What’s the difference between moral instincts and moral decision making?

Moral instincts are a combination of the biological instincts we inherited from our evolutionary ancestors and culturally learned social beliefs.  Moral decision making means rationally examining and promoting rules and actions that promote human wellbeing in the here and now, even if it conflicts with previously accepted mores.

An example is our support for gay marriage.  From a human rights and human wellbeing point of view there is no compelling moral argument against homosexual men and women having the same rights and responsibilities that heterosexual couples enjoy in a society.