ETHICS PDF
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Mindanao State University
Dr. James Rachels
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Summary
This document provides an introduction to ethics, discussing topics such as moral standards, dilemmas, freedom, and the importance of acting based on reason and impartiality. It also features a case study of a junior executive faced with an ethical dilemma in the workplace.
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Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………1 Lesson 1:Why Do You Need To Study Ethics And The Importance Of Rules….2 Lesson 2: Moral Vs. No...
Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………1 Lesson 1:Why Do You Need To Study Ethics And The Importance Of Rules….2 Lesson 2: Moral Vs. Non-Moral Standards……………………………………5 Lesson 3: Moral Dilemma……………………………………………………8 Lesson 4: Freedom……………………………………………………………………………………………1 Chapter 1 The Moral Agent…………………………………………………………23 Lesson 1:How Culture Shapes Human Behavior………………………………………24 Lesson 2: Cultural Relativism………………………………………………………………27 Lesson 3:Universal Values……………………………………………………………………30 Lesson 4: The Filipino Way………………………………………………………32 Lesson 5:How Is Moral Character Developed……………………………………37 Lesson 6: Stages Of Moral Development…………………………………………41 Chapter 2 The Act……………………………………………………………………49 Lesson 1:Feelings As Instinctive And Trained Response To Moral Dilemmas..50 Lesson 2: Reason And Impartiality As Requirements For Ethics…………………58 Lesson 3: Moral Courage……………………………………………………………63 Chapter 3 Frameworks And Principles Behind Our Moral Disposition Frameworks……………………………………………………………71 Lesson 1:Virtue Ethics: Aristotle…………………………………………………73 Lesson 2: Virtue Ethics: St. Thomas Aquinas……………………………………………78 Lesson 3:Kant And The Rights Theorists ………………………………………82 Lesson 4: Utilitarianism…………………………………………………………………87 Ethics V Scanned with CamScanner Introduction What is morality? Morality is a system of beliefs about what is right behavior and wrong behavior (Rubin, 2015). Morality deals with how a person relates with others and with the world to promote what is good (Thiroux and Krasemann, 2009). In his book, Elements of Moral Philosophy, author and university professor Dr.James Rachels -a philosopher who specialized in ethics -asserted that at the very least morality is the effort to guide ones conduct by reason - to act based on the best reasons for doing- while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual affected by one's decision (Rachels, 2015). This section addresses the following questions: ·What are moral standards, and how do they differ from other rules in life? ·What is a moral dilemma? ·Why is freedom crucial in our ability to make moral decisions? ·What is the advantage of owning moral standards(morality and ethics) over merely abiding by moral standards? The basic concepts that will be discussed are: ·Moral versus non-moral standards · What are dilemmas? ·Three levels of moral dilemmas (individual, organizational,) · Foundation of morality: Freedom - responsibility for one's act and to others ·Minimum requirement for morality: Reason and impartiality Ethics 1 / Scanned with CamScanner Now, what if you were in this situation: You are a junior executive for a firm. As was your habit, you are still in the office working while most of your officemates have gone home. Soon, you find yourself in need of a file for your presentation; so you texted Michael, your fellow junior executive, to ask if he has a copy. Several minutes have passed, but Michael did not reply. You called his mobile phone, but you only got the automated voice saying the number can't be reached. Then you remembered that a few days ago, you unintentionally saw Michael's password when he logged into his office computer. Since you absolutely need the file now (or else your project presentation will fail), you decided to log into Michael's computer without asking permission. As soon as you gained access, you see that he left his email open. Something in the email caught your eye, so you read it. You see, based on what you have read that Michael is making anomalous transactions in the company's name. You thought about reporting him but you realize you will have to admit violating company regulations on logging into someone else's computer. Even if you report him anonymously, the investigation will ultimately lead back to you and the fact that you invaded Michael's privacy. If you confront Michael cartoon strlps created through about his illegal transactions, you will have to admit https://www.plxton.com that you logged into his computer without his permission. However, if you decide not to do anything, you will have to carry the burden in your conscience and continue working with Michael even though you know he is doing something illegal. You will have to live with the knowledge that the company is losing money because of his dishonest transactions, and that you did not do anything to stop him just because you knew about it by invading his privacy. What will you do? (Adapted) Ethics 3 Scanned with CamScanner Now, what if you were in this situation: You are a junior executive for a firm. As was your habit, you are still in the office working while most of your officemates have gone home. Soon, you find yourself in need of a fle for your presentation; so you texted Michael, your fellow junior executive, to ask if he has a copy. Several minutes have passed, but Michael did not reply. You called his mobile phone, but you only got the automated voice saying the number can't be reached. Then you remembered that a few days ago, you unintentionally saw Michael's password when he logged into his office computer. Since you absolutely need the file now(or else your project presentation will fail), you decided to log into Michael's computer without asking permission. As soon as you gained access, you see that he left his email open. Something in the email caught your eye, so you read it. You see, based on what you have read that Michael is making anomalous transactions in the company's name. You thought about reporting him but you realize you will have to admit violating company regulations on logging into someone elses computer. Even if you report him anonymously, the investigation will ultimately lead back to you and the fact that you invaded Michael's privacy. If you confront Michael cartoon strips created through about his illegal transactions, you will have to admit https://www.plxton.com that you logged into his computer without his permission. However, if you decide not to do anything, you will have to carry the burden in your conscience and continue working with Michael even though you know he is doing something illegal. You will have to live with the knowledge that the company is losing money because of his dishonest transactions, and that you did not do anything to stop him just because you knew about it by invading his privacy. What will you do? (Adapted) Ethics 3 Scanned with CamScanner THE NEED TO STUDY ETHICS The Commission on Higher Education states "ethics deals with principles of ethical behavior in modern society at the level of the person, society, and in interaction with the environment and other shared resources.”(CMO.20 series 2013) Going back to our story above, assuming you decided on a course of action to resolve your dilemma, what was your reason for choosing such action? Why did you do it? Understanding your moral compass in order to develop better judgment is the aim for studying Ethics. Upon entering college, students are not blank sheets, devoid of pre-existing beliefs and values. College students already have developed a set of moral standards by which they use to understand the world and a moral compass to navigate in it (Billett, 2006; Campbell, 2009). This reality makes it important for students to study, explore, understand, and critically reflect on their personal value systems. The end goal for studying Ethics is for the student to become a person who makes sound judgments, sensitive to the common good. Relevance of Studying Ethics in your Chosen Profession Ethics ensure a generally agreed standard of work-related behavior that empowers professionals to foster moral values through their work. Ethics gives a sense of justification in ones judgment, and helps ensure that decisions at work are not made based on purely subjective factors. Without the study of ethics, the practice of one's profession will fall prey to vastly conflicting individual interpretations. Importance of Rules to Social Beings Humans, in general, do not live in isolation. Instead, an individual is a member of a community of people whose common goal is to survive and thrive. As human societies evolved, they found that human communities have better chances to survive if they work together; and that working together is more effective when there is a system in place. One of the systems that humans developed are standards that guide human activities, or simply,“rules”, In the simplest sense, rule is defined as "a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular, situation.”(Merriam-Webster, @2017) For example, traffic rules regulate how motorists should behave on the road. Sports rules not only determine the winner, these also ensure that players play fair and safe. Most human societies have rules to ensure a safety level for its members. These rules and its system of implementation allow people to productively function in the community despite the existence of conflict within its members. In a broad sense, rules are in place to manage harmful behaviors; it hopes to prevent chaos; and it aims to encourage stability. 4 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner Oueen Bee Alert! Tell your classmates what you think: 1. Give at least three school rules. Describe each.Why are these rules important to your school? 2. Give at least three rules in your community. Describe each. Why are these rules important to your community? LESSON 2: MORAL VS. NON-MORAL STANDARDS Pre-discussion; The keywords you need to know here are etiquette, policy, law, and commandment. Asagroup, discuss among yourselves the meaning oftheassigned keyword (for example, if you were given “etiquette”, then discuss among your group your understanding of etiquette). Come up with a scenario that will depict your keyword and then act it out in class. Its time to learn! What to expect: Be ready to differentiate between moral and non-moral standards, as well as how particular rules in life differ from moral standards. Will the Queen bee be here too? Characteristics Of Moral Standards One definition oftmoral standard is “a code of what is right or wrong without reference to specific behaviors or beliefs”(O'Connor, Lynn,1997). It has been observed that this intrinsic code of honor is already present in children, and it continually undergoes revisions as the child matures and influenced by his or her surroundings. Moral standards deal with matters that the person thinks have serious consequence. However, these standards are not hinged on external authority or rules, but based on good reason and impartial considerations overriding self-interest. Feelings of guilt and shame are often associated when the person goes against his or her moral standards (Mandal,2010; Velasquez, 2012). Ethics 5 Scanned with CamScanner Moral standards have six characteristics that set it apart from non-moral standards (Velasquez, 2012). These are: 1. Moral standards involve behaviors that seriously affect other people's well- being. It can either profoundly injure or benefit a person or persons. For example,lying, stealing, and killing are actions that hurt people. While treating people with respect and kindness uplifts them. 2. Moral standards take a more important consideration than other standards including self-interest. For example, because trust is important to you than revenge you refuse to expose your friend's terrible secret even though she offended you. 3. Moral standards do not depend on any external authority but in how the person perceives the reasonableness of the action. For example, you will not copy your classmates answers during the exam not because your teacher will fail you if you do, but because you personally believe cheating is wrong and demeaning to you as a student. 4. Moral standards are believed to be universal. Thus, when you truly believe an act is wrong you also will not agree or consent when other people commit what you consider a wrongful act. On the other hand, if you believe an action is morally right, then you will also support other people doing such acts. For example, you believe lying is wrong therefore you will also not agree when someone is not telling the truth. On the other hand, you tend to trust the person whom you know as someone who is true to his or her word. 5. Moral standards are based on objectivity. This means what you consider.as right or wrong does not depend on whether the action advances the interest of a particular person or group, but your action depends on a universal standpoint where everyone's interest is counted as equal. 6. Moral standards are associated with vocabulary that depicts emotion or feelings. For example, when you go against your moral standards you will say you feel guilty, remorseful, or ashamed. You may describe your behavior as immoral or sinful. If you see other people going against your moral standards you feel indignant or perhaps disgusted with that person. Moral versus Non-moral Standards Whether your computer can download a movie from the internet is a factual question. On the other hand, should you pirate movies from the internet is a moral question. When judgment is founded on the rightness or wrongness of an action the criteria is based on ones moral standards. 6 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner When you take a picture in the dark with no flash; when you wear a sleeveless shirt and shorts on a very formal occasion; or you write a grammatically incorrect essay - you have violated certain standards. In the sample situations, you violated non-moral standards in: technique, fashion, and grammar. What are non-moral standards? Non-moral standards can be considered as relative standards by which something or someone is judged as either good or bad. The rules of non-moral standards vary because these rules depend on the guidelines agreed by a particular group. Moral Standards versus Other Rules in Life Although the six characteristics of moral standards distinguish it from other life rules, it is useful to discuss other standards with which moral standards are sometimes confused with. Etiquette, Policy, Law, and Commandment Etiquette is a set of rules on how an individual should responsibly behave in the society (Taylor and Williams, 2017).).Table manners such as the proper use of utensils ahd the proper manner of eating are examples of etiquette. Meanwhile, a policy is a clear, simple statement of how an organization plans to handle its services, actions, or business. Policies are guiding rules to help with decision making (The University of Sydney, ◎ 2002-2017). When schools require their students to wear the proper school uniform and school ID before being allowed inside the campus (or the No Uniform, No ID, No Entry rule posted in your school's entrance) is an example of a policy. On the other hand, a law is a rule created and enforced by the government and its agencies to maintain order, resolve disputes, and protect a person's liberty and rights(Robertson, 2008; Brickley and Gottesman, @ 2017). Can you give an example of a law in the Philippines? Finally, a commandment is a rule that is to be strictly observed because it was said to be set by a divine entity, such as those in the Ten Commandments (Stahl, 2009). What is the advantage of owning moral standards over merely abiding by moral standards? For most people, the fundamental moral question is,"What should I do?" or “How should I act?” Ethics are presumed as moral rules on how a person should act. For example,“every person is obligated to do the greatest good for the most number of people.” There is also the philosophy that "everyone is obligated to act in ways that upholds the human dignity for all people.” Moral principles like these guide the practice of various professions (professional ethics). Ethics 7 Scanned with CamScanner But is that all there is to ethics? Is ethics just about following rules of do's and don'ts? This obsession with rules somehow neglects the more important aspect of being a human person and that is becoming what you should be. In other words, the more important question for ethics is not “What should I do?" but “What kind of person should I be?" Queen Bee Alert! Tell your classmates what you think: Based on the topics discussed, explain: 1. How are moral standards different from non-moral standards? 2. How do moral standards differ from etiquette, policy, law, and commandment? LESSON 3: MORAL DILEMA Pre-discussion: The keywords you need to know here are personal, organizational, and structural. Your teacher will assign a keyword to your group. Depending on your keyword, present in class a scene showing moral conflict faced by: 1. A person whose choice will adversely affect very important people in your life (personal); 2. A business owner whose choice will adversely affect either the company or the employees (organizational); or 3. Ahigh-rankinggovernment official who needs to choose between implementing or not implementing a policy not because it will affect the poor communities, but not implementing it will also impact the environment (structural). 8 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner It's time to learn! What to expect: In this section, different levels of dilemmas will be discussed. Be prepared to identify different kinds of dilemmas that will be presented in class. Be ready for the Queen Bee, too! Dilemma Defined By definition, dilemma is “a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones”(Dictionary.com O2017). Thus, when you find yourself facing a problem but the solutions available to you will only create another problem or worse create more problems, then you are in a dilemma. A moral dilemma is a situation where: 1. There are two or more actions that you can possibly do. 2. There is a moral reason(s) for doing such actions. 3. You cannot do all the possible actions presented to you. You only need to choose one. Since there is a moral reason(s) for doing each of the possible course of action that you can do, it follows that no matter what action you choose you will go against your sense of what is right or wrong. That somehow, no matter what you do, you are doing something morally wrong, but at the same time you are also doing something right. Three Levels of Moral Dilemma Personal moral dilemma is when your decision in a situation where there is moral conflict is the cause of either your own; that of another person; or a group of peoples potential harm. Our sample situation of Jane versus Ana was an example of a personal dilemma. Ethics 9 Scanned with CamScanner An organizational dilemma is when a member or members of the organization is in a situation where there is moral conflict, and the decision will potentially harm either some members of the group or the entire organization(syn. company, cooperative, association) itself. For example, a garments factory is not hitting its target profit. If the company keeps on missing its target, the factory will also not achieve its five-year expansion plan which will severely affect the factory's future financial standing. One plan to solve the factory's imminent financial crisis was to cut cost by laying-off some of its employees. The CEO and the members of the board now need to decide. Should they lay off the people who work for them to save the factory? Or keep the people working and just find other means to hopefully increase profit and prevent their financial crisis in the future? Structural moral dilemma is when a person or group of persons who holds high- level positions in the society faces a morally conflicting situation wherein the entire social system is affected. An example of this level of dilemma would be the controversy in the Social Security System in 2016. The SSS members have been asking for a two- thousand pesos SSS pension increase. Several lawmakers supported the call because they see that it will benefit the senior citizen members. On the other hand, the SSS executives opposed it saying the institution cannot sustain such amount in the long run, and the SSS will go bankrupt in 2024.Being the President of the Philippines, the final decision was in the hands of then President Benigno Aquino II. In the end, President Aquino vetoed the bill passed by Congress to hike the SSS pension because he believed “the stability of the entire SSS benefit system will be seriously compromised in favor of two million pensioners and their dependents”(CNN Philippines, @2017). Queen Bee Alert! Tell your classmates what you think: Based on what you have learned so far, how will you decide when you are faced with a dilemma? Why will you decide in such manner? Cite a specific scenario, either a personal, organizational, or a structural dilemma to illustrate how you decide in morally conflicting situations. 10 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner LESSON 4: FREEDOM Pre-discussion: As a group, discuss your understanding of freedom. Then present a scenario in class depicting your understanding of freedom. It's time to learn! What to expect: When talking about freedom and responsibility, aren't these contrasting words? Freedom connotes no ties, no hindrances, no blocks. Responsibility connotes doingi something, not because you want to but because it is expected of you. There are Eastern and Western philosophers who viewed that responsibility follows freedom. What does this mean? Read on and don't miss the Queen Bee! Why Only Human Beings Can be Ethical There has been some claim that morality is not unique to human beings.For example, Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE, a British primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace reported that sometimes chimpanzees show a truly selfless concern for the well-being of others(Goodall, 1990). However, other thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, René Descartes, Thomas Aquinas, Peter Carruthers, and various religious theories believe that only human beings can be ethical (Wilson, ◎2017). According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the fundamental difference between animal ethics and human ethics is that animals behave instinctively while human behavior is rational (BBC@2014). Instinctive behavior is a hard-wired, inborn, characteristic response to specific environmental stimuli; an example is the altruistic behavior of social animals (Spink, 2010). However, researchers found that the animals intent of self-sacrifice is more on ensuring reproductive success (kin selection) rather than out of true selfless motive (Encyclop dia Britannica,2009). An example of this would be the suicide attacks of worker honeybees in defense of their colony against intruders. There is also reciprocal altruism where the animal will provide for another animal's need because it expects the similar act in a similar manner at a later time. Chimpanzees scratching each other's back are an example of reciprocal altruism(Trivers, 1971). Ethics 11 Scanned with CamScanner Rational behavior is a decision-making process where the person acts in ways that best achieve his or her needs in accordance with his orher set preferences, priorities, and principles(Information Resources Management Association, 2015). Rational behavior is tied to moral standards. Additionally, the human person in his or her decision- making process is free to decide what to do and free to act on his or her decisions. Thus, only human beings can be ethical because only humans have the capacity for free moral judgment. The Foundation of Morality C.S. Lewis, a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, broadcaster, lecturer, and Christian apologist used an interesting metaphor to explain morality. He likened morality to a fleet of ships. According to Lewis, though each ship must sail well on its own, each must also coordinate with the other ships at all times to stay in formation and avoid collisions. Finally the fleet must have a destination or purpose for the journey(Lewis, 2012) because if the ship was just aimlessly sailing then it has failed its ultimate purpose,- that of getting from one point to the next. This is a very helpful way to think about morality in relation to self, to others, and your ultimate end. However, there is one crucial difference between a ship and a person (aside, of course, from the obvious)- a ship is under the command of a ship captain. However, a person is someone who is free to decide his or her course. Why is freedom crucial in your ability to make moral decisions? The personal aspect of morality is about developing virtue so that thinking morally, performing moral acts, and choosing to do what is good becomes a habit. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy(2016) explained that virtue is your thought or behavior guided by, and displays, high moral standards. Virtues are habits developed through learning and practice. Once you have it, your virtues become your characteristic. Moreover, a virtuous person characteristically acts in ways consistent with his or her moral principles. Thus, a virtuous person goes beyond moral behavior. A virtuous person not only does what is right but his or her behavior also becomes a standard for everyone to follow. An efficiently run ship is like a virtuous person: both have internalized the practices that make them weather storms. However, a ship is under the control of a captain while a virtuous person is free to cultivate his or her values. At the same time he or she is also free to abandon it. Hence, there is no virtue in self-restraint if, in the first place, you are prohibited from indulging. And there is no virtue in giving if someone is forcing you to give up your possessions. Although cultural traditions and social institutions can guide virtues, it cannot be coerced. Freedom, then, is the foundation of moral acts. For a person to be virtuous, he or she must also be free. 12 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner Meanwhile,when talking about the interpersonal aspect of morality, the discussion turns to following rules. We have previously discussed the importance ofrules in human societies. It is important to note that even in following rules freedom is essential. Rules help people live together in relative harmony. It makes a person recognize that apart from personal rights, other people's rights are equally important. If people are allowed to dominate others, then people become mere tools- a means to an end. Not only does this fail to respect a person's dignity, it also stifles the development and progress of the human potential. Only when a person is free to recognize that he or she has rights; that other people equally have rights; and both need to be respected will the person be able to pursue projects, be creative, and reach his or her full potential for the benefit - not just of the self - but also of others. Finally, there is the question of the ultimate end. Why are you here? What is your purpose? The human person's final end is always a debatable topic because it often goes hand.in hand with specific religious views. However, the debate does not negate the fact that freedom remains essential with ones view of his or her ultimate purpose. To paraphrase Lord Acton - an English Catholic historian, politician, and writer- the human person's freedom is so precious that God will not take over and take control of the person's life, even when that person badly misuses his or her freedom(1967). Whatever influences the person's view of his or her ultimate purpose, one aspect is clear - only a free person can understand his or her ultimate end. Enlightenment cannot be forced. The Human Person as a Free Being First, what does"human person"mean? In philosophy, a human being is more than its biological components. The human being is a person endowed with characteristics thatare material, spiritual,rational, and free. A human person is a being(the Aristotelian idea of being connotes actuality; existence; an actual condition or circumstance) with inborn properties that he or she uses to direct his or her own development toward self- fulfillment. One of the inborn properties of the human person is freedom. Philosophical Insights on Freedom We have mentioned freedom numerous times. What is your understanding of freedom? Philosophers talked about this concept extensively. Here are some philosophical insights on freedom. CS 13 Scanned with CamScanner Freedom is a Gift According to Gabriel Marcel, freedom is the ability to act significantly. Free acts are significant because they help to make us who we are as human beings. Freedom is not merely the ability to make arbitrary choices because we are not free if everything that we can choose to do is insignificant in the first place. Freedom is the ability to make significant choices and, according to Marcel, it is a gift given to us by God.(Hernandez, 2009) Freedom is Complementary to Reason One of Aristotles ethical doctrines asserted that freedom and reason are complementary.In Aristotles view, the human person as a moral agent must exercise practical rationality in order to determine how to pursue his or her ultimate end (telos). Self-direction, rather than bare spontaneity, is the crucial characteristic of the free person. Aristotle considered freedom and reason as necessary faculties for consciously making sense of things(events, occurrences, phenomena, situations) (Walsh,1997). Freedom is Absolute Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartres concept of freedom is not the freedom to do something or anything. In Sartre's view, the human person is “absolutely free”. Freedom sets the human person apart from other creatures. You might say“But what about animal freedom? Animals - unless caged - are also free. Animals just roam around, eat when they need to, and sleep where they want. Animals are not tied down with responsibilities like humans." Yes, it is true that animals are- unless caged - free. In fact, animals also have a notion of freedom. When they are caged, animals will try to escape from their cages. This kind of freedom is called freedom from restrictions. It is a primitive kind of freedom. It is freedom for mere survival. Humans, on the other hand, have a higher kind of freedom. The freedom of the human person is beyond freedom from restrictions. In fact, a person in jail is still free. He is free to think, to change, and to become a better person. A prisoner is free to redefine himself. As human persons, we are free to make choices. We are free to decide. And we are free to use this freedom to attain goals higher than satisfying basic needs. 14 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner Freedom Demands Responsibility Jean-Paul Sartre said“You are free” because he believed a person always has a choice. Thus, according to Sartre, you must choose. His idea was that freedom is the capacity to choose, that even not choosing is a choice(Gallinero, 2014). It is important to note however, that he also added the concept of responsibility to freedom.According to Sartre, even though individuals must make their own choices because they are free, these choices (though freely made) also have consequences to it. These consequences to freedom are something that the person must endure. Therefore, it can be said that in. Sartres concept, responsibility follows freedom (Gallinero, 2014). Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu also discussed freedom and responsibility. Lao Tzu advocated that a person can and should choose to act, but his or her actions should be that which would result in harmony. Lao Tzu's idea was that in any society, the exercise of one's freedom is not absolute. The person is free to do anything; but it is not without consequence of ones actions(Gallinero, 2014). Responsibility, as a moral quality seryes as a voluntary check and balance of one's freedom. Without proper balance limitless freedom is as dangerous as an extremely controlling social group. Great social injustices have resulted from such radical mindsets. Queen Bee Alert! Tell your classmates what you think: A suggested activity for this lesson is to watch the movie, "A Clockwork Orange". The movie was based on a novel of the same title written by English author/composer Anthony Burgess, published in 1962. In this novel, Burgess examined the role of freedom in being human. The story revolved on Alex - a young man who lived in a futuristic; unpleasant, violent, and degraded English society. According to the author,“clockwork orange” was just street language he overheard among old Londoners. Burgess used this expression to describe a person who is good looking and elegant but is actually just "a clockwork toy wound up by God or the Devil or(since it is increasingly replacing both) the Almighty State". (Shmoop Editorial Team, 2008) After watching the film, discuss these in class: 1. What was the central theme of the story? Ethics 15 Scanned with CamScanner 2. Which of the two makes you human? (Defend your answer) a. Free to decide and do evil acts; or b. Forced to become a moral person and not hurt others. Here is a synopsis of "A Clockwork Orange" Alex was someone who utterly lacked conscience. Along with his gang, he committed all kinds of heinous crimes. What makes him truly evil was that Alex was actually fully aware his actions were morally wrong; yet he did it anyway. He enjoyed doing crime and hurting other people. His acceptance that his actions were immoral meant Alex freely chose to do evil acts. In one of their killing spree, Alex was captured. He was convicted for murder and sentenced to fourteen years in prison. While serving out his sentence, Alex was recommended by the prison officials to participate in the"Ludovico Technique". The author described the Ludovico Technique as an“experimental treatment designed to eliminate criminal impulses."The“treatment”was about conditioning Alex's mind so that his desire to commit crime will disappear. Prison doctors injected Alex with nausea-inducing drugs, strapped him in a chair, kept his eyes open with metal clips(so that he can't even blink), and made to watch all kinds of violent films. After several sessions, the conditioning was successful in Alex, that whenever he was confronted with violence he suddenly became weak, nauseated, and totally unable to inflict pain.on others - even in self-defense. Due to the supposed success, Alex was released from prison early. Once he returned to society, he was pitifully helpless against those who did him harm. Alex was brutalized by his former victims and was beaten half to death by two of his former gang members(who became police officers while Alex was imprisoned). In utter despair, Alex attempted suicide. But, by some twist of fate, he lived. While he was recuperating in the hospital, Alex realized the "treatment" had worn off and he was back to his ultraviolent' self once again. In the last chapter of the book, Alex(though still violent) was actually less and less happy with his situation; unlike in his past where he enjoyed crime and violence. He then came across Pete - the last member of his old gang. Pete had changed. He was living a happy, productive, comfortable life with his wife. Alex realized he wanted to be like Pete. In the end, Alex decided (on his own) to turn his life around and actually became a responsible, peace-loving person. 16 Ethics Scanned with CamScanner Two of the famous quotes from the book are: Quote 1:“Very hard ethical questions are involved,” he went on.“You are to be made into a good boy, 6655321. Never again will you have the desire to commit acts of violence or to offend in any way whatsoever against the States Peace. I hope you take all that in.I hope you are absolutely clear in your own mind about that.” (Part 2. Chapter 3. Paragraph 11) In this scene, the prison chaplain warned Alex that by enrolling in the"Ludovico Technique"h?