Decision Making 2

• A type of motivated reasoning


  Confirmational bias
• We search out information (system?) that support what we already think (system?) and reject information that doesn't

  1,2
• Ethical Theories


  1. Virtue ethics

  2. Consequentialism

  3. Deontology
• Emphasis on what kind of person one ought to be, your character

  Being the best person you can

  Golden means between vice and virtue

  
  

  Which ethical theory?

  Virtual ethics
• A morally good act is one which produced a good outcome

  Not rule based

  Different "strands" of consequentialism

  - utilitarianism

  - egoism

  - ethical altriusm

  
  

  Which ethical theory?

  Consequentialism
• The greatest amount of pleasure (vs pain) for the greatest number of people

  Each life is equal

  
  

  Which strand of consequentialism?

  Utilitarianism
• One should take the option which benefits their own self-interest (we have no obligation to others)

  
  

  Which strand of consequentialism?

  Egoism
• The opposite of egoism

  - one takes the action that benefits others, but not themselves

  Short term vs long term pleasure

  
  

  Which strand of consequentialism?

  Ethical Altruism
• Consequentialist Issue


  PredictionReliability and Feasibility

  Potentially time consuming Bounded rationality
• There are moral rules we should follow.

  Duty-based

  - perfect and imperfect duties

  Moral obligations are derived from pure reason

  
  

  Which ethical theory?

  Deontology
• "Acts only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law"


  Principle of universalisability
• It could be argued that the reason for the rules of deontology is because?

  Of the outcomes of consequentialism
• Someone is trying to kill Sally. They ask you where she is, and you know. Do you tell the murderer?​

  DeontologyYes (lying is wrong)

  ConsequentialismNo (it would be bad if Sally was killed)

  Virtue EthicsNo? (what would a virtuous person do?)
• 1. Identify the ethical dilemma or professional issue

  2. Gather all the relevant info and research the problem

  3. Identify all the possible solutions

  4. Weigh up the benefits and risks of each option

  5. Choose an option-ensuring you can justify the decision

  6. Record the decision making process

  Professional Judgement