The decision to purchase a puppy is a complex one that involves various factors, such as the companionship and love that a puppy can provide, veterinary care, and potential damage to one’s property. Two philosophers, Laurie Paul and Ruth Chang, have different perspectives on approaching such hard choices and whether they can be made rationally. However, they agree on how they both recognize that these choices involve trade-offs between multiple values or reasons. Both philosophers also stress the importance of considering the reasons for and against each option. While Paul suggests that some choices are complex and cannot be made rationally, Chang considers the reasons for and against each option and chooses the option that has the best reasons.
Paul’s view of decision-making suggests that some choices are problematic because they involve trade-offs between multiple values or reasons that cannot be compared. From Paul’s perspective, purchasing a puppy may apply a complicated decision-making process because it requires him to weigh multiple reasons against each other. These reasons may include factors such as companionship, potential damage to his property, and food and veterinary care costs. However, as Friedman (2015) notes, it can be challenging to compare or rank these values or reasons against each other. For example, the companionship may be a significant value for Paul, but the potential damage to his property may also be an essential concern.
Furthermore, Paul may also have other personal values that he wants to consider before making a decision, such as his budget, living space, lifestyle, and time availability. These values may also influence his decision-making process and make it more challenging to compare or rank the different values or reasons. Additionally, Paul may also have to consider his decision’s long-term implications. For example, he may have to consider the cost of feeding and taking care of the puppy for many years and the potential damage the puppy may cause to his property over time.
On the other hand, Chang’s approach to decision-making emphasizes the importance of considering all relevant factors when making a difficult choice. By creating a “reason for” each option, individuals can systematically and logically evaluate each choice’s pros and cons (Chang, 2017). This can help to ensure that the decision is made based on a thorough understanding of the different factors involved rather than on impulse or emotion. For example, in this context, the companionship may be a strong reason in favor of the decision, but the potential damage to one’s property may be a reason against it.
By examining the reasons for and against, one can determine if the benefits outweigh the costs and make a rational decision considering all relevant factors. However, it may be difficult to weigh these factors against one another and determine a better option. In such cases, one can consider each factor’s relative importance and prioritize those most critical to the decision. Additionally, seeking the advice and input of others may offer valuable perspectives and insights that are not immediately apparent. This approach encourages individuals to consider the broader implications of their choices, promoting a more holistic and reflective approach to decision-making and helping individuals to align their options with their long-term goals and values. It also allows individuals to make more meaningful and impactful choices in their lives, benefiting themselves and the people and environment around them.
Despite the differences in handling situations, Chang and Paul recognize that choices, such as purchasing a puppy, involve trade-offs between multiple values. Both of them understand that there is complexity when evaluating and prioritizing different factors and that it can be difficult to compare or rank the different values or reasons against each other. They agree that in such situations, it is vital to consider each factor’s relative importance and prioritize those most critical to the decision. They also acknowledge that it is crucial to consider a decision’s long-term implications and how the choice aligns with one’s priorities. Thus, both Chang and Paul’s approaches encourage individuals to consider the broader impact of their choices and how they align with their long-term goals and values.
Overall, the different perspectives of Paul and Chang on decision-making and how they would approach the decision to purchase a puppy are evident. While Paul suggests that some choices are complicated and cannot be made rationally, Chang argues that all choices can be made rationally by considering the reasons for and against each option and choosing the option that has the best reasons. It is evident that both philosophers have valid points of view and that the decision to purchase a puppy is a complex one that involves various factors. Careful examination of pros and cons of owning a puppy will help in making a reasonable decision.
Companionship and love that a puppy can provide, the sense of responsibility and care that comes with owning a pet, and cost of food, and veterinary care must be considered. Hence, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to decision-making, and the best choice for one person may not be the best choice for another. Ultimately, the key to making a decision grounded in reason and rationality is to be mindful of the reasons for and against each option and to take the time to consider the implications of each reason. With this in mind, one can make a decision that is right for them, whether it’s purchasing a puppy or any other difficult choice.
References
Chang, R. (2017). Hard choices. Journal of the American Philosophical Association, 3(1), 1-21. Web.
Friedman, J. (2015). Epistemically transformative experience. Web.