Week 6 - Reflection Journal Assignment

Supriya Dakuri

INTO SLU, Saint Louis University

IS 5050-204 : Ethical Evidence-Based Decision Making

Prof: Stephen Mohr

30th April 2023

(The definition of morality 2020) There are differences between the data and how individuals
view a problem, conflicting moral commitments, or outcomes that benefit one stakeholder group
at the expense of another. Additionally, there are situations in which the requirement for evidence
conflicts with contextual limitations (such as time constraints), with certain types of evidence
contradicting those of other types, with specific instances of one ethical obligation conflicting
with another, and with different instances of that obligation. After an open and cooperative
conversation with all parties concerned and keeping in mind the ethical principles of ethical
decision-making, the appropriate course of action in these circumstances should be determined.
To solve these problems, decision-makers might use frameworks for decision-making, such as
morality or deontological ethics, in order to direct their actions and ensure that they are in line
with their values. An open and inclusive decision-making process that includes all participants
may be beneficial in addressing moral dilemmas in addition to applying ethical principles. This
approach ensures that all points of view are considered and that the decision will be approved by
all parties.

(Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk - JSTOR)Prospect theory, which describes
how people make decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty, has a considerable impact on
evidence-based decision making.In order to be more clear, it suggests that people are more
vulnerable to losses than to gains and that they would be more willing to take risks in order to
avoid losses.This has implications for those making evidence-based decisions since they might
prioritize avoiding harm even when the evidence suggests that there might be more benefits than
risks.When making decisions in such situations, people may lean more on their emotions than on
reason. This raises important ethical issues because it's possible for individuals to dismiss advice
based on reliable facts or put their own interests ahead of those of society as a whole.
Recognizing how emotions can affect judgment and inspiring people to assess the material at
hand objectively and logically are essential for finding a solution to this problem.Ethical
considerations come into action when data is used to discriminate against one group while
favoring another.
(The trolley problem - yale university) In the philosophical thought experiment known as "The
Trolley Problem," an ethical dilemma involving a runaway trolley that is about to hit and kill five
people is raised. The question is whether it is ethical to guide the trolley onto a different track
where only one person is standing in order to save the lives of the five people.In this situation,
the trolley problem highlights the difficult choices involved in environmental decision-making
and the importance of striking a balance between moral factors like environmental protection and
economic development. In order to treat patients, for example, healthcare professionals may need
to decide how to distribute their limited resources. They would have to decide between saving
the lives of a small number of patients who are critically ill and taking care of a greater number
of patients who have less severe illnesses. The healthcare professional must choose whether to
risk saving a few lives in order to save many others. A variation of the trolley problem can be
noticed in this decision.

(Marchant, The growing gap between emerging technologies and the law 1970) While scientists
might be better at understanding the facts and supporting evidence surrounding various issues,
they might not be as knowledgeable about things like diplomatic efforts, the field of economics
and social justice. Some claim that scientists are more likely to prioritize the long-term health of
the planet and its people than politicians because politicians are too focused on their own
short-term interests and short-term gains. Additionally, they assert that scientists are more likely
to base decisions on factual information than on political gain or ideology. The circumstances
and the individuals involved, among other factors, will ultimately determine the response to this
issue. Recognizing the complementary roles of scientists and politicians and promoting
cooperation and dialogue between them are essential if decisions are to be based on the best
available evidence and take into account the many interests and opinions of society. These
concepts highlight the need of a collaborative and fact-based approach to decision-making and
can aid in our understanding of the moral dilemmas associated with the argument over whether
scientists or politicians should rule the world.
Reflection :

After researching the various ethical and decision-making issues raised, I've come to realize how
challenging it is to make decisions in real-world situations. The main concepts have shown how
a wide range of factors, such as conflicting commitments and ideals, competing stakeholder

interests, limitations on time, uncertainty, and risk, can have an impact on ethical, fact-based
issues. Our research of ethical dilemmas supported by evidence demonstrated the importance of
considering every relevant factor, including risk, uncertainty, conflicting commitments, and
stakeholder interests. We also learned that moral decisions are not always simple to make and
that there may be trade-offs to be made in order to get the best outcomes.

The topics additionally highlighted how important it is to take into account all relevant facts
while making decisions. I've discovered that making decisions based on evidence can be difficult
when some facts disagree with other information or when the need for proof conflicts with other
environmental restrictions, like a deadline.

Due to issues like the trolley dilemma and the consequences of prospect theory, the ethical
dimensions of decision-making scenarios have also attracted attention. During these
conversations, it has been emphasized how crucial it is to adopt a broad perspective and take into
account how decisions may affect numerous stakeholders.

I have also given thought to the ethical dilemmas that situations for making judgments provide as
well as the importance of explaining choices in light of certain facts. Lastly, while
acknowledging the value of democratic principles and effective leadership, I have looked at the
hypothetical scenario of a world ruled by scientists and the significance of competence in
decision-making. I'll generally utilize these insights to guide my decision-making and help me
uphold moral principles, trying to strike a balance between conflicting duties and viewpoints to
get the best result possible in each circumstance.
References :

Gert, B., & Gert, J. (2020, September 8). The definition of morality. Stanford Encyclopedia
of Philosophy. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/

Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk - JSTOR. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29,
2023, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/1914185

The trolley problem - yale university. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2023, from
https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?httpsredir=1&article=6930&cont
ext=ylj

Marchant, G. E. (1970, January 1). The growing gap between emerging technologies and
the law. Arizona State University. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from
https://asu.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/the-growing-gap-between-emerging-technolo
gies-and-the-law