- Question 1: Is it more important to be a good person or to perform good acts? (virtue ethics vs. action ethics)
- I think it is more important to perform good acts than to just be a good person because ultimately performing good acts makes you a good person. Performing good acts not only affects you but, affects the ones around you. Holding the door for someone, saying Thank You and, volunteering or raising money for charity are several examples of performing good acts. Growing up I have always been taught to treat people the way you would want to be treated. Performing good acts of kindness can go a long way. People will remember the ones who made a difference in the world and who were kind to others through actions and through words. Even though people might perform acts with the wrong intentions, their actions will make a positive impact on others which, indirectly makes them a good person.
- Question 2: Do the ends justify the means (ends ethics vs. means ethics)?
- In my opinion for this question, both the ends and the means should be considered in the type of situation. The situation should depend on what the ends or goals are and what means are being used to achieve them. Sometimes people use the expression, “It doesn’t matter how you get what you want, as long as you get it.” People can achieve their goals through any means necessary, no matter what the circumstances might be. An example of this, is when people lie on their resume to get a job that they are not qualified for. By lying on their resume they are trying to make more money so they can provide for their family. However, lying on their resume can be beneficial or detrimental in one’s ability in getting the job. In the end, is it worth it to compromise your morals in getting a job that might not be a good fit for you.
- Question 6: Is my own life worth more than the lives of others, the same, or less (selfishness vs. altruism)?
- I believe that my life is worth the same as others. I am a strong believer that everyone here on earth was brought into this world with a reason to do good and to benefit society as a whole. Often times, people are classified lower than others due to race, gender, beliefs, etc. but, we are all human and all at the same level. No one is above or below another person, we are all here to get along with each other. At times, I could be selfish but, I believe there is a part of that in everyone. I am compassionate about my values and my beliefs and I will do anything to make those things happen. I have goals and dreams and I won’t give up until they become a reality. In the end, I am here as a member of society and to do good and be good to the people around me and to get along with others.
2 thoughts on “Module 3- Ethics”
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In response to your first answer I just disagree that simply doing good actions makes them a good person because they could be a terrible person simply doing good actions to hide their evil intentions or mask other evil actions they are performing.
Hi! My name is Michael and here is a link to my blog post.http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/02/03/module-3-ethics-views-michael-simons/
Although i don’t exactly agree with your thoughts for question one, i do understand your view point. I can agree to some extent by performing good acts can make someone a good person, but in some cases that isn’t always true and someone might be doing a good act for their own advantage later on. For question six i completely agree with you. We are all humans and should be treated equally. I also agree that it is important to prioritize your own goals sometimes before others because at the end of the day you are trying to progress yourself and for some days that requires you to think about yourself more.