The Role of Ethics From Different Perspectives - Research Paper Example

Ethical Reflections in the 21st Century The global challenges in the 21st century with its new set of dilemmas and positions are to a greater extent multifaceted in character and diverse in magnitude. The risk to the environment and the continuous exhaustion of resources, the ever-widening divide between the rich and poor, the societal transformations initiated by scientific evolution, the progression of globalization on cultural, economic and political stages; these aspects of humanity are all unified as these are universal. This situation, together with the unparalleled stage of unity and reliance among the populace from all regions, is depicted as being ambiguous or disastrous in the way of life and morals that previously established civilizations. Humankind is far from attaining the resolutions required to deal with the trans-boundary matters and setbacks that come with the growing global population. On the other hand, what appears positive is that the states of such a community require reflections on the essential facets necessary to uphold a quiet and useful community (Ethics for the 21st Century, 2001). Whereas a small community requires only a little comprehension and agreement on the governing rules and foundations on a directing set of fundamental standards to guide the process; a global community has no prevailing constitution, principles or mores that could serve as a reference. What is deficient is a global organization for governance and an ethical structure as its reference. On a global scale, this link between ethics and governance can be heard effectively from the United Nations. As conveyed in a speech by Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the results of the current events awaken us that “perhaps more sharply than ever before, of the strains and stresses that accompany globalization and the need for shared global values and effective global institutions to underpin the global market“ (1999). Still, the question remains: How will the pursued values be carried out, and how will its success for international governance be executed (Ethics for the 21st Century, 2001)? In a quest for common ground by the global community, there must be room for the proactive endeavor and intercultural exchange and discussion on ethics. The necessity for worldwide teamwork and solidarity on the ethical responses to existing problems are reflected in the different ethical schemes carried out by key intercontinental organizations. Nowadays, mankind witnesses unparalleled attempts worldwide encouraging expression on the ethical elements and challenges the contemporary world is confronted with. This is a call for the international community to recognize the need for responsibility, transition, and cooperation in the common goal of ethical principles and values (Ethics for the 21st Century, 2001). The huge majority of the different efforts deal with specialized areas, such as biology, commerce, development, economics, environment, and technology which concern ethical issues within a specific field. They deal with the profound shared and ethical consequences of transitions and improvements such as in technology or science, obliging intellectuals to seek out fresh resolutions to ethical challenges. However, such disciplines do not automatically have to cover the field of ethics. It is complicated to visualize how a single division of ethics could generate an umbrella for the other subdivisions, more so, equally unimaginable to offer the groundwork for global ethical dilemmas in the 21st century (Ethics for the 21st Century, 2001). The Challenges of Ethics in a Global World In his book Globalization and Technical Commitment in Technology and Ethics, social scientist Riccardo Petrella (2001) stated that: According to the most widespread public opinion in political, socioeconomic and scientific environments, North and South as well as East and West, the globalization of Economy, of the markets, of companies and capital constitutes-on a par with the technological revolution- are the main source of challenges contemporary societies have to face in every single domain at the threshold of the 21st century (413). The technological revolution is contained in every practice of the social and economic features of globalization. Technology needs to employ the same course of adjustment to global commerce. As on a progressive scale, those who will not acclimatize to the fast-paced evolution of technology will be detached from the present world. This acclimatization to the scientific revolution is an unalterable restraint, which no one can defend against. In such a case, the only option is to acknowledge it and to transform into prospects for oneself, in a more resourceful and gainful approach. Amidst the global economic disaster, modern technology is believed to be the tactical means to pursue every company, institution, region, country or state. Moreover, modern technology signifies the most influential way to strengthen the positions of political countries and their competitiveness (Lis and Cañavate, 2012). From a historical outlook, the emergence of globalization seems to be expected and inescapable, as well as the progressive nature of the modern use of "technological revolution". The needed acclimatization process that globalization of economy and industrial growth have to follow, and that the success of both is considered as the foremost societal universal challenge of the 21st century. The governing stance should be aware of the predominantly unconstructive results and drawbacks which may come with today’s globalization in the fields of trade and industry, and in the social, political and cultural areas, however, it holds strong to the principle that globalization and new technologies will ultimately produce positive results worldwide (Lis and Cañavate, 2012). Consequentially, the international community will be greatly marked by a route increasingly aimed at modernism, rivalry and the invasion of other markets and will be controlled by those businesses that are most commercially competitive. It is therefore imperative that industries worldwide consider guaranteeing and strengthening their survival and extension through investments on collaborative projects and business competitions (Lis and Cañavate, 2012). An investigation of the actuality of the daily existence of extensive mainstream of the global populace exposes that the major socio-economic, technological challenge is not restricted to the endorsement of the globalized and liberalized consumerist market economy. The ethical challenge may define and set socio-economic rules; political regulations and societies; and scientific and technological applications that will facilitate access to human and social rights (Lis and Cañavate, 2012). The Role of Ethics from the Perspective of Science and Technology The global community witnesses the restrictions of scientific and technological fields that are faced with dilemmas resulting in ethical concerns that are unmet within the field. Ethical and rational reflection on the behavior of researchers and the course of research is necessary to tackle a particular crisis. There has to be a twofold approach to the ethical reflection within the changes in science and technology: (1) Ethical reflection should be geared towards particular situations in problem-solving, and (2) “Distanciation” or openness to other cultural practices in ethical reflection is necessary. To reach sound ethical solutions to specific situations, references should be made to the global convention of knowledge and assumptions. Philosophy can be the link to attain ethical solutions to manage particular difficulties in modern science and technology through the creation of moral essentials and contemplation on the truth that defines human fulfillment concerning nature (Atlan, 2001). The Role of Ethics from the Perspective of Globalization In the diverse categories of globalization, there needs to be a profound reflection by the global community of the significant values that are both intrinsic and promising. Two ethical categories are interrelated to globalization: (1) Ethics that links with the power framework and motivates economic globalization, established on the ethics of the laissez-faire or liberal market and of the autonomy of States; and (2) Ethics that relates more to civil society and its shared responsibilities. These two forms of ethics and the power connecting them describe the state of ethics we now have today. The globalization course and the 21st century offer the probability of ethics for harmony amid those who reflect globally. In effect, the materialization of the international civil society, the support of the global democratic system, models of global domination and citizenry all lead to an emergence of a ‘globalization of ethics’ (Dower, 2001). The Role of Ethics from the Perspective of Socio-Cultural Transformations Balancing ethical theory to natural theory, one important question arises: Is it feasible to have ethical beliefs that are ethnically unrelated, yet relevant to each entity “before and beneath cultural determinations”, as in the presumptions of the natural sciences? This manner of universality would be the ultimate. The challenge is to observe how ethics in the 21st century can contribute to peace and quality of life. Ethics does not develop practicality if it separates from the individual who executes actions. Although there are no common conclusive values, it is probable to dispute that there are generally crucial influential values, which are free of individual action. Freedom is an obligatory cost regardless of the end value. This directs to a single ethical rule: that no action must be made when predictable outcomes involve a dwindling of liberty for any affiliate of the ethical society. If one desires morality to perform the work of the law, in that case, ethics is a helpful mediator. The fundamental issue which requires to be tackled is: Who are the participants of the ethical society whose independence is to be warranted (Caws, 2001)? References Annan, K. (1999, December 14). Speech presented at the United Nations. Retrieved February 25, 2012 from UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Division of Human Sciences, Philosophy and the Ethics of Science and Technology website: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001246/124626eo.pdf Atlan, H. (2001). From the Perspective of Scientific and Technological Transformations. Ethics for the 21st Century, September 21-22, 2001. (SHS-2OWWS/14). Retrieved February 25, 2012 from UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Division of Human Sciences, Philosophy and the Ethics of Science and Technology website: http://unesdoc.unesco.org Caws, P. (2001). From the Perspective of Socio-Cultural Transformations. Ethics for the 21st Century, September 21-22, 2001. (SHS-2OWWS/14). Retrieved February 25, 2012 from UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Division of Human Sciences, Philosophy and the Ethics of Science and Technology website: http://unesdoc.unesco.org Dower, N. (2001). From the Perspective of Globalization. Ethics for the 21st Century, September 21-22, 2001. (SHS-2OWWS/14). Retrieved February 25, 2012 from UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Division of Human Sciences, Philosophy and the Ethics of Science and Technology website: http://unesdoc.unesco.org Ethics for the 21st Century (2001 September 21 – 22). Retrieved February 25, 2012 from UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Division of Human Sciences, Philosophy and the Ethics of Science and Technology website: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001246/124626eo.pdf Lis, M. and Cañavate, J. (n.d.). Ethical Reflections on Technology. Ethical and Scientific Foundation for Responsible Business. Retrieved February 25, 2012 from http://www.responsiblebusiness.eu/display/rebwp2/Ethical+reflections+on+technology Petrella, R. (2001). Globalization and Technical Commitment, in Technology and Ethics, Peeters. Read More