Philosophically, answer this question about yourself..."How do I know what is the right thing...?

Question

Philosophically, answer this question about yourself..."How do I know what is the right thing to do in ethical situations?"

Answer 1

Feelings can't always tell you what is right and what is wrong. For example shots feel bad. Parents don't want to hurt their kids but a parent who refuses to protect a child against deadly diseases is wrong, regardless of how it made your child feel when they got the shot.
Sex feels good, but under the wrong circumstances it can cause a whole host of medical and other problems, so sex under curtain conditions is wrong, regardless of how you felt in the moment.

My basic guideline for morality is a mix of Christian theology, law, and probable outcome consideration.

Sometimes something can be moral, but produce an immoral outcome for example In Germany many Christians took it upon themselves to hide Jews from the Nazis.
It is immoral to lie, but if these Christians had told the truth when the Nazis asked about Jews in the area, the Jews would have been murdered. In this case it was better to be immoral by lying, then to be honest and cause the death of innocent people.
And since God hates murder I still would have an absolute morality in mind.

Answer 2

The right thing is what is of the greatest benefit the the greatest number of people excluding yourself. The way you judge what is beneficial is by what enables that person to have an easier, happier, longer life. Essentially, the logical decision is always the best decision. This may seem overly simplified, but it can be applied to every situation.

Answer 3

The golden rule of treating people how you would like to be treated often works well, but it has some flaws. If I enjoy getting punched in the face, that doesn't mean that I should go punch everyone in the face. Usually, I ask if me doing a certain action will harm anyone else. Not harming anyone else though has some flaws too though, because I believe in self defense and punishment for crimes. With this problem, I'm for an eye for an eye. I'm a firm believer in the use of the golden rule to presume how others would like you to treat them. I think if someone steals money from me, that means that they want me steal money from them. I know they probably won't enjoy me stealing money from them, but that's what the deserve.

Answer 4

The right thing to do would have to depend on the situation itself.
Doing the right thing sometimes will not benefit me directly but is best for my future. Sometimes doing the right thing benefits everyone...i.e. the greater good. But all of these things depend on
the situation at hand. unless I've misunderstood.

Answer 5

It depends on your nature, and your upbringing. Take my for example, if I saw 200 million dollars laying on the floor, I would turn it in, no matter how much I wanted it, but if let's say Bill Gates say 200 million dollars on the floor, he might just take, and keep it. And you know that little nagging voice in your head? That also helps things, : D But also, I know that I was given wisdom, and I should use it rightly and justly.

Answer 6

I know by following my conscience and/or common sense and doing the best I can to effect a favorable outcome of circumstances I think I can change.

Answer 7

I know what is right - because I decide what is right. As does everyone. We all know what is right for ourselves - and these rights may not all be the same.

I am in control of my ethics.

Answer 8

By following the path of wisdom which is demonstrated by compassion!

Answer 9

I believe that each of us compares an action to our personal standard of right and wrong; where we GET the standard of right and wrong varies.

Answer 10

follow your heart its cheese but think about it and when you are going to do something thats not right you just know it dont get confused with what you want