Level of Manners, Etiquette and Respect - Essay Example

Level of Manners, Etiquette and Respect 1. This question requires you to apply moral theories to a contemporary issue.       a. Explain why an Egoist would have good manners. (3 points) An Egoist manifests behavior focusing on long term self-interest and self-love. An Egoist acts with either a conscious or unconscious motive of satisfying oneself. The Egoists’ actions aim to do good so that in turn, an equilateral benefit is accorded them. Therefore, an Egoist would have good manners to ultimately serve their self-interest.       b. Explain why a Virtue Ethicist would have good manners. (3 points) The Virtue Ethicist focuses on personal character with the goal of achieving human excellence. In this regard, a Virtue Ethicist would have good manners as a critical and relevant character trait to give meaning to life’s existence.       c. Explain why a Deontologist would have good manners. (3 points) A Deontologist’s main focus is doing the right thing as a moral duty. In this regard, a Deontologist would have good manners because he perceives it as his moral obligation to manifest that particular character simply because it is the right thing to do.       d. Explain why a Utilitarian would have good manners. (3 points) A Utilitarian would have good manners because their action focuses on the greatest good for the greater number of people. By exhibiting good manners, Utilitarians are convinced that benefits are accorded to a greater number versus the cost of exhibiting them. It seems like people today do not have the same level of manners, etiquette and respect that they did in times past.   e. Given that all of the theories mentioned in parts a – d would say it is right to have good manners, why do you think people today do not have good manners? It is possible that people of today have not been exposed to the rationale of manifesting good manners, as learned in all the ethical theories mentioned. Ethical theories and moral of good conduct are often learned and developed through continuous learning and exposure to situations which require the application of specific codes of discipline, as manifested in several fields of endeavor. Due to poverty, inequality, violation of human rights, majority of contemporary people (especially in Third World Countries) were not given the privilege of understanding ethical concepts encompassing good manners, etiquette, and respect. What reason(s) do they have not to have good manners or etiquette? (8 points) As briefly mentioned, traumatic experiences such as violation of human rights, poverty, inequality, exposure to chronic illness, threats to survival, among others, have made them indifferent and cold in character. When they have not even experienced anything good to be accorded in life, most naturally, these people could not give anything good, in return. 2. Self Control questions (20 points total)  a. How important is the virtue of self control for individuals living in our (postmodern, democratic, capitalistic, consumption) culture that we live in today? (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (10 points) The virtue of self control enables the individual to discern the need to restrain one’s behavior according to what is required of a given situation. Living in our contemporary world exposes an individual to diverse scenarios which are challenging, trying, stressful, rewarding, happy, drastic, and all sorts of situations triggered by a multitude of factors. Self-control assists the individual in determining the appropriate action depending on the given situation. A knowledge of ethical theories would assist the individual in exercising self control through the application of ethical principles and moral standards that guide one in decision making. Self control is consistent and complimentary to the ethical theories of virtue ethics (focusing on character) and utilitarianism (looking at one’s action with would benefit the greater number of people). b. How would you grade yourself on your level of self control? (you may want to give examples of your ability/inability to defer gratification or examples of decisions you have made that support your answer) (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (10 points) Personally, I am an individual who is very good in manifesting the virtue of self control. I am slow to anger and exhibit a compromising negotiation style. I am able to discern the need to sacrifice self interests in exchange for duties. I would rather spend my time working on an urgent task rather than resting or undertaking leisure activities. I do not indulge in unnecessary wants but am really concerned on satisfying my needs. I have recognized the importance of saving for future needs rather than spending on temporary thrills of life. Self control had helped me achieve my goal of focusing first on my studies than pursuing other endeavors which detract me from attaining my pursuit in life. 3. Changing Things (20 points total) a. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? Why did you choose it? (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (3 points)   Inequality. I would like each and every individual in the world to be given equal opportunities, rights, experiences, and all the benefits that only a few can enjoy. In one of our lessons on a miniature world, the reality of inequality touched me so much and made me realize how blessed most of us are. Education alone, is considered a privilege in some countries when we consider it as a right. Lack of education exacerbates the condition of living and contributes to gross poverty, strife, war and inaccessibility to human rights. If I could change just one thing in the world, I definitely would want equality for all – for I am sure, when there is equality, peace and order would prevail. b. If you could change one thing in our country what would it be? Why did you choose it? (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (3 points) If I could change one thing in our country, it would be corruption and political discord. I believe that good governance, particularly, practicing government ethics is the solution to our country’s problems. The root of all evils is corruption. If even one of our political leaders succumb to corruption, tell lies, begin to keep secret deals, a lot of our people would be affected in terms of being shortchanged in the amount of benefits that should be received. The government expects the people to abide by laws and regulations – while our very leaders break them. The success of every nation relies on its leaders. Leaders should adhere to the ethical theories learned to ensure that followers would continue to trust and believe in the principles of justice and equality that they are supposed to uphold. c. If you could change one thing in our city what would it be? Why did you choose it? (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (3 points) If I could change one thing in our city, I would focus on concerned citizens. In contemporary times, it seems that citizens have begun to be indifferent and uncaring for others. Due to economic reasons, most people engage mainly in working and earning a living. A society concerned with helping the needy, caring for the aged, going out of one’s way to lend a helping hand is not a common practice. Although local agencies design programs to cater to the needs of the afflicted, the homeless, and the aged, among others – there really seems to be a lack of sincere concern and active participation to care for someone out of the nuclear family. In this regard, I would like to make each and every citizen in our city realize that through sincere concern and acting in even one’s simple way, each and everyone can make a difference by improving the lives of others. d. If you could change one thing in your life what would it be? Why did you choose it? (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (3 points) If I could change on thing in my life, I would like to be more involved in civic and social programs and in making our world a better place to live in. From the discussion of different modules, I realized that ethical theories would not improve one’s life if not put into practice. I can learn so much about inequality, injustice, violation of human rights, discrimination, and a lot more – but if I just remain passive and indifferent, nothing would be improved. I would like to be an instrument of transformation. I would like to be a transformational and servant leader concerned of social responsibility and environmental change while conforming to ethical standards and codes of discipline, as embodied in our discussions. e. Choose one of the previous questions (3a – 3d) and explain what you could do to change what you wrote about. (answer should be at least one “good” paragraph) (8 points) I would like to focus on what I can change – myself. By applying the ethical theories I learned in class, I am made aware of the impact of these theories to actual situations. I would be more conscious of my actions in terms of the repercussions it would create towards my fellowmen. I know that by doing acts of random kindness I can start to make this world a better place to live in. Simple acts which we sometimes unconsciously disregard have successive repercussions that create either good or bad effects. Littering, smoking, cursing, telling lies, wasting food, etc. should be avoided due the morality of the actions. The course enabled me to look more closely at my personal values and behavior and it encouraged me to change for the better… so I can, in turn, transform others into doing what is rightfully and morally good. 4. Something from Classes (20 points total) Have you learned anything in any of your classes this semester at SPC that: (1) has changed your view on something, Or (2) changed your thought process, Or (3) changed you, Or (4) opened your eyes to something knew, Or (5) touched you.  a. If so, what was it and how did this happen? If not, why didn’t any of these things happen to you? (answer should be at least two “good” paragraphs) (20 points) I definitely learned a lot from our classes particularly in viewing life. As I mentioned, I was totally moved by the topic on inequality and the video on Chicken a la Mode. I realized that most of us who are blessed with enjoying human rights, education, a good home, a safe environment, a stable peer group, comforts in life, food, clothing, and a lot more, could not have realized the benefits that are given us if we were not given the opportunity to view the video (including the miniature world). As a consequence, I am determined to apply what I learned by helping in my own simple and small way to reach out and help simple people I see on the streets on a regular basis. This conviction could be a starting point towards a career in stewardship or servant leadership. As we are to become leaders of the future, the ethical theories are the most appropriate framework to guide and assist us in our future decisions. I am now more aware that I cannot just decide without analyzing the consequences of my actions. I should be more aware of what my actions would create in terms of influencing other people who work with me. The topics on discrimination, inequality, justice have encouraged me to be a proactive individual supporting a just cause rather than taking a passive stance towards the development of mankind. 5. Choose someone who does not go to SPC (someone different than the person you spoke to as part of the Unit 11 assignment) and share with them any question and your answer from this exam.  (20 points total) a. Report on your conversation. Who did you choose? Which question/answer did you choose to talk with them about? What did you tell them? How did they respond? (answer should be at least two “good” paragraphs) (20 points) I talked with a friend in the neighborhood, Samantha Hayes, and talked to her about the questions on changing things. I told her all about the scenarios given under the changing things questions and asked her the same questions to find out what her response would be. I told her that this is part of the final exams we have in this course and gave her a background on what we have discussed so far, in general. For someone who was does not go to SPC, it is frustrating to hear that her responses do not coincide with the ethical theories we have learned in the course. When asked what is one thing in the world that she can change, what would it be and why she chose it, she responded that she does not want anything changed. The world is ok as it is and that we could not change anything, anyhow. What about changing something in our country? She responded that she wanted to change the prices of the good stuffs she can buy so she can have everything she wants. As for our city, she said that she really do not care about changing anything in the city – if there is really anything that should be changed. And finally, with regards to changing something about her life, she said that she really wants to be a famous singer or actress so she can have lots of fun and afford to buy a mansion with sleek cars and attract a cute guy to be her boyfriend. It is actually funny and interesting to hear someone respond the way she did. It could actually be expected of people who were not exposed to ethical theories that were discussed in the course. It made me realize, all the more, that there really is great value in education and in learning facts of life not eminently evident in day-to-day ordinary activities. The course enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies and complications of life – and despite them, we can, in fact, make a difference. Read More