Week 15 Lecture Notes on Ethics PDF

Lecture Notes in GE-E- Ethics Ethical Challenges in Globalization and Modernization Ethics Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments globally, characterized by the flo...

Lecture Notes in GE-E- Ethics Ethical Challenges in Globalization and Modernization Ethics Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments globally, characterized by the flow of goods, services, capital, technology, and cultural practices across borders. Pluralism is the condition in which multiple distinct groups, such as those based on ethnicity, religion, or culture, exist together within a single society while maintaining their unique identities. Ethical pluralism posits that there are several genuine human values that are fundamentally incompatible and incommensurable, meaning they cannot be reduced to a single overarching value or system. Ethical Challenges in Globalization and Modernization: A Perspective for Science Educators Introduction Globalization and modernization have brought about significant advancements in science and technology, transforming societies and economies worldwide. However, these transformative processes have also presented many ethical challenges that require careful consideration. As science educators, it is imperative to address these challenges to ensure that scientific knowledge is used responsibly and ethically. Ethical Challenges 1. Digital Divide and Access to Technology Issue: Unequal access to technology and digital resources can exacerbate social and economic disparities. Science Education Implication: Ensuring equitable access to science education, including digital tools and resources, is crucial to prevent a digital divide that could hinder scientific progress and innovation. 2. Data Privacy and Security Issue: The increasing collection and analysis of personal data raises concerns about privacy, security, and potential misuse. Science Education Implication: Teaching students about data privacy, security, and ethical data handling practices is essential to prepare them for the digital age. 3. Bioethics and Genetic Engineering Issue: Advances in genetic engineering raise ethical questions about human enhancement, genetic modification, and the potential for unintended consequences. Science Education Implication: Educating students about the ethical implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering can help them make informed decisions and participate in public discourse on these issues. 4. Environmental Ethics and Climate Change Issue: Human activities like industrialization and deforestation have led to significant environmental degradation and climate change. Science Education Implication: Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability in science education can inspire students to become responsible stewards of the planet. 5. Intellectual Property Rights and Open Science Issue: Balancing intellectual property rights with the principles of open science and knowledge sharing can be challenging.  Science Education Implication: Encouraging open science practices and teaching students about the importance of sharing knowledge and data can foster collaboration and innovation. Ethical Framework for Science Educators To address these ethical challenges, science educators can adopt the following ethical framework: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving- Encourage students to think critically about the ethical implications of scientific research and technological advancements. Ethical Decision-Making- Teach students a framework for making ethical decisions, considering factors such as consequences, fairness, and respect for others. Social Responsibility- Promote a sense of social responsibility and the importance of using scientific knowledge to benefit society. Global Citizenship- Cultivate a global perspective and awareness of the interconnectedness of people and the planet. Lifelong Learning- Encourage continuous learning and adaptation to emerging ethical challenges in science and technology. Calls for a Global Ethic To address global ethical challenges, scholars have proposed the need for a global ethic—a set of universally accepted principles that could serve as a foundation for regulating international interactions (Osimiri, 2015). This perspective asserts that shared ethical values and standards can help reduce social injustices within the global community and are essential for achieving global peace and justice (Gephardt, 2011). In the context of cultural relativism, university professor James Rachels identifies three universal values that are common across all cultures: Caring for the young Murder is wrong Telling the truth Moral Absolutism: An ethical perspective on universal value Moral absolutism is the ethical belief that actions can be judged as right or wrong based on absolute standards, independent of the situational context. This perspective asserts that there is a fundamental moral law inherent in the universe. Prominent philosophers who supported forms of moral absolutism include Plato and Aristotle, but the most notable advocate was Immanuel Kant. Kant's concept of the Categorical Imperative emphasizes that individuals should act in ways that treat humanity as an end in itself, rather than merely as a means to an end. He argued for a notion of "goodwill" that is unconditional, suggesting that all human actions should prioritize the well-being of others and the natural world without any conditions. Advantages of Moral Absolutism It allows moral rules to be evaluated critically. It is fair as people are treated the same as the rules are the same for everyone. If a moral rule is right, then there would be no need to have different rules for different people because the absolute rules are universal. Criticism to Moral Absolutism Sometimes it is not appropriate to treat people the same due to circumstances that arise from different situations.  Life is not simply "black and white". The Challenge of Pluralism What is Pluralism? Pluralism as process refers to ways of recognition. It is a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest, within the confines of a common civilization (WEB). In philosophy, pluralism is the theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle (The Basics of Philosophy© 2008). In Ethics, pluralism is the supposition that there are many independent sources of value and that there is no single truth, even in moral matters (The Basics of Philosophy, 2008). In political philosophy, some points about pluralism claimed by pluralists in the Pluralism Project at Havard University (Diana L. Eck 2006) are: 1. Pluralism is not diversity alone, but the energetic engagement with diversity. 2. Pluralism is not just tolerance but the active seeking of understanding across lines of difference. 3. Pluralism is not relativism but the encounter of commitments. 4. Pluralism is based on dialogue. Ethical Pluralism Ethical pluralism (also moral pluralism/value pluralism) is the idea that values may be equally correct and that there is no single moral system that can objectively judge an action to be right or wrong. The Challenge of Fundamentalism Fundamentalism is an approach to religion (and by extension moral philosophy) that literally and strictly adheres to their religious doctrines. A collection of essays called "The Fundamentalist Mindset" laid out the psychological structure or features of fundamentalism. These are: 1. Dualistic thinking. Fundamentalists are inclined to see the world in clear categories. You are either good or bad, right or wrong, for them or against them. There is no room for context or probabilities in a fundamentalist's view. 2. They are obsessed with the "ultimate end” for society and humanity. This mindset usually has two components: first, the current system must "end"; and second, to witness a new beginning. 3. Cult leadership. Fundamentalist groups are usually founded by a leader who is able to wield total devotion from followers. charismatic a leader who is able to wield total devotion from followers. 4. Total conversion and commitment. Members are fully immersed in and committed to their religious doctrine. Loyalty and commitment are not only expected; they are demanded. Moral Absolutism versus Fundamentalism Fundamentalism is a kind of moral absolutism, but in a radical way. Moral absolutism is an assertion that human beings should base their behavior on universal values, or as Kant prescribed, "goodwill without conditions”. Fundamentalists, on the other hand, believe their doctrines are the universal values that everyone should follow. Prepared by: Casano, Fretchie Ann P. Caoagdan, Joji Mae G.