Seminar Unit 6 Morality

Morality defined as the basis for a choice among significant options. ‘The humanities are sensitive to the pain and suffering that can be caused by moral dilemmas and the tragic results that often result from our choices.’

Morality may seem like a straightforward term; however, when one considers a global context, morality takes on myriad meanings. We make moral decisions each day. Some are on a large scale and some on a small scale, but our individual perspectives on morality influence both. This week, we’ll explore what philosophers say about the subject while considering how time and place affect moral dilemmas.

DQ Question 1 Moral questions are asked every day. This extends to entertainment as well. Television shows and films present characters who must face moral dilemmas and choose a course of action. We can see this in both dramas and sitcoms, like “House,” “Law & Order,” “The Office,” “Lie To Me,” and “24,” and in films, such as I Can Do Bad All By Myself and Blindside.

Choose a television show, film, or piece of literature that you believe suggests a moral choice. First, give a brief overview of the story to give context to the situation. Was the rationale for this choice convincing? In your discussion, include how self- interest, altruism, moral absolutism, or other categories of morality are portrayed in these decisions.

DQ Question 2 The text discusses the true-life story of Jeffrey Wigand, whose “whistle- blowing” on the tobacco companies was portrayed in the film The Insider.

If you were in a situation where your employer was acting unethically, would you blow the whistle? What are some of the elements to consider in making this decision? Which factors would need to be ensured before you would report what you know? Which factors might prevent you from acting?

Moral Systems A network of related values on which moral choices are based.

Moral Systems The Morality of Self-Interest p. 399 Philosophers include: Socrates ‘To know the good is to do the good’ vs. Glauco ‘everyone does the right thing out of motives... not goodness.’

Moral Systems Enlightened Self-Interest ‘...serving the self in order to have an effective government... and provide for the people.’ p.402 Philosopher: Niccolo Machiavelli ‘A strong leader creates a sense of awe. A ruler who rules by strength’

Moral Systems Transcending Self-Interest: Altruism A greater concern for the welfare of others more than for oneself. Philosopher: Steven Pinker p. 408 Philosopher: John Rawls ‘...moral instinct, the tendency to do what is right regardless of personal gain (or loss),is inborn in the species.’

Moral Systems Economics and Self-Interest the capitalist system Philosopher: Adam Smith p. 403 ‘Greed in itself was thus not immoral. It was the natural condition of humanity.’

Moral Systems The Moral Imperative A person’s sense of right and wrong is inborn Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

Seminar In this seminar, we will discuss two moral ideas from the chapter: Plato’s “Ring of Gyges,” and Kantian ethics.

Seminar Question 1 What is the “Ring of Gyges”? The tale of a shepherd named Gyges, who discovers that a ring he has removed from a corpse has the power to make him invisible. (Think Frodo in Lord of the Rings.) Taking full advantage of his newfound power “he contrived to be chosen one of the messengers who were sent to the court; where as soon as he arrived he seduced the queen, and with her help conspired against the king and slew him, and took the kingdom.”

Seminar Question 2 What would you do if you had the ring? Glacon says that many people do whatever they can get away with while maintaining their reputation. What do you think about his conclusion?

Seminar Question 3 Kantian philosophy espouses that humans are born with an inner morality—

a conscience that acts as a compass, pointing us toward right and away from wrong.

Do you agree that we are born with a sense of morality, or do you believe morality is something that is taught?

References ‘House’; retrieved 12/14/ ‘The Insider’; retrieved 12/14/10 Al Pacino, left, and Russell Crowe in The Insider.Crowe plays a man forced to decide between providing a comfortable life for his family and blowing the whistle on a tobacco company. Source: The Everett Collection, Inc. The Art of Being Human: The Humanities As A Technique For Living, Custom Edition. Published by Pearson Custom Publishing. Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. ‘The Republic’ Plato