The act of choosing between two or more courses of action.

The logic follows here is:

Decision making is the process of selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives. It involves evaluating different options and choosing the one that best aligns with the desired outcome. This process is essential in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and social contexts.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Important Points

Decision making is a critical skill that requires the ability to weigh pros and cons, consider potential outcomes, and make informed choices.

1) Self-awareness - Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It is not directly related to choosing between courses of action. 

2) Empathy - Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is more about emotional connection rather than making choices.

3) Critical thinking - Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to form a judgment. While it is a component of decision making, it is not the act of choosing itself.