Ethics: A Personal Perspective
How we perceive ethical issues and how we expect others to act is in many respects a reflection of our personal views. Considering the importance of our internal views of ethics, discuss what things come to mind when you think of the word “ethics”? Do you think your views on ethics have evolved based on your life experiences or do you believe as suggested in the 60 Minutes piece for the week, “Born good? Babies help unlock the origins of Morality”, that your ethics DNA was established at birth. Why?
Drawing on your ethical compass as discussed above and using the video, “Introduction to Ethics”, from your assigned readings and viewings as a framework, how would you resolve the following ethical situation:
You are on a boat and nearby are two large rocks filled with persons waiting to be rescued; there are six people on one rock and five on the other. Assume that you cannot rescue both groups and that you are the only one able to rescue either group. Which group do you rescue?
In your response be certain to identify what you believe is the ethical choice or dilemma that is presented, and discuss your reasons and possible alternative solutions to the one that you propose. Is what you would actually do different from what you should do? If so, why?