ETHICAL DECISION MAKING AS ANTIDOTE TO COMPLEX MORAL ISSUES IN THE CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract

The emergence of new values and their incursion into the contemporary society has occasioned a moral aberration of great proportion that has questioned the religion, culture and values of man in the society found to exist ab initio. Today, with the various ethical views, theories and schools of thought, man in his environment is torn between two moral opinions, caught up between and betwixt; not knowing which way to go. This is the case with African society and many others today. Using descriptive phenomenology and secondary sources of data collection, this research found out that lack of proper ethical guide and knowledge has led to wrong moral choices. Tough and complex moral issues confronting the society need to be glanced through the lens of cherished cultures, religion and moral givens of the people before right decisions on them are made. The research advised that the knowledge of ethical guides like human reason, conscience, scriptures and situationism, will be pivotal for those taking decisions in complex ethical matters like abortion, suicide, euthanasia, homosexuality, pornography and others. Religious and traditional leaders and ethicists are encouraged to educate the society on moral values and guide people in taking proper decisions when confronted with difficult moral issues. This will enable for a sane and peaceable society for all.