Decisions vs. Judgements: When Are They Justified in Our Lives?
“Judge not, lest ye be judged,” suggests the famous scripture in Matthew 7:1. This passage implies that we should not judge others. However, what about situations where we are compelled to make decisions based on our well-being and values? Can we ever truly avoid making judgements?
Indeed, sometimes we must make decisions. However, I would rephrase this as 'making decisions' because it encompasses judgement. Unlike arrogance or ethnocentric judgements based on superficial traits such as age, race, sex, or gender, these value judgements are harmful and should be avoided.
Understanding the Difference
The key distinction lies in the context. Value judgements are driven by laziness of mind, often resulting from preconceived notions or biases. Shrewd, or wise, judgements, on the other hand, are based on careful assessment and can save lives.
For example, in a dark alley, prudence may dictate avoiding shady characters regardless of their race, gender, or age. Shrewd judgement here preserves your safety and security. Conversely, avoiding a person based on stereotypes like their race during a busy day is a form of prejudice, which is a value judgement, leading to harmful and unfair assumptions.
Examples of Wise Judgements
Consider a scenario where you are walking through a crowded street during the day. You observe a Black man and decide to walk quickly past him, avoiding direct contact. What is your thought process?
If you simply avoid someone because of their race, that is prejudice based on a value judgement. However, if you decide to walk quickly past due to a previous negative encounter, then you are making a reasonable decision based on a past incident. This decision, made wisely, is not a value judgement but a survival instinct combined with previous experience.
Characterizing Judgements
Many people confuse judgement with assessment. Judgement involves attaching value—deciding if something is good or bad, right or wrong. In contrast, assessment is merely an observation without value attachment.
For instance, if you notice someone acting foolishly and aggressively towards children, saying, 'That person is a jackass and mean to kids,' is a judgement. However, if you simply describe, 'That person is mean and behaves irresponsibly, disregarding others,' you are observing behavior but not attaching value.
A Clear Example for Understanding
A clear example to differentiate judgement from assessment is the balloon scenario. If a person repeatedly pops balloons at a specific corner, it doesn’t mean they will do it every time. If your decision is to not carry balloons to that corner to avoid potential harm, it is a wise decision, not a value judgement.
The essence of the difference lies in the intention and the impact. A judgement with value attachments can hurt someone, while a wise assessment is purely factual, preserving your safety and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Remember, the choice to make decisions and judgements should be guided by clear and ethical reasoning rather than biases or stereotypes. Wise judgements help us navigate life’s challenges safely and fairly.