The Golden Rule Guiding Principle 2

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.

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