Ethics Class, Monday, 2-4pm

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"Over the course of this term, we've looked a lot at your personal moral stance on things. Today we're going to be looking more generally - on how morals are taught to children, often insidiously.

"A good medium for this is fairy tales. Every culture has them - stories that are told to children, bearing little moral gems to shape and guide. The first thing I want you to do is a select a fairy tale. Don't worry if it's not one I'll know, just pick one you're familiar with."

Comments

Second Hour - unpacking it

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"Okay, now you've got your answer, let's analyse it. Put yourself into one of the following categories. Please remember that it's your justification, not your answer, that fits you into a category."

Tara passes around a handout, containing the following information:

Stage one - obedience. Individuals focus on the direct consequences that their actions will have for themselves. For example, Heinz should not steal the medicine, because he will consequently be put in prison.

Stage two - self interest. Right behavior is defined by what is in one's own best interest. Interest in the needs of others are limited to "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours." For example, Heinz should steal the medicine, because he will be much happier if he saves his wife, even if he will have to serve a prison sentence.

Stage three - conformity: Individuals are receptive of approval or disapproval from other people. They try to be a good boy or good girl having learned that there is inherent value in doing so. For example, Heinz should steal the medicine, because his wife expects it.

Stafe four - law and order. It is important to obey the laws and social conventions because of its importance to maintaining a working society. Moral reasoning in stage four is thus beyond the need for approval exhibited in stage three, because the individual understands that society needs to transcend individual needs. For example, Heinz should not steal the medicine, because the law prohibits stealing.

Stage five - human rights. Persons have certain principles to which they may attach more value than laws, such as human rights or social justice. In this reasoning, actions are wrong if they violate these ethical principles. Laws are regarded as social contracts rather than dictums, and must be changed when necessary (provided there is agreement). For example, Heinz should steal the medicine, because everyone has a right to live, regardless of the law. Or: Heinz should not steal the medicine, because the scientist has a right to fair compensation.

Stage six - universal sentient ethics. Moral reasoning is based on the use of abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. One way to do this is by imagining oneself in everyone else's shoes, imagining what they would decide if they were doing the same. For example, Heinz should steal the medicine, because saving a human life is a more fundamental value than the property rights of another person. Or: Heinz should not steal the medicine, because that violates the golden rule of honesty and respect.

"I want you to indentify where you are now - and where you'd like to be. That's all. Hand in your answers and any thoughts that generates, and you've finished this course. Grades will be posted next Monday."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[defiantlyyours.livejournal.com]

"I am at Stage Five and I prefer to stay there, thank you. Freedom from bondage of the body, mind, and spirit is paramount. All else is a secondary consideration."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[soldtoarmenians]

"...Stage five, I guess? Stage six sounds a little loftier than where I was heading, and I'm not sure if I really want to go there, either. I get thinking about how things will affect other people, but not so much with the abstract -- some things are gut instinct, or should be."

Xander thinks for a minute, then adds to the bottom of his paper,

"That thing from last week where we were supposed to pick something we don't like in ourselves and try changing it? I think I picked the wrong thing, since it was 'tell people I like what I'm really thinking, instead of bullshitting with a joke' -- because I didn't end up seeing any of the people who would've put it to the test. Might try it out when I go home for Christmas break, though."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[chasingangela]

"I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but I think I'm closer to level six than level five. But only because class last week made me think about it that way."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

"Stage two in this case. His wife's life is the most important thing."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[allie-cameron.livejournal.com]

"I think right now I'm probably stage one, but I've been sliding more into stage five, which is where I think I'd like to be."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[mycanonhatesme]

"I guess I'm in stage five. Heinz should steal the medicine because his wife deserves to live, even if the doctor doesn't think so. I think I like this stage, and I'm happy to stay there."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"I'm in stage two. I want to be in stage two. They have cookies. Could possibly identify wtih stage 6, but gotta stick with 2."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel thought about it.

"Probably stage two," Angel said. "It's my self interest to make my wife happy and healthy. That's why I'm doing it."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[wannabelawyer.livejournal.com]

"I think I'm in 5? Because life is worth more than the drug or the consequences for stealing it. But maybe 2, since I don't know that I'd say Heinz should go stealing the drug for some stranger off the street."

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[miss-monochrome.livejournal.com]

Six? I think? Sounds kinda, I dunno, full of myself though.

Re: Second Hour - unpacking it

[stykera]

"For this? Stage two. I think. Letting someone you love die is too painful. Stage five seems like where I would like to be."