How do we decide what is right and wrong?

How can we assert judgments, boundaries and values with wisdom and confidence?

How do we re-legitimise the healthy judgement of right and wrong, good and bad as the foundation of autonomy, freedom and authority?

When should one be judgmental and when should one be non-judgmental?

Can prejudice be abolished?

Judgement is the foundation of freedom, autonomy and a healthy society. Everything we do relies upon trusting people to do their best in making judgements. In our attempt to limit prejudice and the abuse of power, we have promoted non-judgement. In some contexts, that is a really good thing. We should be respectful of others and not impose our prejudices upon them. However, to function in the world, we must discern truth from falsehood, good from bad and right from wrong. We need the ability to judge whether we can trust somebody, whether an idea is a good one, whether we should follow a leader, whether to believe a story and we have to be willing to make decisions when we are not in possession of perfect information. A healthy society requires every individual, particularly those in authority, to be capable and confident in making wise judgements.

What are we to do when science and philosophy are unable to give us the absolute truth and our doubt and scepticism are so powerful that they can deconstruct anything? Be a human being. Use your instinct. Use yourself as an instrument to discern what is right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. Use your gut feeling. Follow your heart. Sense the truth. Draw upon your wisdom and experience. Make a judgement and do your best, keeping an open mind and being prepared to change your judgement in the light of new evidence or new awareness.