Some Helpful Suggestions for
Reasoned Ethical and Civil Decision Making
Ron Barnette
I submit that the most
effective ethical and civility judgments and decisions are made with a keen blending of
the minds reason, with emotional involvement, and with a check on ones
reactive instincts. To this end, the following thoughts serve as an aid for clear,
thoughtful, ethical and civil decision making.
Use Reflective
Reasoning
Utilize ample time to
reflect on ideas before making your decision
Use a more systematic process for arriving at judgments
Reflect on your personal responsibility for making sound judgments
Always be collaborative by including diverse ideas and divergent perspectives from
others and from your own imagination
Balance your own emotions with your reasoned judgment
Listen well to views of others and suspend personal judgment
Ask critical questions to clarify the issues
Avoid quick either/or thinking
the old logic black or white
fallacy, and avoid personal, ad
hominem criticisms of the opposing viewpoints
Always seek alternative possibilities as you reflect on your own views
Consider the consequences and implications of various viewpoints, including your
own
Justify your position by clear principles of ethics, civility, and logic
Beware of
Blind Rule Obedience
Avoid the tendency to
cease or abruptly cut off discussion
Evaluate critically a claim that this is the way we have done this in the
past
Do not blindly rely on the chair to say, "Do it this way because..."
Never underestimate nor neglect personal moral responsibility, in spite of what
others say or imply
Challenge rules, thoughtfully, if you judge that they compete with ethical
principles or when they are not logical
this makes for cogent, reflective dialogue,
in light of changing times. But always be prepared to alter your views in light of what
you hear and evaluate cogently
Always realize that past practices are subject to current realities
Avoid Visceral
Reactions
Bite your tongue and
steer clear of strong visceral responses
Do not let emotions rule your reflective judgments; always endeavor to separate
issues from personalities
Avoid staking out positions and locking on to them blindly
Do not talk while blocking out your listening ability
Do not see others as for me or against me
Do not allow a personal feeling to prevent thoughtful collaboration and potential
agreement
a win/win is always an ideal for which to strive.