What is the Golden Rule?

The Golden Rule What is right is the kind of behaviour towards others which you would not mind being on the receiving end of yourself. It is based on the principle of mutual self-interest

The Golden Rule is often thought of as originating in Christianity with the Biblical verse “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12). Actually, some version of the Golden Rule exists far prior to Christianity. It is in fact a common belief held in some form by most world religions

The Golden Rule Examples of this can be found in many religions and philosophies. It can either be an example of heteronomy or autonomy depending on the source you are using! Most of the major ‘value systems’ seem to have overlapping ‘core beliefs’ about how people should behave, despite their different customs and beliefs. One of these is the Golden Rule, which is a variation on the saying: ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’.

This means that most societies think that a good ‘rule of thumb’ is to think about how you would like to be treated in a particular situation, and use that to inform your actions towards others. It is not a steadfast ‘rule’ that works in all situations, but a rule that if applied consistently by everyone on society should improve that society.

Earliest mention The earliest form of the Golden Rule in religion dates prior to Confucianism and Buddhism. Confucius is attributed with a statement in the 6th Century BCE that one should not extend harm to others which one would not wish for one’s self. Buddhism documents also dating from the 6th century BCE include the quote “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” ConfucianismBuddhism Confucius

The Golden Rule may also be called the ethic of reciprocity. As such, it generally means one should behave to others in the same way one wishes to be treated. However, the Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is not a guarantee that one will get ideal treatment. Instead it is a hope that possibly, someday, each person will treat everyone else with kindness and will receive kindness from others

Issues with GR “ in everything do unto others what you would have them do unto you,” Matthew 7:12 Consider Pete the pervert who loves groping strangers and being groped by strangers If the GR is true/right /good Commanded by God then Pete’s act of groping grandma Betty at Asda was morally right.

Examples Value SystemQuote Christianity“Do for others what you would want them to do for you.” (Matt.) Islam“None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” (the Hadith) Buddhism“Since the self is dear, let him who desires his own advantage not harm another” Humanism“Don’t do things to others you wouldn’t want to have done to you.” Ancient Greece“May I do for others as I would that they should do unto me.” Plato

Discuss some of the problems that exist in the world today. Write them down.

Imagine that you are Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Using the principle of the ‘Golden Rule’, devise three simple laws which you will ask all the World’s governments to agree to. Your group must try to persuade the class why your laws are important. Can you make the World a better place?

You will vote to decide which laws are the most important. Do you think it is a good rule to live by? Give reasons for your answer

Laws

Task 2 Read pages Answer Questions 1-7