Ethics--Learning Plan 1

Morality is much more than what I have ever thought about--I did not realize so much thought, research and "knowledge" has been evaluated and considered in terms of all of the different theories. I am not sure that any of the theories studied so far have really changed my conduct or values (if that is the intention) other than to give me a bigger perspective and respect for other peoples beliefs.



To me, morality is a combination of all of our interactions since birth that have directly or indirectly shaped my life and individualism. I have been "shaped" by religion, family, work, my own anatomy and appearance, how others view me, what I have and have not, my relationship with others, nature and the environment to name a few.



There are many kinds of people in this world, including moral and immoral ones. If Eve wouldn't have bit into the apple (cause), maybe their wouldn't be so much crime (effect). Or, if the scientific approach is yours, humans evolving from apes could also explain why everyone doesn't follow the same rules. Wild animals are the best survivors, some would say. If that includes killing and eating an ape baby, that is what they will do as they are driven by nature. A human would be considered crazed and insane for doing such a thing but it has happened.



Why does a person do drugs (cause) and ruin their health or perhaps even die (effect)? It might feel good to do the drugs and they may know others who did the drugs and weren't affected at all, but that doesn't mean everyone can do it. Can you do drugs and drive (cause) and then hit someone while driving and kill them (effect)?



This brings in the justice system. Who shall make the decision on whether it was an intentional act / negligence or should we feel sorry for the driver because they were a mother who just lost her job, recently divorced, has a severaly disabled child, lost her best friend to cancer, and turned to drugs to ease the pain? There are no good answers but only series of events that causes a viscious circle that will be repeated by the next victim...



The purpose of morality is to give humans a structure. Without structure, there are no rules. Without rules, people would run wild. Everyone would kill everyone else, thus having no life.


Regarding Lectures (and powerpoints)--They gave a good summary of what was covered in the first several chapters but has still left me confused on what I am actually reading/viewing. Every theory contradicts another theory and there are no right/wrong answers. I hope the reading gets a little easier as we get into the book.


What questions am I left with?

As I read the book, I feel like I need to be "picking one"--pick the set of rules that I ought to live by. That is up to the individual, and I don't think we will all live in harmony because everyone's rules are going to be different. Some tolerate more immoral or unethical behavior than others and hopefully, you surround yourself with people of similiar values and beliefs.



I have read and reread every theory and get more confused by the definitions. Am I supposed to think in a specific pattern? I don't think that is possible. Every situation will pose a different outcome, based on the factors of the situation.