OUR FEELINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF MORAL DECISION-MAKING?

Feelings can play a significant role in moral decision-making, as they are often closely tied to our
values, beliefs, and attitudes. When we encounter a moral dilemma or face a decision that has ethical
implications, our emotions can influence how we evaluate and respond to the situation.

For example, feelings of empathy and compassion can lead us to act in ways that are consistent with
our moral values, such as helping others in need or speaking out against injustice. Conversely, feelings
of anger, fear, or disgust can cause us to react impulsively and make decisions that are not aligned
with our moral principles.

Additionally, feelings can affect our perception of right and wrong, as well as our willingness to engage
in moral behavior. Research has shown that people who experience positive emotions are more likely
to behave ethically, while those who experience negative emotions may be more likely to act
unethically.

However, it is important to note that feelings are not the only factor involved in moral decision-making.
Other factors, such as reason, logic, and social norms, also play a role in how we make moral judgments
and determine what is right or wrong.

ETHICAL THEORIES SUPPORTING THE PRIMACY OF FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS IN

MORAL DECISION MAKING

EMOTIVISM
Emotivism is a philosophical theory that claims moral statements are expressions of emotions and
attitudes, rather than objective statements of fact. According to emotivism, when someone makes a
moral judgment such as "lying is wrong," they are not stating a fact about lying but expressing their
negative feelings toward lying.

Emotivism argues that moral language is not a matter of objective truth, but rather a way of expressing
our attitudes and feelings towards different actions, behaviors or situations. As such, moral language
is subjective, and different people may have different attitudes and feelings towards the same moral
issue.

Emotivism is often associated with the philosopher A.J. Ayer, who developed the theory in his 1936
book, "Language, Truth, and Logic." The theory has been subject to criticism, particularly for its
rejection of the idea that moral statements can be objectively true or false.

SUBJECTIVISM
Ethical subjectivism is a philosophical theory that claims that moral statements are true or false only
relative to the individual or group that holds them. According to ethical subjectivism, there are no
objective moral standards or values that exist independently of human opinion or belief. Instead, moral
judgments are based solely on personal or cultural beliefs, attitudes, and feelings.

In ethical subjectivism, what is considered right or wrong varies from person to person or culture to
culture. Moral judgments are based on individual preferences or the consensus of a particular society,
rather than on any objective or universal standard.

One of the main criticisms of ethical subjectivism is that it leads to relativism, which can result in the
inability to criticize or judge the actions of others. If moral judgments are entirely subjective, there can
be no objective way to determine whether one person's actions are better or worse than another's.
Additionally, ethical subjectivism can lead to the view that moral beliefs are arbitrary and based on
nothing more than personal preference, which can be problematic when trying to make moral
decisions or resolve moral disagreements.

NON-COGNITIVISM?
Non-cognitivism is a metaethical theory that denies the idea that moral judgments are statements of
fact that can be either true or false. Non-cognitivists argue that moral judgments are not truth-apt,
but rather express the speaker's attitudes, emotions, or intentions toward a particular action or
situation.

According to non-cognitivism, moral statements do not describe the world, but rather express the
speaker's desires, preferences, or commands. For example, when someone says "lying is wrong," they
are not making a factual claim about the world, but rather expressing their negative attitude toward
lying.

Non-cognitivism is often contrasted with cognitivism, which holds that moral judgments are
statements of fact that can be evaluated as true or false. Non-cognitivism has been influential in ethical
theory, particularly in the development of emotivism and other forms of expressivism.

WHAT IS A FEELING?
A feeling is a subjective experience that arises from the interaction between our physical and mental
states. It is a conscious experience that is typically accompanied by a range of bodily sensations and
emotional responses.

Feelings can be positive or negative, and they can range from subtle and fleeting to intense and long-
lasting. Some examples of feelings include joy, sadness, anger, fear, love, and contentment.

Feelings are often closely tied to our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions of the world around us. They
can be influenced by a variety of internal and external factors, including our biology, past experiences,
social context, and cultural background.

In the context of moral decision-making, feelings can influence our perception of right and wrong and
our willingness to engage in moral behavior. For example, feelings of guilt or shame may motivate us
to act in ways that align with our moral values, while feelings of anger or resentment may lead us to
act unethically.

Overall, feelings are an important aspect of human experience and can play a significant role in shaping
our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions.

WHAT IS EMOTION?
Emotion is a complex psychological experience that involves a range of physiological, behavioral, and
cognitive responses to internal and external stimuli. Emotions are subjective experiences that are
typically accompanied by feelings, bodily sensations, and thoughts.

There are many different emotions, and they can be classified in various ways. Some common emotions
include happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and surprise. Each emotion has its own unique set of
characteristics, such as a particular facial expression, bodily sensation, and associated behavior.

Emotions can be triggered by a wide range of stimuli, including sensory input, thoughts, memories,
and social interactions. They can be brief and fleeting or long-lasting and intense, and they can be
positive or negative in valence.

The study of emotions is a complex and interdisciplinary field that draws on insights from psychology,
neuroscience, sociology, and philosophy, among other disciplines. Researchers have proposed many
different theories of emotions, and there is ongoing debate about the nature and function of emotions
in human experience.

Overall, emotions are a fundamental aspect of human psychology and play a critical role in shaping
our perceptions, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us.

"FEELINGS AS INSTINCTIVE RESPONSE TO MORAL DILEMMA"

The statement "feelings are instinctive responses to moral dilemmas" suggests that when we are faced
with a moral dilemma, our emotional responses are not necessarily the result of deliberate thought or
conscious decision-making, but rather an automatic and instinctive reaction to the situation.

For example, if we witness someone being mistreated or harmed, we may experience feelings of anger,
empathy, or disgust without consciously deciding to do so. Similarly, if we are faced with a decision
that has ethical implications, our emotional responses may guide us toward a particular course of
action, even if we are not fully aware of the reasoning behind our feelings.

In this sense, feelings can be seen as an instinctive response to moral dilemmas, as they are often the
first and most immediate way we process and respond to ethical situations. However, it is important
to note that feelings alone are not sufficient for making moral judgments or decisions. Rather, they
should be considered alongside other factors, such as reason, logic, and social norms, in order to arrive
at a well-reasoned and ethical course of action.
CAN FEELINGS HELP IN MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION?
Feelings can be helpful in making the right decision, as they can provide valuable information about
our own values, beliefs, and priorities. When faced with a decision, our feelings can guide us toward
the option that feels most aligned with our moral compass or personal goals.

For example, if we are considering a job opportunity that pays well but conflicts with our values, we
may feel uneasy or conflicted about the decision. These feelings can alert us to the fact that the job
may not be the best choice for us, even if it seems attractive on paper. Similarly, if we are considering
helping someone in need, our feelings of compassion and empathy can motivate us to act in a way
that aligns with our moral principles.

However, it is important to note that feelings alone are not always sufficient for making the right
decision. They can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as biases, past experiences, and social
conditioning, which may not always be aligned with our best interests or ethical principles. Therefore,
it is important to also consider other factors, such as reason, logic, and moral principles, when making
important decisions.

FEELINGS AS OBSTACLES TO MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION.

While feelings can be valuable in guiding us toward the right decision, they can also act as obstacles
or barriers that prevent us from making a well-informed and ethical choice. Here are a few ways in
which feelings can hinder our decision-making:

1. Bias: Our feelings and emotions can be influenced by personal biases, past experiences, and
social conditioning, which can distort our judgment and prevent us from seeing the situation
objectively. For example, if we have a strong emotional attachment to a certain idea or belief,
we may be more likely to ignore evidence that contradicts it.
2. Over-emphasis on short-term gratification: Feelings can often prioritize short-term
gratification over long-term well-being. For example, if we feel a strong desire for a particular
food, we may indulge in it even if we know it is unhealthy in the long run.
3. Emotional distress: Strong emotions such as fear, anger, or grief can cloud our judgment and
lead us to make decisions that are not in our best interests or the interests of others. For
example, if we are angry or upset, we may be more likely to lash out at others or make hasty
decisions that we later regret.
4. Groupthink: When we are in a group setting, our feelings and emotions can be influenced by
the emotions of others, which can lead to groupthink and a lack of critical thinking. This can
result in poor decision-making that does not consider all relevant factors.

To overcome these obstacles, it is important to approach decision-making with a degree of self-

awareness and critical thinking. We can do this by recognizing our emotions and biases, and actively
working to evaluate the situation objectively and consider all relevant factors before making a decision.
It is also helpful to seek out diverse perspectives and opinions, and to consider the long-term
consequences of our decisions, rather than solely relying on our immediate feelings and desires.