Critical Thinking and Ethical Decision-Making
Critical Thinking and Ethical Decision-Making
Critical thinking is a value that enables one to make a decision that is not rush hence more efficient. In addition to that, it gives one a chance to consult with their moral value in essence preventing them from acting unethically. This paper intends to look into how critical thinking and ethics are related by looking into the steps of critical thinking and how values affect decision-making.
Critical thinking; also called critical analysis, is a clear and rational thinking that involves critique. It includes the making of clear, reasoned judgments after considering various angles looking into something. It is a process of conceptualizing, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information that has been gathered through experience, observation or communication as a way to determine one's actions. People with critical thinking do not just jump into actions and conclusions, rather they let their minds go through various logical steps that widen their perspective, accept their findings without personal biased and consider the available reasonable possibilities.
Critical thinking as a process involves six steps. Knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and taking action (Elmansiq 2016). Knowledge is the step that whereby one identifies a problem that needs to be solved. One asks themselves open-ended questions so that they can explore main reason. After the problem has been identified, the next step; comprehension, involves understanding it. Here, data is collected using any method of data collection depending on the type of data and problem-solving deadline available. The third stage called application is a continuation of the comprehension whereby one has to link the information collected and resources available. After collecting of information and building of links between the main problems, the situation is analyzed to identify a solution and to determine the challenges involved in solving the problem. The fifth stage; called synthesis, involved deciding on how to address the problem and how to turn the decision into action. SWOT analysis is one of the tools that can be used in this step. Finally, we have taken actions as our final step. It involves acting on the decision made in the whole critical thinking process. (Elmansiq, 2016)
Critical thinking the way to go as far as solving problems are concerned. It involves more than just gaining knowledge on a particular situation and identifying of solutions (Exforsys 2006). Critical thinking mainly entails making the decision after considering different angles and different alternative solutions. Exforsys (2006) says one looks at various argumentations and the implications of each argument to them. In addition to that, they look for contradiction and take the action with the least contradiction. It enables one to be open minded and less bias, in essence enabling him/her to find the most convenient solution.
My preferred ethical lens is right and responsibility as I consider myself as responsible. I have a high individual balance and usually restrain myself from when it comes to seeking pleasure. Mostly, I prioritize my duty more than my personal wants hence acting with integrity comes naturally to me. I firmly believe in equal treatment of people and at times, I can go out of my way to protect other individuals’ rights. While working, I focus on doing the task right. I make my intentions clear and at times am told that am harsh and cold. My justification is that my intentions are good hence my blind spot is the belief that motive justifies the method.
Ethics simply refer to wrong and right as far as human conduct is concerned. My personal values play a significant role in the decisions I make. When faced with a situation and am required to make a decision about my next action I can clearly identify my values and know exactly what I cannot do. Consequently, these values enable me to identify my options and their resultant consequence. Essentially, this allows me to choose the option that suits my values and principles that are important to me. Resultantly, I can make decisions that are good for without requiring anyone’s opinion of my actions yet able to justify myself in case am asked to.
Many professions contain professional ethics, which when ignored, could lead to misconduct. An example is whereby a physician is not supposed to discuss confidential information about his/her patient or with outside parties. These ethics are set to protect the society from the being affected by the profession. Essentially, they enable a professional to conduct his/her job smoothly for example, in the case of a physician; the patient trusts him/her with information which might be important in the diagnosis. Ethics also apply to societal responsibilities as they enable limit one from doing certain things to others.
References
Exforsys (2006).How Critical Thinking Can Help You to Solve Problems? Retrieved from
www.exforsys.com:http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/problem-solving/how-critical-thinking-can-help-you-solve-problems.html/feed
Elmansiq R. (2016).6 Steps For Effective Critical Thinking. Designorate. Retrieved from
http://www.designorate.com/steps-effective-critical-thinking/
