Right? Wrong?
Since I was a child I have been very curious about how us humans decide what is right and wrong. Majoring in Philosophy and later focusing on ethics while at theological seminary provided me an opportunity to indulge that interest but brought me no closer to believing that I am in a position to judge what is right and wrong for other people. Certainly I am aware of approaches such as those advocating decisions which consider the greatest good for the greatest number; those advocating decision based on narrow and literal understanding of religious texts which often ignore the truths which science has now taught us; those such that the President of these United States is making . He seems to believe that the ability to bully and impose one’s will determines what is right; those advocating that whoever can accumulate the most toys is the most deserving and a host of other approaches.
I know that I have, based on my background and my studies, have some strong opinions regarding the questions I must ask myself before taking an action. These questions include:
Obviously, some decisions fall outside these questions. I am currently at the car dealer where I am getting my car serviced. I was just told I should pay $140.00 to get brake fluid changed which I have never been in habit of doing. What the service woman told me makes sense, but I could probably safely avoid and give that same $140.00 to the Soup Kitchen where many of the folks being served do not have to worry about getting their car serviced because they have no car. On the other hand, if I have a wreck because the brakes give out I am not going to be giving money to the Soup Kitchen in the future. I do have the money and will not be avoiding any other financial commitments if I spend $140.00.
I believe that if we humans love without conditions we will collectively create a world which provides more people with the basics of what is needed materially, emotionally and spiritually.
I believe that science teaches us that punishment does not change people for the better. In fact, it creates more issues than it solves. Yet, there are those who will present very cogent arguments for the use of punishment. On the other hands holding ourselves and others accountable does often create positive change.
I suspect the best an of us can do in our effort to make ethical decisions is:
Written July 3, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Since I was a child I have been very curious about how us humans decide what is right and wrong. Majoring in Philosophy and later focusing on ethics while at theological seminary provided me an opportunity to indulge that interest but brought me no closer to believing that I am in a position to judge what is right and wrong for other people. Certainly I am aware of approaches such as those advocating decisions which consider the greatest good for the greatest number; those advocating decision based on narrow and literal understanding of religious texts which often ignore the truths which science has now taught us; those such that the President of these United States is making . He seems to believe that the ability to bully and impose one’s will determines what is right; those advocating that whoever can accumulate the most toys is the most deserving and a host of other approaches.
I know that I have, based on my background and my studies, have some strong opinions regarding the questions I must ask myself before taking an action. These questions include:
- How will others be affected by my decisions?
- How are the children of today going to be affected by my decisions when they are adults?
- Will my decisions affect the environment short and long term?
- Will my decisions benefit me at the expense of others?
- Are my decisions supported by the results of solid science?
- Am I prepared to live with the potential results of my decisions.
- Will my decisions bring only temporary relief while ignoring core issues?
- Where does my planned actions fit into the hierarchy of what I believe is important? For example, is cleaning the house more important than listening to a loved one who needs to talk or tending to the needs of the stranger in need?
- Is my proposed action loving or am do I have expectations of something in return?
Obviously, some decisions fall outside these questions. I am currently at the car dealer where I am getting my car serviced. I was just told I should pay $140.00 to get brake fluid changed which I have never been in habit of doing. What the service woman told me makes sense, but I could probably safely avoid and give that same $140.00 to the Soup Kitchen where many of the folks being served do not have to worry about getting their car serviced because they have no car. On the other hand, if I have a wreck because the brakes give out I am not going to be giving money to the Soup Kitchen in the future. I do have the money and will not be avoiding any other financial commitments if I spend $140.00.
I believe that if we humans love without conditions we will collectively create a world which provides more people with the basics of what is needed materially, emotionally and spiritually.
I believe that science teaches us that punishment does not change people for the better. In fact, it creates more issues than it solves. Yet, there are those who will present very cogent arguments for the use of punishment. On the other hands holding ourselves and others accountable does often create positive change.
I suspect the best an of us can do in our effort to make ethical decisions is:
- Leave space and time whenever possible to seriously consider the short- and long-term consequences of our decisions.
- When possible make decisions with a group of thoughtful people who have diverse backgrounds.
- Always own one’s decisions without imposing them on others when possible as if all “good or wise people” would agree with one.
Written July 3, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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