Lecture on Ethics and Decision Making

Introduction

• Daily decision-making counts range from 70 to 35,000.
• Focus is on the quality of decisions rather than quantity.

Understanding Ethics

• Ethics is a tool to differentiate between good and bad decisions.
• Branch of philosophy addressing practical questions like "What should we do?"
• Studies values, principles, beliefs, and norms.
• Asks: "How should we live? What choices should we make? What makes life worth living?"

Ethics in Decision Making

• Ethics help define conditions for a good choice and selecting the best option.

Ethical Dilemma Example

• Case: Friend "Lee" confides about depression and isolation but wants it kept secret.
• Dilemma: Risk breaching trust by sharing info to help Lee be treated with empathy or keep the secret and allow isolation.

Values vs. Principles

• Values: Things we consider good (e.g., justice, knowledge, equality).
  • Dilemma: Trustworthiness vs. Compassion.
• Principles: Guidelines determining acceptable ways of achieving values.
  • Example principles:
    • Be true to your word (keep Lee's confidence).
    • Act in people's best interests (share info for Lee's benefit).

Navigating Ethical Ambiguities

• Ethical decision-making is complex due to conflicting values and principles.

Selecting Values and Principles

• Consider purpose as a guiding "north star."
• Question: "What are friends for?" in the context of Lee.
• Purpose in friendship: Share life, highs and lows; respect Lee's decision on sharing information.

Impact of Choices and Purpose

• Each choice impacts the world.
• Importance of making choices that are good and right.
• Justifiable choices that one can be proud of.

Conclusion

• Whether making many choices or just one, focus on making meaningful, ethically sound decisions.