Is there a “correct” choice in every situation if the “situation” itself is subjective, shaped by our perceptions of reality? Pt. 2

The Illusion of a Universal "Correct"

So, where does this leave us? If our perception actively constructs the "situation" we are in, can a single, universally "correct" choice ever exist?

The work of thinkers like Professor Jessica Collins suggests not. If there is no objective situation existing independently of our interpretation, then the very idea of a universally correct choice begins to dissolve. What emerges instead is a more fluid and personal truth: a choice is "correct" relative to the individual's unique frame of reference their values, experiences, and the specific reality they perceive. The "right" move in a business negotiation for one person might be a moral failure for another, not because the facts differ, but because their perceptual and ethical frameworks do.

This perspective doesn't undermine the importance of careful decision-making; it reframes it. It invites us to shift our focus from seeking external validation for our choices to cultivating internal clarity. The goal becomes less about finding the right answer and more about understanding the lens through which we see the problem in the first place.

A New Compass for Decision-Making

If Collins' interdisciplinary insights hold, then the most rational approach in a subjective world is to turn our inquiry inward. The paramount question changes from "What is the correct choice?" to "What in my perception is defining this situation, and does my choice align with my deepest values?"

This is not a descent into relativism, but an ascent into self-awareness. It acknowledges that our biases, fears, and hopes are not distortions of the decision-making process-they are fundamental parts of it. By examining these elements, we can make choices that are authentic and coherent within our own lived experience.

Conclusion: The Answer That's Right for You

Ultimately, the search for a universally "correct" choice may be a philosophical phantom. The world is not a multiple-choice test with a single answer key. It is a complex, interactive landscape where our perceptions actively shape the paths available to us.

By embracing the power of our subjective reality, we free ourselves from the anxiety of finding a mythical "right" answer. We can then focus on a more meaningful and attainable goal: making the choice that is right for us-one that is conscious, considered, and true to the person we are and wish to become. In a world of subjective situations, the most correct choice is perhaps the one that brings you most into alignment with yourself