Critical Thinking and Ethics

Critical Thinking and Ethics

 

Introduction

            The rules and principles of critical thinking plays a massive role in ethical reasoning given that they presents the processes through which one determines for himself or herself whether an action is wrong or right. Ethical reasoning entails the process of determination and separation of right from wrong. Within the process of ethical reasoning, critical thinking contributes a major role and purpose. It is a method of determination and analysis of fiction versus fact, coming to an understanding and identification of the unknown. Through critical thinking, a mental process of evaluation is developed which aids in the determination of ethical standards.

            The incorporation of critical thinking process in the mindset allows for a more effective decision making process which is based on verified information and truth instead of variables and unknown.  Critical thinking process allows for the elimination of variables thereby bringing to view, the plain existing truth and making a decision based on the truth. Employing critical thinking approach in ethical analysis is imperative in attaining ethical reasoning (Paul & Binker, 2007). The application of ethics in different situations are not bound by general hard and fast rules given that what is considered ethical in a situation may be considered unethical in a different situation. It is worth noting that a lot of factors play part in ethical consideration and view such as culture and location. The location and culture of people plays an imperative role in the determination and consideration of ethical situation. As such, the application of critical thinking greatly enhances ethical reasoning (Curtler, 2005).

            Ethical decision making remains imperative even in the presence and use of rules and guidelines of logic. The principles and rules of logic should be used in ethical reasoning but ethical decisions should not be based entirely on the rules and principle of logic given that other factors such as location and culture greatly influence what is considered ethical and unethical.