Ethics


Now, this is where its at! If only Dr. Mapes could be here to teach this class. Even though its a saturday, I am not so unhappy about being in class - mostly because we are studying ethics. The central question is: when faced with a situation - is "divine command theory" good enough? Can you say, "its right or wrongs because God says so?"

This is the central dilemma as a Christian. My problem is not with the statement. God is the final authority. There are things that demand a better answer than "God says so." Fact is, the Bible is simply not definite enough to make that statement. What "God" likes and dislikes often becomes one's own interpretation thus degenerates into an egoistic ethic. In case you were interested here are some brief ethical systems:
ETHICAL RELATIVISM
The Relativist says that there are no absolutes, and that morality is relative to a specific culture, group, or individual. Think of Brittany Spears “I really believe in the sanctity of marriage, but hey, I was in Vegas.” What is right becomes what is believed to be right by a certain culture or values.
• “When in Rome…”
• Closely related to this is “situational ethics” which is often an ethic of love. What would be the most loving thing to do in this situation?

ETHICAL EGOISM
An individual should act in his/her own self-interest, regardless of the interests of others, unless their interests also serve the individual.

Ontological – relating to or based upon being or existence
Deontological – the theory or study of moral obligation
DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICS
• Immanuel Kant, 18th c.
• Obligation based. Focused on Duty.
o Good persons are persons who fulfill their obligations.
o Focus is on agents, not acts.
• “Categorical Imperatives”
o Correct moral act is one you would WILL TO BE UNIVERSALIZED.
♣ His point is that unless there is a universal (categorically say) truth then human relationships are possible. Unless truth is the categorical imperative – you can never trust anyone because truth does not exist. It may be bold to say that truth does not exist – but surviving in human relationships demands trust – which demands truth.
♣ Kant would say that you have to tell the truth in all circumstances – really, its more fair to think of a maximum that could be universalized. “In order to protect a human life, sometimes lying may be necessary.”
♣ There are rights and wrongs – how you determine what to do in the situation – depends on God.
♣ The Army is essentially a deontological organization. The Organization details the maximum.
o Persons are always treated as an END, and never as a means only.

UTILITARIAN ETHICS
• Ethical actions are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil.
• The ethical action is the one that provides the greatest good for the greatest number.
• Focus is on ACT rather than AGENT.
o Oversimplification – end justifies the means.
o Often this needs to be done – ex. Triage etc. Mission first.

VIRTUE ETHICS
• Assumes there are certain ideals toward which we should strive, which provide for the full development of our humanity.
• Virtues are attitudes or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop our highest potential.

COMMON GOOD ETHICS
• Social Contract Theory
• Community members are bound by the pursuit of common values and goals.

RIGHTS APPROACH
• People have certain rights, and the moral act is to maintain those rights.
• But what if rights conflict?

“Ya gotta do what ya gotta do man!” This combines the worst of all of them.

Now, as a chaplain, I am the subject matter expert on the concept of ethics and it is my responsibility to advise the commander what the ethical choice would be in a certain situation. Personally, I accept the deontological view more than others. Ethics are not situational, however you must have a premise (categorical imperative) to go on. This premise can come from Biblical Principles combined with Reason and Logic. God gave us a brain and expects us to use it. Really, there are elements of truth in all of these and every one has its place in a systems thinking. Its up the individual what avenue he/she takes.
Then there is always Bob Jones, "Do Right, though the stars fall, Do Right!" Amen and Amen.
Now, what is right?

Posted: Sat - March 5, 2005 at 11:40 PM        

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