How does all this apply to Ethics? Do you believe we will ever have an ethical world if ordinary people (who don’t think philosophically) – hereinafter referred to as laymen – do not have a feel for ethical values? {It is a consensus view now in this country that, for example, very few politicians know their Ethics, or know well-enough how to live their Ethics, and the vital importance of living their Ethics.}
The findings and principles of Ethics, when they are relevant to a decision or choice, need to be accessible to the layman, to remind him or her how to interact ethically with others; or, how to respect oneself. Ethics should teach us how we can upgrade ourselves. (One of its findings is that we should focus on – and praise - the virtues of others, as we pay attention to - and reform - the character defects in ourselves while building on our own moral strengths, if any.)
Happiness and practical wisdom are concepts of Ethics ever since Aristotle used the word, eudaemonia, as he initiated the field of study which is the focus of this Forum. Practical wisdom includes the concept “Success.” If we are to be successful and happy – both individually, as a community, and as a nation - then we need to know our ethical values.
In keeping with this I’d like to invite you all to join this project: give us ethical guidance in the language laymen can grasp, in a speech style that will resonate with the lay person, the proverbial “person in the street.” It may range all the way from the bumper-sticker slogan, such as, “DO NO HARM” to several small paragraphs. What to you is the essence of ethical teaching? Here – from among the conclusions of the Unified Theory of Ethics - is my stab at it:
I know this sounds ideal but we could work to make it happen. We are to use our best top talents to inspire others to express theirs, to get involved in doing what they love, expressing themselves like the artists they are, until they feel the joy and the peace that comes from it. People need to be true to their constantly-improving ideal authentic, self, their true self. They need to love themselves and to spread that love around.
They need to be aware that life is more about giving than it is receiving and taking; it's about sharing and caring; and serving not getting.
It's about creating, and expressing one's gifts freely for the mutal support of others - giving everyone a little boost - perhaps by entertaining them, sharing one's benefits and feelings of prosperity, having an attitude of gratitude.
It's about taking on responsibility, being responsive and empathic, forming mutual support groups. It's about being a decent human being.
What do you say? Do you agree? Will you contribute your ideas to this project? It is more activist than conceptual; but shouldn’t a good ethics be both? Let’s get started working on it. Okay?
-- Updated Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:01 am to add the following --
I voted for The Tipping Point as book of the month for November. Here is a brief description of it:''
The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.
Could EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL ! be such an idea ....one that could reach a tipping point?
The Occupy Together movement participants seem to care about it. Could this be the next Civil Rights movement?
