The Relationship between Critical Thinking and Ethics

When it comes to critical thinking, it is essential to exercise careful judgment and evaluate situations or problems thoroughly. Critical thinking involves taking all the facts into consideration to make informed decisions. Psychologist Benjamin Bloom identified six types of thinking that are crucial in the process of critical thinking. These types include remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating (Ellis, 2015, p.

205).

The process of utilizing the six types of thinking involves a three-step approach that includes checking your attitude, logic, and evidence (Ellis, 2015, p. 205). Checking your attitude helps in maintaining an open mind and being receptive to different viewpoints. By checking for logic, you can identify assertions and assumptions in various situations. Furthermore, checking for evidence requires thorough research and investigation to find proof by asking probing questions, consulting various sources, and examining relevant literature.

According to my Ethical Lens Inventory Report, my preferred ethical lenses are rights-responsibility and results lenses. This indicates that I strive to balance reasoning and intuition to fulfill my duties while maximizing the greater good for each individual.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified writer

Proficient in: Critical Thinking

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

However, my blind spot lies in believing that my motives justify my methods or that my own good intentions are sufficient. This can lead to instances where I may neglect accountability towards those who rely on me, inadvertently causing distress or harm due to my narrow focus on good motives rather than critically evaluating my methods.

Personal ethics play a significant role in influencing decision-making processes by valuing rationality and sensibility equally. While universal principles exist, I recognize that each situation is unique and not all exceptions can be categorized.

Therefore, I find that a balanced approach that is both consistent and flexible is often the most effective. I tend to prioritize the value of autonomy over equality, with a primary focus on protecting individual rights.

In professional settings, ethical guidelines are typically outlined in employee handbooks, which may include a company's Code of Conduct. Additionally, some companies may have a separate Code of Ethics tailored to their specific industry. These guidelines detail expected behavior and conduct, with variations based on the nature of the profession. Similarly, in societal settings, ethics are enforced through laws and ordinances passed by communities at various levels, such as nations, states, cities, or towns. These regulations reflect the value commitments of the community, with slight variations based on cultural norms and beliefs.

Overall, critical thinking and ethical decision-making are essential skills that play a crucial role in personal, professional, and societal contexts. By honing these skills and understanding the underlying principles, individuals can navigate complex situations with clarity and integrity, ultimately contributing to a more ethical and responsible society.

References:

Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A Taxonomy For Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision Of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman.

Baird, C. (2014, May). Correspondence of Code of Conduct and Handbook-1. Retrieved from http://myresource.phoenix.edu

Ellis, D. (2015). Becoming A Master Student (15th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Version 3.0.3) [Computer Software]. Retrieved from http://i.word.com