Brief History of Ethics

Brief History of Ethics

I have found this to be a fascinating subject with the framework set in place that can be traced back to Plato and Aristotle.  They had differing and contrasting views on human function.

Aristotle examines the pursuit of happiness and goodness.  Isn’t it something we say today that we wish our family and friends to be happy?

Socrates adds that it is better to be just than un just and turns his attention to the human soul.  He asks if living is a function of the soul and concludes the soul is what is utilised to exhibit reason.

Plato believed human function was deliberation, with ruling, living and taking care of things. Plato's  ethics/virtues saw people belonging to and being part of that community

It is generally morally accepted that ‘The prime purpose in life is to help others’. Like many ‘good rules’ there are in the framework that we live by, it is at times challenging to practise especially when decisions and judgements are to be made.  

Immanuel Kant (1779) belief that moral rules are based on reason rather religion. A reason to do good for the greater good and to be dutiful.  I think this theory is outdated in Western society as those that adhere to ethical action based on duty are ‘in service’ jobs such as the armed forces.

Hobbes’s view on a practical solution to social harmony and JS Mill’s theory seem to converge as they developed the theories of moral obligation with the principal thoughts of unselfishness.

Religion

In the Catholic religion the bible states that Children (the innocent) are to be cared for and to be looked after.  In light of recent reports about priests, supposedly highly respected leaders of our society and setting a good example, have let us down. What happened to the their moral framework?  I think these issues highlight that some aspects of religious teachings are out of date in our changing societies. I have hope. World News has reported that Catholic leaders launch a global drive to catch paedophiles priests!!

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10372093-catholic-leaders-launch-global-drive-to-catch-pedophile-priests

My Professional Ethics have become strong and more solid, so my views have not changed after Reader 5.

My personal ethics are guided by Christian values and spiritual instincts.  I must clarify that  my Christian values don’t necessarily imply a religious faith or following. These values have evolved and combined with my instincts, I focus on the here and now to deal with each individual episode.

The Reader has highlighted many grey areas regarding human rights as per case study 2; Ethics in photography (Middlesex University Reader 5 2011/12)

I couldn’t help but question what made the photographer walk away;

Was the photographer brainwashed into believing that there was no hope for these people and the best thing is to let them die? Did he make that decision because he was a man? Would have a female photographer acted differently? If he was a father would he have made the same decision? 

I think the ground rules and ethical duties as a photojournalist here, should have been ignored for the sake of a human life.

I’ve had to make three life or death decisions in my life and on each account extensive facts about human rights were taken into account, but my final decision was internally driven.  

A major report to parliament show that assisted suicide should be legal.  The UK have come a long way to this point.  

A locked-in syndrome sufferer wins high court hearing for his rights to die

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/12/locked-in-syndrome-sufferer-court-hearing

I’m unsure why the UK are non decisive about assisted suicide compared to other European countries.  I see an act of unselfishness as each individual makes a decision not only to end his/her pain and suffering as a terminal patient but to shorten the pain of their loved ones.  I witnessed a friend, who was terminal,  make the decision that her family and friends were not to visit her whilst in a hospice. The family were obviously heartbroken but the medical team made them aware it was her life and her death, therefore her wishes were to be totally respected.

Ethics and Morals

I consider myself as having liberal views as a dance teacher/performer/choreographer, homosexuality in dance has been accepted by the ‘Arts’ world for generations and is more widely accepted today in the world of ‘dance’.

I have limited knowledge of how other cultures view homosexuality in dance. I am aware it has raised tension between personal and moral issues within their society.  This is subject interests me and I would like to further research this. 

Since 2005 homosexuals are now allowed to enter  a formal civil partnership where their union is fully recognised by the state and carries with it all the duties and responsibilities that go with the union (Middlesex University Reader 5 2012). 

Although it seems to be more widely accepted in the UK, some professional male belly dancers are still being subjected to prejudice views.

Reader 5 does not include any reference to Transgenders in dance. I have encountered  trans gender performers and one person taking part in a dance workshop weekend with all females who accepted the situation.  This is another interesting area to research as it is likely to happen again and I would like advice on how to handle this sensitive area.  I would need to take into consideration any females in the group objecting to a trans gender participating.  As an organisation I would have to go with the majority decision.

I searched for a code of Ethics that offer advice on inclusion of Transgenders.  A home Office Web site with details of Transgender Action Plan. 

‘This document sets out the specific actions we will take across government to advance transgender equality’

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/equalities/lgbt-equality-publications/transgender-action-plan

Male Teachers in Schools

Having experienced teaching in a Primary schools, children often require comforting and would instinctively hug me and I feel it appropriate not to push the child away.  I have observed young children hug male staff and they instinctively push the child away for fear of accusation. They feel at ease when a female member of staff is in the same room.  The male teacher often speak of relief that another member of staff is present.

The Telegraph newspaper reports how men are afraid of being seen as paedophiles.

I feel the balance has been tipped and there may be repercussions in society with attitudes and behaviour . The report states better behaviour in both gender by the presence of  a male teacher.  

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2510908/Just-2pc-of-early-years-primary-school-teachers-male.html

In summary I think on the whole society conducts itself or believes in being virtuous.. I believes this depends on the culture we live in.  For women, it is considered ‘wrong’ to have an intimate relationship with a man out of wedlock. This seem less important in today’s western world.  We strive for the constant ‘do good’. At times we are unable to communicate or be articulate  for the reasons we make certain choices.  Are we using  tacit knowledge ? 

Is it our instinct?

I believe we are lead by multiple sets of rules that guide us to behave ethically.  I believe I have positive characteristics  and lead by good example.

I have learnt about research ethics and will blogg my findings and thoughts on how I will use those ethical principals to conduct my surveys, interviews and observations to gather data and statistics