The concept of good judgment refers to our ability to judge properly. In this sense, the concept we are analyzing refers to the idea of justice. In other words, it is about having a rational and moral criterion to correctly discern about good and evil, right and wrong.
Decision making and good judgment
We have no choice but to make decisions on all kinds of matters. The decision we make will be correct if it is based on sound and reasonable criteria from the moral point of view and our personal interests. It must be borne in mind that when faced with many decisions, we face a dilemma: act according to a fair criterion or do what benefits us.
If I act with a criterion of justice I can harm myself and if I defend only my interests I can act unfairly. Good judgment comes to be the individual reflection by which we value our decisions seeking the correct balance between what is fair and our own benefit.
Guidelines for good judgment
Religions present a series of proposals that serve as a reference for their followers to act with good judgment (for example, the beatitudes of Christianity or the respect for all living beings that Buddhism advocates). On the other hand, in ethical theories there are arguments that allow valid moral criteria to be established. Apart from religious or philosophical proposals, some general guidelines are useful to acquire good judgment:
1) training in values such as respect, sincerity or individual responsibility,
2) the recourse to some kind of moral criterion (for example, the Kantian categorical imperative),
3) knowledge of the rules and codes that govern life in society (in the field of law, social norms, etc.),
4) the example of those who act with a desire for justice in their personal lives and
5) reflection as a habit before making decisions.
These guidelines can help you form good judgment.
What is bad judgment?
We say that someone has a bad judgment when he acts in a foolish way, against established moral values, without common sense, in an unreflexible and impetuous way, with a selfish spirit and without a moral criterion.
Judgment is a faculty of the human soul that allows us to choose between what is correct or not, between the true versus the false. We have a judgment as individuals because we act rationally and according to moral values. Animals lack this ability, as their actions are dominated by their instincts.
Photo: Fotolia - Sapunkele
