My Ethical View
This question assumes that one has acquired a set of standards by which one governs one’s life; and not just follows one’s desires and wants. However, everyone was taught right from wrong, good from bad, and whatever one would later do with it, is up to each one. This paper presents this writer’s education in the ethics. It is not intended to be an in-depth analysis, but a chronological overview of various ethical principles and rules encountered during one’s development. Moreover, the focus is to present a personal view on the values taught. A summary of this writer’s philosophy of ethics will conclude the paper.
One first encountered the idea of right and wrong at a young age from one’s family, and school environment. At an early age, one was taught the societal point of view about ethical standards. One was told not to lie, not to steal, not to kill, and the difference between good actions and bad ones. The main motivation to follow those rules was fear of punishment. Those rules, therefore, would have been followed not because of acceptance and understanding of their values, but as a necessity, and when the opportunity to transgress would occur, the rules would be broken. However, it was not before one began one’s education that one developed an opinion about the meaning of being human, and the obligations that ensued.
The elementary years of education were spent in a Catholic boarding school. There, one was taught religion and God’s moral principles, and rules. One was told that God was good, just and merciful. However, if one would transgress the rules, one would find oneself in “hell”. Furthermore, one was told about the son of God, the savior of man. One was told that He showed compassion, even toward the wicked; however, those that taught so didn’t show any. Moreover, He was said to be just and forgiving; however, those that preached so were not. One came across many of the moral principles and rules taught in the Holy Book, however, one did not encounter in one’s surrounding, a person, with such qualities. Therefore, one rejected that indoctrination, and one did not comprehend the value of those virtues. However, one gained the knowledge of the characteristics of a “good man” as projected through the son of God. Family, school, and lived experiences were the first sources for this writer’s personal ethical view. However, one did not embraced those ethical principles, and thought of them as a mean for control by the one in power and place of influence. But one’s conscience could not be kept silent.
The idea of an ideal human was born. One wished to become such a man. That desire pushed one into the study of philosophy, and through the study of philosophical arguments one developed one’s belief. Those philosophers were the main source for a personal ethical development. The primary influence was the teaching of Socrates through the writing of Plato, especially in the Republic . In the search of defining happiness, the discussion explored the various characteristics of a moral man, a good man. Some of the virtues present in such an individual are integrity, justice, honesty and compassion. It was through the reading of Jean Paul Sartre, that one realized the greater potential of mankind. As Sartre wrote in Existentialism and Human Emotions : “Man is nothing else but what he Will himself to be”, that principle one had to accept, for without it there would be no reason for ethical standards. One must have free-will to be responsible, and decide on a certain path. From this point on, the foundation for one’s ethical principles was established. First, man has a will and it is a priori to fulfill one’s identity. Rational thinking and emotional desires to have a purpose for human life eased the acceptance of such an ethical philosophy.
Other philosophers were the source for further understanding and reinforcement. Jean Jacques Rousseau expressed in Emile , that not only the learning of academics is necessary, but that the self-development of human awareness is primordial for the development of a good man. Virtues are not taught, they are discovered. The same principle is found in the ending of Candide, a book by Voltaire, “Go and cultivate your own garden.” Many more helped forge the belief that a good man is a moral man, a rational man that took on as his duty to become human. It will take too long to list them all, however, a few, need some attention.
During a period of time one was involved in Judaism. One studied the teaching of a few scholars of Cabala, the Jewish mysticism. During those years, this writer was a religious man, and found connection to a creator. The main principle in their wisdom that appealed to this writer is the concept that one should do, and direct all actions for the sake of heaven. This principle requires that not only the actions be good, but that the motivation be for the sake of duty. One’s soul was lifted, however, there too, one found more hypocrites than righteous men. Till these days this writer is struggling to find happiness. However, one now embraces those ideals, and attempts to follow a few ethical principles, such as integrity, honesty and compassion. Those principles are the foundation for this writer’s philosophy of ethics.
Various sources helped forge those personal ethical principles. Family, society and the view of a few philosophers were the main sources. However, later on, experiences and reflection helped define those principles. One pondered on those problems that forge the human condition. Through the philosophers’ wisdom one learned the method of critical thinking, and the value of rational thinking. One learned to revere virtues and seek wisdom. This writer’s theory could be defined as an ethic of principles. It is quite similar to Kant’s theory of obligation. It requires that one has a good will, and be a rational individual. It also requires that one’s actions be done for the sake of duty, the duty to fulfill one’s identity, the identity of mankind. However, it also incorporates the concept of leading a good life as expressed by Aristotle, or, of following the golden path defined by Confucius. Those theories require temperance and wisdom; they teach a life of moderation. By following those paths one not only will fulfill one’s identity, but one will also discover happiness. However, this writer has a long journey ahead before being a moral person.