Is there a methodology to decision making?

Question

Does this methodology make decision making easier?

Answer 1

Some people take a piece of blank paper, draw a line down the middle of it. On the top of paper, on one side of the line write PROS. On the other side of the line write CONS.

Fill in each side of the line with pros & cons of the thing you are making a decision on. Weigh up the pros & cons & take it from there.

This is a very simple idea (maybe too simple for some?), but it may help in making a decision.

Answer 2

In ethical decision making, there are several steps in making a decision.  First there is perception, then understanding, weighing the harm and benefits, deliberation, and finally action.  These steps are simple, but they are easier said than done.  It is said that deliberation is the most difficult step, and lack of being able to do so causes inaction.  This is often no decision, but in ethics, inaction is a decision (often a bad one).  Consciously knowing the process does not necessarily make it easier becuase of the seriousness of some ethical dilemmas (i.e. euthanasia).