself in selecting a chosen alternative with decision-making. As per Dr. Chopra: “Once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with natural law, a sense of well-being, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life, and material abundance will spring forth easily and effortlessly.”
An example that discusses the impact of ethics on decision-making is the use of marijuana for medical purposes within the state of California. By analyzing this last statement word-by-word, you can safely imply that if marijuana is used for medical purposes, then its use is meant to remedy a medical condition,...