How do you decide matters on gray areas (undefined whether right or wrong)?

sAs we know, different cultures and religions state that some actions are right and others are wrong. The Aztec believed that the sacrificial killing of babies and children was a good thing. They believed that these babies were the purest souls and therefore offered them up to appease their gods. The Spaniards invaded and declared this behavior to be wrong. The Aztecs thought it was not only right, but necessary.

So what are the situations where an action is defined as neither right or wrong? That depends on your culture. Cultures tell you and therefore you don’t have to decide for yourself. If you grow up in most cultures in the world today, killing another person, playing God and taking their life, is wrong. But here is where the gray area comes in. What if that person is coming at you with a knife or gun? What if that person is actively engaged in killing your child? Is it justified for you to kill them to prevent it?

Even in situations that are not emergencies—we decide on gray areas by using the following criteria:

• Does this action make me feel good or bad? If I feel good about it, I will proceed. We have a natural emotional guidance system that lets us feel if something is right or wrong for us. Happiness is a great barometer.
  
  
• Will I regret it later and will it haunt me for the rest of my life?
  
  
• Considering the consequences of my action, is it worth it?
  
  
• Does this action harm the least number of living beings?
  
  
• Does it harm the planet?
  
  
• What are all the pros and cons of my actions?
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Note that these questions do not apply to psychopaths or sociopaths, who do not have a conscience. Their actions do not necessarily bring them happiness but they also do not feel bad about inflicting pain. Sometimes are not even aware of it.