PHILOSOPHY: ETHICAL ISSUES - Term Paper Example

PHILOSOPHY CASE STUDY: ETHICAL ISSUES The alarming comment by some futurists that global issues today are out of control and social forces are running free (Toffler 446) reflect an imminent crisis. Thus, a Philosophy Case Study on Ethical Issues is justified, as this can help us come to terms with moral dilemmas inherent in the problems of the world. Such a case study can also suggest a feasible theory by which we can adapt, if not overcome the dangers we face. Let this paper then be a vantage point for illumination on the needed critical changes, so that we can assume a new ethical vision and a better way of coping with the problems of great proportion which confront us. Ethics through the ages Its name rooted in the Greek word ethos or customs and the Latin equivalent mos, Ethics bears the connotation of a moral science. There is also a general perception that Ethics simply exists to impose a thousand and one do’s and don’ts. Thus such acts as cruelty, rape and murder are deemed bad or unethical, while altruism, temperance and respect are good. In addition, Ethics is traditionally based on unchanging universal laws derived from a priori principles. Scholastic philosophy, for example, teaches that the end of a moral life is the attainment of the Summum Bonum or God, which cannot be directly proven empirically. For centuries, the potent Christian states were stalwart defenders of the time-honored ethical system, until avant-garde philosophers of the 17th century sowed the seed of a new moral ideal along rationalist and empiricist strains. In his Essay on the Morals and Spirit of the Nations, Voltaire upheld the illumination of the human mind. Subsequently, Immanuel Kant in his Critique of Practical Reason, advanced the idea of an absolute and unconditional moral imperative inside the heart of man, who is free from immutable supernatural and natural laws (Durant 277). Other radical thinkers followed, among them being Friedrich Hegel who opened the human mind for a brand of ethical thinking extolling liberty as the goal of order (Durant 298). Meanwhile, Arthur Schopenhauer deposed the intellect to enthrone the will as the new master and determinant of human character. There was no stopping Ethics from its metamorphosis as the 19th century Herbert Spencer announced the biological evolution of morals whose highest awareness encompassed “the greatest length, breadth and completeness of life.” (Ethics I 22). And riding the crest of scientific and industrial revolution, Henri Bergson introduced dynamism to Ethics through the concept of elan vital in which the essence of the world is the movement of life, such that there is a spiritual quality to human mores and actions. Meanwhile, Bertrand Russell and George Santayana respectively called for a scientific habit of mind and an analytical observation of moral patterns in human experience, rather in eternal moral laws. Finally, John Dewey carved the epitaph for the tombstone of traditional Ethics, describing it as a “timid spinster to old fashioned problems and ideas” abandoned by the empirical sciences which have entered the industrial world. (Durant, 527). Ethical issues Ethics continued to undergo change during the industrial period when the world began to feel the current of an imminent moral crisis. And with the advent of today’s technological age, we seem to be entering the threshold of an ethical breakdown beyond our capacity to control. And the dilemmas facing us are only varied, but also complex and interrelated, foremost of which are: Security straightjacket. After the Cold War, Superpowers continue to hold the world in a security web, imposing the need for nations to adopt the democratic system of governance in contradiction to their sovereign rights to rule as they wish. Welfare for the disadvantaged. The majority must also carry the burden of heavy taxes to support health care for the poor and elders, education for special children, and other welfare packages for unproductive sectors. Militaristic new states. Sovereignty must be respected, but what if new states cause human and civil rights violations, genocide, widespread hunger and disease through militaristic rule? Depletion of natural resources. Do industrialized nations have to bear much of the responsibility for interventions against world pollution and the depletion of the earth’s resources such as air, water and energy? Oil cartels. Oil producing countries control oil prices accruing massive profit in a frenzy to make hay out of depleting world oil reserves. Meanwhile, non-producing countries suffer inflation and low quality of life. . Neo-colonialism. First world countries and multinational corporations are accused of economic neo-colonialism which enslaves Third and Second World Nations. Criminality at a regional and global scale. Drug, human and organ trafficking demonstrate the height of criminal activities, while anti-crime state-to-state networks are weak. Change in sexual mores. Higher rates in divorces, more family breakdowns, gay and lesbian relationships create deep anxieties and concern. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry. Should this be a precedent to follow? Peace efforts. The stalemate in peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinian people is unresolved. Will Israel give up settled territories to the Palestinian people and risk its security? Religious extremism and terrorism. Continued suicide bombings against countries of the Western alliance foment widespread fear and insecurity. The cause of terrorism is so complex so that the world is in jeopardy. Suicide. The State of Oregon Death with Dignity Act allows medically prescribed medicine to terminally-ill patients. Does this violate the right to live? Clandestine Christian evangelism in the Middle East. Is this not an affront to the freedom of religious conscience? Threat of a nuclear holocaust. North Korea and Iran claim the right to nuclear capability. There is grave concern, however, that their military posturing is aimed against neighboring countries and the U.S. All in all, the present-day ethical issues can be read as signs of decay and powerlessness of ethical systems. On the other hand, the crises may also mean an expectant breakthrough, if only man can reconvene his strength and devise alternatives through a viable ethical principle and theory. Ethical principle An ethical principle is a rule of conduct, or a doctrine taught. Examples are the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments and the principle of democracy. Necessarily ethical issues call for an appropriate ethical principle. Among possible principles are: the Principle of Beneficence, Common Good, Distributive Justice, Double Effect, Human Dignity, Religious Freedom, Stewardship, Toleration, etc. Upon reflection, there is yet no single principle which can serve as an adequate and comprehensive response to the varied, complex and interrelated ethical issues confronting the world. The needed principle must be capable of responding to given issues in an integral way. It will also have to introduce a radical paradigm shift in structures, processes and values which need to be installed at the fundamental level, not only among societies, but among individuals, for an inner change in a new way of “seeing” and “being” in the world today. Ethical theory An ethical theory is a systematic set of interrelated statements aimed to explain some aspects of human life. (Babbie 43). The theory has two elements, namely (a) observation of phenomenon and (b) generalizations about facts along universal, not accidental patterns. Examples of Ethical theories are the Distributive Justice Theory which posits fairness in the distribution of natural and social goods; also, the Social Constraints Theory which explains observed differences in consumption patterns of food, liquor, drugs, etc. One all-encompassing ethical theory which has been lauded no less than by the U.N. Economic and Social Council is the Human World Order Theory which upholds the principle of a Humanized Future. The theory states that the future depends on an integration of moral and spiritual concerns with concrete approaches to the crises of human survival and well-being (Gerald and Patricia Mische 348). Ultimately, structures need to be changed coupled with an inner transformation in society. The theory has outlined major strategies, namely: the creation of reserves for assistance to Third World countries; use of international resources to address poverty, collaborative industrialization, stockpiling and appropriate distribution of food; coordinated research on fusion, nuclear, solar and geothermal energy; internalization of multinational corporations, and ; reinforced peace process and arms reduction. It is clear the transformation proposed is not solely ethical but an ethico-developmental one. Given the world order framework to effectively forestall an imminent global catastrophe, destiny is now in our hands. BIBLIOGRAPHY Babbie, E. The Practice of Social Research. Belmont, CA: Thompson Wordsworth, 2007. Corazon. Contemporary Ethics. Metro Manila: National Book Store, Inc. 1970 Durant, Will. The Story of Philosophy. New York: Washington Square Press. 1970. Mische, Gerald and Patricia Mishe. Toward a World Order. New York: Paulist Press.1977. Toffler, Alvin. Future Shock. New York: Bantam Book, 1974. Read More