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Module 8 - How decision-making works

Understanding processes behind decisions

Introduction

In the previous modules, we learned to recognise strong claims, look for evidence, and 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

  • A decision does not happen on its own.
  • It involves several steps.
  • It involves discussion and can be modified.
  • When you see the sentence "They decided it", ask: Who specifically? 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?

Naposledy změněno: středa, 13. května 2026, 14.22