Chapter Reaction Paper - Essay Example

In addition, due to the inclusion of principles developed by known authors like William Howell, David Kale, Martin Buber, etc., the chapter is able to demonstrate profound knowledge on areas that warrant scholarly support. Although it is relatively a long reading, the choice of words does not make it a turn off, and is direct to the point. 2. Lessons Learned Ethics define what actions are acceptable, appropriate, and worthy of approbation (340). I learned that owing to the different ways by which different people were raised, along with the environment that shaped their values, there is no standard form of ethics; or rather it is not possible to have one set of ethics that is universally applicable.

Ethics influences the manner by which a person reacts to a stimulus. To consider an act as right or wrong is not merely contingent on its consequences. Of course, when an act evidently inflicts harm upon another human being, it can be readily deduced as malevolent. In a modern society, specifically that of white Americans, due process of law is thereby practiced to evaluate intent and affirm guilt. The means does not justify the end, and there is no questioning to the liability of an act. Nevertheless, when it comes to behaviour, the chapter emphasizes that there can be justifications; and these are on account of inherent standards and cultural orientation.

The ‘common good’ is also illustrated in its broadest sense. I realized that the way to determine whether I made the right decision or not is by asking myself if it was to the benefit of the many, approved by my conscience, and adherent to my values. We make a multitude of decisions everyday ranging from the trivial to the most critical. What is noted largely is not the craftiness but rather the effect it brings upon all concerned; and that is made even more complicated when one ought to choose between people and principle.

Establishing relationship especially with people of different roots and foreign customary ways can be difficult. Apprehension is not easy to set aside, and the feeling of indifference is rather disconcerting. One of the best ways in creating rapport with a stranger is through compliments. Starting a conversation with simple positive statements that declare appreciation of a certain deed can go far. Furthermore, the chapter asserts that finding things that one has in common with another bridges the gap, thus making the interaction more sincere and personal. 3. A Reflection Some points in the chapter, lead me to a more profound understanding of how I regard a person of unfamiliar background, and the feelings I have toward the principles that disagree with my own.

I set my own rules of what is right and wrong, and in that respect, I may not have given the others due consideration. A conclusion is easily made without any attempt to discover the reasons behind a decision or behaviour. Although I do not consider myself a racist, it seems that I tend to consider my culture as superior to that of the others. There is no intention whatsoever to show disrespect; only that I can’t help myself from passing judgment on certain practices in which the purpose is not openly implied.

For instance, I do not understand how women from the Islamic nations do not have the same rights as men do. I look ill at