Ethics and You

The study of Ethics is a very useful tool. Ethics in respect to personal and societal uses are very important and sometimes underestimated. Everyone has their own ethical system of beliefs that they abide by in their life. These beliefs are present even at the most adolescent and obscure levels. We subconsciously make these systems a strong interest of ours and agree with how to advance in our moral development. Everyone in all respects to life have an ethical system of beliefs. Over time, it may change slightly or completely, but if one of the most important questions we must all ask ourselves. It is how we govern many aspects of the world we know. For example, by using critical thinking and debate along with the book studies of the subject, I can start for form a strong synopsis of what I believe to be true.

At the most basic form, I closely relate to Mill's theory of Utilitarianism. I have had exposure to many great examples of this and have chosen to go with the path of the greatest good for the greatest many. It makes common sense, but as in all theories, some extreme cases might be excluded and shouldn't be considered in the Absolutism stance. For example: You could be having a great party or get together at your residence, but two elderly women think otherwise. Say their absence of sleep due to the noise is causing them great pain. But, everyone at the party really wants a great get together. Should everyone at that party cancel it if the pain of the women outweighs the pleasure of the partiers? I think in this case, I would let it slide. This is so because I am not the elderly woman. As I can see, depending on the issue, my opinion could sway. How about if we could possibility exhaust all of the oil and natural resources of the Earth right now. Say if the government could either sell one gallon of gasoline for three dollars with 25 cents per gallon going towards research of other means of fuel or give the gasoline away for free. Obviously the greatest good for the greatest many would be in favor for the free gasoline. I would argue against that though for the future destruction of our planet. Again, I am not taking the Absolutism stance as in the greatest good for the greatest many is not always the right choice. These examples previously stated are very easy to solve to yourself, but most would be surprised to know that another would see if completely different.

The other ideas of my ethical system include that of Peacemaking and Ethics of Care. I really do not see how I could not agree with such a positive standpoint. I cannot go much deeper in that statement without repetition. The main view that I have does not have a label. I would have to say that it resembles the Natural Law theory. My viewpoint quite simply revolves around overarching universal moral ideas and laws. As I have contemplated in metaphysics, I love the idea of overarching laws and values. I am able to grasp this notion and try to branch off of it. This is most likely the most simply form of ethics and at the same time the most broad viewpoint. This can be used with ideas such as Utilitarianism, ethics of care, virtue and the virtually all others as well. As a whole, we all need to find our own ethical system of beliefs before we can justify or question of another's.