The structure of qualitative decision-making

A system is proposed for analysing qualitative decision-making, Its structure is based on dichotomous answers to simple questions. What should be done? Has it more of a planning emphasis, or has it more to do with putting plans into effect? Where should it be done? Is it more in the place of the decision-making activity, or has it more to do with the people involved? These lead to the creation of four general kinds of activity. proposition, perception, pull and push, which are shown to be phases in a cycle. Corresponding primary feelings are identified: fear, anxiety, guilt and resentment, and, similarly, appropriate responses: faith, hope, righteousness and love. A distinction is made between the decision-possessor and the decision-participant. Guilt is seen as being imposed by a decision possessor on the decision participant as part of a Full activity. Subjective (as distinct from objective) decision-making arises when the decision possessor is subjectively involved as the participant; the pull activity does not occur and consequently guilt cannot arise. Subjective decision making is shown to be a developmental activity which has three levels: somatical, psychical and pneumatical. By contrast, objective decision making is seen to correspond more to adjustment to outside impulses, Supporting evidence from different contexts is given to show that such categorisations of activities are natural to decision-making. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.