Reference point

Clearly defined ultimate value statements (‘strategic objectives’) provide guidance to decisions. They serve as the mechanism by which e.g. leaders of a nation strategically guide decisions made by individuals and groups. If clear and meaningful strategic objectives (or ‘reference points’) are missing, many separate decisions won’t make sense within the larger context of society.
Fred Hamburg

Focus on values

"What is missing in most decisionmaking methodologies is a philosophical approach and methodological help to understand and articulate values and to use them to identify decision opportunities and to create alternatives. The way to remedy that situation is to focus on what matters: on values"

Keeney, R.L. 1992. Value-focused thinking. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 8

Means & ends

"If you will the ends, you must also will the means"

Teleology

"the only way we can connote value or disvalue is by relating an act to an end"

Ashley, B.M. & O'Rourke, K.D. 1989. Healthcare ethics (third edition). St. Louis MO: The Catholic Health Association of the United States.

"the only way we can connote value or disvalue is by relating an act to an end".

Ashley, B.M. & O'Rourke, K.D 1989. Healthcare ethics: A theological Analysis (third edition). St. Louis, MO: The Catholic Health Association of the United States, 166

When in doubt

"When in doubt, think about what your values are!"