Ethical Decision Making and the Role of Critical Thinking

In this comprehensive essay, we will delve into the intricacies of ethical decision making and explore the crucial role of critical thinking in shaping ethical choices. To illustrate these concepts, we will draw upon personal experiences as real-world examples. Ethical decision making is a process that individuals and organizations encounter regularly, and understanding how critical thinking factors into this process is vital for making sound ethical decisions.

Introduction

When faced with an ethical dilemma, individuals often find themselves grappling with complex decisions.

The need for ethical decision making arises when conflicting values or interests come into play. To navigate such dilemmas effectively, it is essential to employ critical thinking, which can be defined as logical thinking that draws conclusions from facts and evidence.

Personal Experience: Balancing Work and Education

As an illustration of the practical application of ethical decision making and critical thinking, consider a personal experience related to work and education. I am currently enrolled in a tuition reimbursement program offered by my employer.

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This program has specific criteria that determine whether my education expenses are taxable or nontaxable. The implications of this decision are significant, as it directly impacts my financial situation.

One of the key factors that can make my tuition taxable is if my educational program qualifies me for a new position within the company. If I were to answer "no" to this question, my tuition would remain nontaxable, potentially saving me a considerable amount of money. However, answering "no" when it is not truthful would amount to dishonesty and potentially cheating the government or my employer.

This scenario presents a classic ethical dilemma, and my response to it was guided by an ethical decision-making model.

The Ethical Decision Making Model

The ethical decision-making model I employed is derived from the Josephson Institute of Ethics, which outlines seven key steps to reach a well-informed and ethically sound conclusion. Let's delve into each step in detail.

1. Stop and Think

The first step in ethical decision making is to pause and engage in thoughtful contemplation. Taking time to analyze the situation and its potential consequences is crucial. This step prevents hasty decisions and allows for a more disciplined and rational approach. In my case, I considered the potential repercussions of evading taxes, such as legal consequences and damage to my professional reputation.

2. Clarify Goals

Before making a decision, it is essential to clarify both short-term and long-term goals. Determining which goals are most significant and aligning them with the decision at hand is essential. In my situation, pursuing my educational goals and maintaining my job were paramount. Evading taxes could jeopardize both of these objectives.

3. Determine Facts

Accurate information forms the foundation of any decision. To make informed choices, it is necessary to gather relevant facts and assess their credibility. Evaluating the sources of information and distinguishing between facts and assumptions are critical steps. In my case, I consulted a trusted tax attorney to obtain accurate information about the consequences of tax evasion, solidifying my understanding of the situation.

4. Develop Options

Having a range of options to choose from is crucial in ethical decision making. Generating a list of possible actions ensures a comprehensive evaluation of alternatives. However, in some cases, such as mine, certain ethical principles may eliminate certain options. For instance, breaking the law was not a viable choice, so I was left with only one ethical option: paying taxes.

5. Consider Consequences

Assessing the potential consequences of each option is essential. This step involves aligning choices with ethical principles and considering how they may affect various stakeholders. In my case, I applied the Six Pillars of Character—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship—to evaluate the ethical implications of my decision. I also contemplated how my choice might impact others.

6. Choose

After thorough deliberation and consideration of ethical principles, it is time to make a decision. Seeking advice from trusted individuals can be valuable, but the ultimate responsibility for the choice rests with the decision maker. In my case, I chose to act ethically and pay taxes, aligning with my long-term goals and principles.

7. Monitor and Modify

Finally, ethical decision makers must monitor the outcomes of their choices. Recognizing that decisions are made based on imperfect information, they should be open to modifying their decisions if unintended negative consequences arise. In my situation, I remain confident in my decision, as it aligns with ethical principles and legal obligations, with no harm to others.

Critical Thinking in Ethical Decision Making

Critical thinking plays a pivotal role in the ethical decision-making process, especially in step 3, where determining facts is essential. Critical thinking can be defined as logical thinking that draws conclusions from facts and evidence. This cognitive skill is crucial for evaluating the reliability of information, assessing the credibility of sources, and making informed decisions based on evidence.

Step 3 of the ethical decision-making model highlights the significance of critical thinking. To make ethical choices, one must first determine the facts of the situation. Critical thinking aids in distinguishing between facts and assumptions, evaluating the reliability of information sources, and considering multiple perspectives. In my case, consulting a tax attorney and obtaining accurate information was a manifestation of critical thinking in action.

Critical thinking also encourages individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions. It prompts them to think beyond immediate desires and needs and assess how their choices align with their overarching life goals and values. In my case, critical thinking helped me recognize that evading taxes might provide short-term financial relief but could ultimately hinder my educational and professional aspirations.

Conclusion

Ethical decision making is a complex process that requires careful consideration and adherence to ethical principles. Critical thinking, characterized by logical reasoning and evidence-based conclusions, is an integral component of ethical decision making. In my personal experience, following the Josephson Institute of Ethics' seven-step model allowed me to navigate an ethical dilemma successfully and make a choice aligned with my values and long-term goals.

By stopping to think, clarifying goals, determining facts, developing options, considering consequences, making a choice, and monitoring and modifying decisions when necessary, individuals can approach ethical decision making with confidence. Critical thinking empowers them to gather reliable information, assess ethical implications, and make choices that promote their own well-being while upholding ethical principles.