Critical Thinking And Ethical Decision Making

Critical thinking can be defined as thinking which is open minded, clear and rational. It is when an individual is capable of interpreting, reasoning and verifying information in a logical and strategic way. Whereas ethics is used when making reference to the perception of what is right or wrong in a defined situation. One can apply critical thinking to a particular situation which may facilitate the individual to make the correct decisions as to the right ethical choices or principles to apply as it relates to that particular situation. The connection between ethics and critical thinking can be seen in the sense that the individual is required to think of a number of methods to deal with the issue, which involves eliminating different approaches
until they have decided on one which they feel is more acceptable.
Ellis, D. B. (1985). Becoming a master student (5th ed.) states that there are six steps which can be found in the critical thinking process. These steps listed in ascending order are as followed: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating and Creating. Remembering is being able to recollect and identify what is being said or what you heard. Understanding is when you have fully grasped the information and are able to explain and summarize in your own words. The third step which is applying involves being able to use what you have learned to maybe solve a problem, make a decision or complete a task. Analyzing involves segmenting or dividing what you have read or heard into smaller components or steps. Evaluation occurs when we have fully understood and analyzed the information and be able to effectively judge, compare, and measure or support the different aspects. The final step which is creating involves formulating or conceiving your own ideas based on all the knowledge you have acquired through the previous steps.
My blind spot is that I am Satisfied with too little good or Unrealistic Role Expectations.
I sometimes fail to be accountable to those who depend on me. I tend to become complacent when I’ve satisfied my own needs, sometimes leaving problems unresolved in the long-term and everyone else to fend for themselves. I also develop unrealistic role expectations. I rely too much on the virtues associated with a particular role, forgetting that individuals are fallible regardless of their role. My preferred ethical lens are result and reputation. I listen to my intuition to determine the greatest good for each individual and the character traits and virtues that will best serve the community. When it comes to my personal ethic beliefs I think that people should make responsible choices which also benefits different individuals. They should also demonstrate strong leadership traits and encourage others to do likewise. As such, when I am faced with decision making I attempt to be rational, non-judgmental and fair especially if my decision will affect others. I think it’s important to compromise to the needs of others involved so that everyone can benefit from the outcome. If the decision solely involves myself I still ensure that my choices are smart and I usually do go with my intuition. Although I look at my choices from different angles and perspectives as well as weigh my options my intuition always seems to lead me to the best outcome. Society can greatly flourish when the right ethical approach is involved. Wueste, D. E. (1994). Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility; when we speak of social responsibility we direct attention to or invoke norms that express stable and legitimate expectations respecting the conduct of persons in positions of public trust or power within a social practice or institution. Decisions can either be deemed as socially responsible or irresponsible. These public figures are expected to apply good moral ethics to make
socially responsible decisions which should be of benefit to the community. One of their main focuses should be the well-being of everyone involved. Ethics can also be applied to professional responsibilities. Each decision that a company or organization makes can somehow negatively or positively affect the public as well as their clients and consumers. Companies can instill ethics in their employees to assist them in performing their job function. These individuals have a responsibility to uphold and act in the company’s best interest, if they are able to transfer their ethical morals to their work tasks in a productive manner the company as well as the public will benefit.