Modul8
Module 8 - How decision-making works
Understanding processes behind decisions
Introduction
In the previous modules, we learned:
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recognise strong claims,
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look for evidence,
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ask about the source.
Now we will look at how decisions are made. Sometimes people say, "They decided it." But who are "they"? And how does decision-making work?
Decision-making is not easy
Most important decisions:
- are not made in a minute,
- are not made by one person,
- are discussed.
Decision-making often involves several steps:
- Proposal
- Discussion
- Modification of the proposal
- Voting
- Approval or rejection
Example: School changes its start time
Imagine that a school wants to change the start time of lessons. What needs to happen?
- Someone proposes the change.
- The school management discusses it.
- The opinions of teachers and parents are gathered.
- A decision is finally made.
That is the process.
Example: Decision in a town or municipality
Similarly, when something is decided in a town or municipality:
- A councillor submits a proposal.
- A meeting takes place.
- A vote is held.
- The decision is made public.
Example: In the European Union (simplified)
Similarly in the European Union:
- Someone submits a proposal.
- The proposal is discussed.
- Different member states take part in the discussion.
- A vote takes place.
It is not about one person — it is about the process.
📌 Summary
Decisions:
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does not happen on its own,
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it involves several steps,
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involves discussion,
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can be modified.
When you see the sentence, "They decided it," ask:
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Who specifically?
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How did the process work?
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and answer the questions.
"The European Union has banned plastic products."
Do we know who specifically made the decision?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
Do we know how the process of banning plastic products unfolded?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
Do we have enough information to assess the claim?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
✍️ Practical exercise 2: Read the text and answer the questions.
"The town decided to build a new park."
Do we know who might have submitted the proposal?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
Do we know who could have discussed the proposal?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
Do we know how the vote went?
👀 Show solution
✅ No.
💡 Conclusion from practical exercises
Just because you disagree with the decision does not mean that the process did not exist. Critical thinking means:
- distinguishing between process and opinion,
- asking about specific steps.
Decision-making is a process. When you hear a simple explanation, stop and ask:
How did it actually happen?