Critical Thinking Scenario: Wyoming's Upper Great River Valley (Essay Sample)

Critical Thinking Scenario
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Critical Thinking Scenario
Introduction
In every day of life, all individuals regardless of their age and gender are confronted by situations that require one to make moral decisions that portray ethics. However, without utilizing critical thinking in an ethical situation, indoctrination frequently occurs rather than moral judgments (Richard & Linda, 2013). This paper applies critical thinking to examine ethical scenarios regarding drilling for natural gas in Wyoming’s Upper Great River Valley.
Case Analysis Based on Critical Thinking
Utilizing critical thinking to analyze an ethical situation requires one to learn how to distinguish among three key dimensions of moral reasoning: principles, perspectives and facts (Zakus, Malloy, & Edwards, 2007). Based on the facts laid down in the case study, Wyoming’s valley is the source of life, both to wildlife and human beings due to its ecosystem. The area also has natural gas deposits that lie beneath. Moral principles become active only when they manifest in behaviors rather than mere verbal agreements. From critical thinking perspectives, all participants involved in this case study have an obligation to develop values by utilizing moral reasoning to make an ethical conclusion. For instance, all participants have a moral responsibility to respect the rights of others. This is in line with moral principles of being honest and trustworthy, avoiding causing any harm to others (Richard & Linda, 2013). For instance, the federal governments ought to ensure that the natural environment is not destroyed, and natural gas is exploited for the benefit of all.
Any adverse effect resulting from the exercise should be in the public domain. According to the case study, people who rely on water from rivers running from Wyoming’s’ valley are not aware that the water is being polluted. Critical thinking calls for one to be open to all possibilities while addressing a particular scenario (Richard & Linda, 2013). Critically analyzing the facts in the case study, there is violation of universal ethical principles regardless of the perspectives one opt to take. For example, it is morally wrong to deceive others for the pursuit of self-gain. Whether exploitation of natural gas will lead to the economic growth of the country, it is clear that little is being done by the relevant authorities to prevent adverse effects downstream. Therefore, the harm being realized in the long run also portrays a moral failing by the stakeholders.
To or not to drill is a double edge sword that appears to serve the interests of the whole nation. However, for an ethical judgment to be arrived at, there is a need for a moral self-examination from the key stakeholders involved (Zakus, Malloy, & Edwards, 2007). The competing interests presented in the case shows a conflict of moral obligations between serving the interests of traditional society and modern society. Specifically, there is a conflict in fulfilling moral obligations regarding making the world a fair and friendly place. Based on the inform...