Study Questions for Ethics Summer 2007b

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June 4

No Questions for today - Review for Midterm

June 5

No Questions for today - Midterm

June 6

What are the textual sources for Hindu ethics?

1. The Rig Veda, (the oldest of the 4 vedas)

2. The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, (the worlds longest poem)

3. The Upanishads,

4. The Mahabharata

5. Guatama Buddha's Nyaya Sutra (200 b.c.e)

...jcook

Identify and understand the significance of key concepts, such as: Dharma, Rita, Artha, Kama, Moksha, the castes, and Karma.

Dharma: to support or nourish. Doing your moral duty supports the moral order of the universe and your society.

Rita: The moral order in the universe that says justice, truth, and righteousness will always win out in the face of immorality and apparent chaos

Artha: (Prosperity) Must be pursued as means, not ultimate end. Must be pursued with good intentions and good means.

Kama: (Pleasure) Also must be an extrinsic goal, moderate, acknowledgement of our embodiment. Excessive attachment to body should be avoided.

Moksha: (Freedom, liberation, self-realization)-realization that each of us, as the essence of atman, are identical then to Brahmad, the image of all beings, including God (implies we, as atman=Brahmad and image of God)

The Castes: -Brahmanas: priests, intelligensia -Kshatriyas: warriors -Vaishyas: merchants, farmers, traders -Shudras: laborers and servants While not part of the offical margins of castes, there exists a fifth caste: -Panchama: the untouchables and outcasts of society- still discriminated against and treated poorly. millions exist and are oppressed in India

Karma: Deed or act that accumulates to determine one's next psychophysical form in the next life; is seen as the rule of cause and effect with respect to morality

~Paul G -Dani Long

What are the four goals of life for a Hindu?

1. Artha (prosperity)

2. Kama (pleasure):Has to be pursued moderately.

3. Moksha (freedom, liberation, self-realization) atman = Brahmad

4. Dharma (duty) (over arching goal)

The 4 goals of life are in pursuit of release from samsara.

~Paul G -Dani Long

What are some of the key virtues in Hindu ethics?

Enlightenment of the individual is at the core of their values. They have a tradition that beleives in reincarnation. Life is reborn, but each time some new form of enlightenment is obtained by the soul.

~Paul G

Rita, the belief that the universe is morally ordered. Dharma, carrying out your caste duty. The golden rule. Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge in yoga, self-restraint, non-violence, truth, absence of anger, serenity, compassion, modesty, energy, and humility are all important virtues according to the Bhagavad Gita.

-jcook

June 7

How does Swami Nikhilananda criticize Hindu ethics? Do his recommendations for greater emphasis on social justice find a parallel in contemporary Christian thought?

Nikhilananda criticizes Hindu ethics by saying it is weak on socail ethics and that dharma has lost its hold on people. He claims that Hinduism is meant to promote social goodness and cooperation, but has become too personal in recent times. Because of this failure of social ethics, he calls for an emphasis on social justice. This emphasis parallels contemporary Christian thought in its call for acceptance of other religions, something similar to that of Vatican II.

What are Kohlberg's six steps of moral development? How does he establish them?

Kohlberg's 6 stages are: Preconventional Level 1-Punishment / Obedience - consequences influence obedience 2-Instrumental Relativist- Love is egocentric. Conventional Level 3-Good Boy / Nice Girl- social values and sense of loyalty serve as incentive 4-Law and Order- laws and codes serve as reason to obey Postconventional Level 5-Social Contract / Utilitarian- requires self-reflection on ethical systems 6-Universal Law- Principled Ethical Conscience

He established these stages and levels through cross-cultural studies in which he asked participants for their responses to different types of moral dilemmas. One example of such a question is whether or not Heinz should steal a drug he cannot afford to keep his wife alive. Kohlberg studied the same subjects for 30 years, using their changing answers to categorized them into stages. --Lindsay Fiori -Dani Long

How does Kohlberg use his theory of moral development to analyze the My Lai massacre?

Kohlberg used his moral development theory to look at how three principle characters involved in the massacre exhibited preconventional, conventional, and postconventional moral reasoning in their actions regarding the shootings. Paul Medlow- Private involved in shooting during the masscre. Exhibited preconventional behavior- obeyed orders to avoid getting into trouble by higher officers. William Calley- Lieutenant responsible for ordering the massacre. Exhibited conventional behavior- Deferred the responsibility to those higher up (and supposedly more knowledgeable). Calley just wanted to be a good officer and didn't look beyond norms of immediate situation. Michael Bernhardt- Private who refused to shoot during massacre. Exhibited postconventional behavior- Was willing to accept responsibility as a moral agent, even if his actions went against authority. Bernardt felt that universal principles have priority over law or given commands. -Sarah Ellsworth

June 11

What are the three signs of existence in Buddhism?

The three signs of existence in Buddhism include:

1) Dukkha- says that suffering is an intrinsic aspect of existence. To live in the world is to experience suffering.

2) Anicca- "change"- All life experiences change= impermanence.

3) Anatman- No self/ no soul- There is no stable, permanent idea of one's self. Gfischba

How do Hinduism & Buddhism differ in their views of the self?

Hindus feel that the goal if life is self realization. Atman is the genuine self which is also universal, living within all beings. The self is viewed as being eternal and pure. Most individuals never actually find their self, so they are stuck in the birth-death cycle.

A completely different view is held by Buddhists, who believe in anatman, or the idea that we do not have an individual self, but we are rather a continually changing pattern of physical and mental forces. When an individual realizes that there is no “I,” they have reached Nirvana, and are freed from the birth-death cycle. -Sarah Ellsworth

Identify and explain the significance of the concepts of dependent origin and Nirvana?

Dependent origin is the idea that everything is interrelated and connected, and that everything comes from everything else. This means that we have no identity on our own and are dependent on others. This concept is signifcant for the idea of anatman, or no-self. Nirvana is the goal of existence for a Hindu. It is realizing anatman and moving away from having a false sense of 'I'. Nirvana is significant because it is the ultimate goal of a Hindu and their way of life. --Lindsay Fiori

What are the four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path, and the Supreme Virtues?

The four noble truths:

1) Suffering is universal

2) Craving/desire is the cause of suffering

3) We can free ourselves from suffering through our actions

4) Follow the 8-fold path

The 8-Fold path= You must follow/accept/pursue the RIGHT: view, resolve, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

View= The right perspective of the world; considers the 4 basic noble truths.

Resolve= The right attitude, attention, self-criticism. It is "right thinking/thought"

Speech= Ask yourself: "Is it causing harm?" Right speech= sharp language. Right speech= right words; avoid negativity, avoid harm, and avoid suffering

Conduct= The right deeds. Doing good to reduce suffering for self and others; be optimistic in actions

Livelihood= choosing careers that don't induce suffering

Effort= Realizing the capacity to control the mind through the will

Mindfulness= Becoming self-reflective, self-aware, becoming patient, and being aware of frustration

Concentration= Meditation; Awareness of the emptiness of the self. "Samadhi" (doctrine of emptiness of self)

Supreme Virtues: Compassion, loving-kindness, sympathetic joy, impartiality; embody the prescription of the Middle Way.

Compassion: Theraveda school- stresses individual salvation. Mahayama teaches to achieve nirvana with aid of Bodahistra.

Loving-kindness: Seeing all beings in terms of their well-being and progress through enlightenment; achieving personal salvation by helping others alleviate their suffering.

Sympathetic Joy: Experiencing deep inter-connectedness through others' well-being and their joy/happiness. Bask in their glory. Congradulate them. Be happy with them and their accomplishments.

Impartiality: See all others equally- not becoming indifferent. Realizing that everyone's happiness/suffering is equal.

Gfischba

-Dani Long

June 12

Could we pursue the Eight Fold path as a set of ideals for our moral psychology? How would you respond to someone who criticizes these ideals as a "sucker's strategy"?

It would be fairly easy to use the ideas of the Eight Fold Path as a guideline for our morals because many of these ideas are already a part of our lives, but we may have not catagorized them this way. We may choose to exclue parts of the Eight Rold Path (such as realizing there is no self) that do not go along with our own personal or religious beliefs, but can still use the majority of it for our benefit. Right view, right resolve and right speech would be very easy to use in our daily life because I think many people try to do this anyway, just think of it as 'good words, good thoughts and good deeds'. Right conduct and right livelyhood also seem like a natural process--trying to alleviate your own as well as others' pain, and choosing a career that tries to do this as well. Right effort would be easy to integrate into our daily lives, one just needs to realize the capacity of their own will and mind, and realize they can change their own mind. Right mindfulness is something I feel we use often; being patient, being aware of our own frustrations and agitations, and exercising the effort to get past these psycological faults and moving on. Right concentration is another area I feel we could use at least part of, and that is using practices of meditation to reinforce the other parts of the path, and becoming self aware. If one chooses to believe in the idea of no self, meditation would also help to increase ones notion of this idea. --Meredith

There are a variety of questions posed in class about this issue: -Should we adopt the ideas of loving everyone? Is it practical in our society? -Would it make sense to practice it if not everyone pursued the path, too? -Do we have the experience required to change a selfish reaction to a more understanding one? -Can we be mature enough to appreciate the strengths of others without getting jealous or envious? -Are some of the virtues we aspire to going to hurt us in the end? For example, will unconditional trust lead to being taken advantage of? -Is it practical to approach virtues in modern context/society? -Will it make you a better or more moral person if you do? Dani Long

Does the pursuit of Buddhist moral ideals require complete selflessness?

I argue no. I believe that Buddhism teaches us that enlightenment comes in the form of recognizing there is no "I" in the universe; that is, there is no private entity of self. This idea of everyone being connected with one another holds each person accountable and duty bound to all sentient beings. When one takes action and makes a decision, they must consider what is good for all; thus, if they themselves are a part of this web they must consider, then in a way they are considering their own needs while weighing that of their neighbors, too. Dani Long

Even if we could pursue Buddhist moral ideals as a goal, should we?

Buddhit moral ideals are good goals for moral behavior. They are very similar to Christian values and promote peace, equality, and selflessness. If someone is going to pursue these these moral ideals, it is important to adapt them to modern society becuase you cannot aleviate all suffering in the modern world so it is moral to recognize that there is a system of property and family that should come first for the individual. -isabel

June 13

Who was Joseph Paul Franklin?

Joseph Paul Franklin was a killer who shot, but didn't kill, Larry Flint, the publisher for Hustler. His mission was to rid America of blacks and Jews, and of whites who like blacks and Jews. He killed civil rights leader Vernon Jordan,killed two black men jogging with two white women in Tennessee, robbed several banks, bombed a synagogue in Tenn., shot a black man and white women coming out of a Pizza hut in Chattanooga,and opened fire on a group of worshipers coming out of a synagogue in Illinois. Gfischba

How do we traditionally assign responsibility based on a assumptions about the difference between mind and body? Why are researchers starting to question these assumptions?

Traditionally, humans have thought of the mind and body as seperate systems. This has led to the belief that everyone has an equal chance of achieving a strong moral character through will power. But this common belief is being called into question because we have realized that the mind is controlled by the brain and is therefore a function of the body. - Jonny

What are we learning about the brain that makes us suspect that some socially pathological conditions, such as repeat violent crime, may have an organic explanation? What are some of the limits of this kind of knowledge?

We are learning that most repeat violent crime offenders have frontal lobe damage from abuse or other injuries that have altered the development of the brain. These people don't have a clear distinction between right and wrong and dont understand the moral implications of what they're doing. They know that they have done the deed, "actus reas," but don't have a guilty/conscious mind, "mens rea." It is controversial as to how to punish these offenders because they don't understand what they're doing, but we need to protect society from harm. Gfischba

Some limitations rise from these ideas, though. If you believe that abuse of frontal lobes and other injuries, altering the development of the brain, is responsible for violent behaviors and an unclear distinction between what is right and wrong, then is every person who has sustained brain injuries or abuse bound to display violent tendancies? Are they destined to become serial killers then, too? Most would respond 'no,' for there are more factors that need to be present than just abuse or brain injuries, but with this idea, you can understand how the inference would form. From the other side, if you look at "success stories" of people who come from abusive or poor families and gain wealth and fame, you have to apply the same principles. That is, you can't imply that because success occurs for some, it will happen for everyone; rather, there are other determining factors present in the case. Dani Long

Who was David Wilson?

David Wilson was a young black man who was found guilty of murdering a motorist that had stopped to help him when Wilson ran out of gas on the freeway. After denying the entire shooting (despite abundant evidence that pointed to him being guilty), researchers Lewis and Pincus saved Wilson from the death penalty by proving to the jury that he suffered from dissociation identity disorder, and actually could not retrieve memories regarding the incident due to years of abuse as a child that had caused damage to his brain. -Sarah Ellsworth

Should new knowledge about the brain and human development alter the way we think about criminal responsibility and punishment? If so, how? If not, why not?

New knowledge about the brain and human development should play a part in determining criminal responsibility and punishment. Because we now have the technology to analyze the physiological damage that has been done to the brain, the mental stability of the individual can be much more accurately determined, despite how they appear on the outside. This knowledge must be used with caution, however, as society cannot completely disregard heinous acts if the individual has some understanding of the moral consequences of their actions. The justice system must be able to distinguish between crimes of evil and crimes of illness. -Sarah Ellsworth

June 14

What was social darwinism and how does Ruse think he is avoiding it?

Social Darwinism says we ought to understand our struggle for existence as survival of the fittest, and our moral beliefs should be formed accordingly (ie X is fit, therefore X ought to be preferred or X's values ought to be preferred). This is a FALSE start between evolution and ethics. Ruse believes he is avoiding 2 mistakes, both social Darwinism and the is/ought fallacy. He believes he does this by making a distinction between substative, or normative, ethics (actual values) and metaethics (justification for an ethical theory). He also makes a distinction between biological alturism (any beneficial relationship between two organisms) and moral alturism (acting on a value in which we INTEND to benefit another). He believes that nature fills our head with the ideas of moral alturism which get us to help others through biological alturism. --Meredith

What is the relationship between biological altrusism and moral altruism, according to Ruse?

According to Ruse: Biological Altruism= a symbiotic/beneficial relationship between organisms.

Moral altruism: acting on a value in which we intend a benefit for another person. Moral altruism creates cultural evolution, in which human beings create culture, transform it, and create new cultures within it; plays a role in our fitness strategy, and the ethical systems help us to survive.

Relationship: Moral altruism is nature's way of tricking us into being biological altruists. Nature fills our head w/ ideas of moral altruism to get us to be biological altruists. Gfischba -Dani Long

June 18

What is a "species specific mental adaptation"?

Species specific mental adaptation is the way we as a species have adapted to thinking about something.

i.e. Mating--> Somebody who thinks, "Be with me because I'm attractive" thinks that this will land them the girl/guy of their dreams.

The majority of people in our culture tend to agree with this approach.

~Paul G

What explanatory framework does evolutionary psychology propose to help understand urban violence?

Evolutionary psychology is not interested in genetic differences between individuals, but rather looks at the power of the environment and the human mind’s adaptation to social circumstances. Margo Wilson describes gang violence as being “a coalition of males who are mutually supporting each other to serve their interests against some other coalition.” This approach proposes that violence is essentially something that individuals, especially males, are programmed to do to survive; it promotes their status. By looking at these environmental influences, as well biological issues such as seratonin levels and related self esteem, evolutionary psychologists have been able to formulate a new understanding for the reasoning behind urban violence. -Sarah Ellsworth

June 19

Familiarize yourself with the basic background information about Islam (origins, basic ideas, distinctive features of its traditions)

Islam stems from the Judeo-Christian tradition, and began in 610 AD when the Prophet Muhammad received a revelation from the angel Gabriel, advocating reform to spread the word of God (Allah) and Monotheism. In 622 AD Muhammad was driven out of Mecca, however, he gathered a large army in the city of Medina and eventually conquered Mecca.

There are over 1 billion Muslims in the world today, with 15% being Shiites, believing in hereditary leadership and that Ali (Muhammad’s cousin) was the true successor. The other 85% are Sunnis, who believe that there is still a hidden Imam yet to come. Though there are divisions, all Muslims share the same basic traditions and ideas regarding Islamic practice.

The sources of law in Islam stem from four main places: the Qur’an, which is the Islamic guide to life and governs religious and secular issues; tradition, or the Sunna and Hadith, which are records of Muhammad’s life and teachings; the use of critical reasoning to arrive at analogies; and social approval or consensus. -Sarah Ellsworth

Why is the wearing of the hejab controversial? Is it sexist? Should it be prohibited in public schools?

Wearing the hejab is controversial because it is seen by some as a sign of opression forced on by a male dominated society but also seen as a sign of relgious devotion by others.

It shouldn't be prohibited in public schools because it is a sign of religous devotion. if a Christian wanted to wear a big cross around his neck he/she wouldn't be stopped neither would a Jewish kid wearing a yamaka. -dan-

Wearing the veil is controversial because it is also seen as a symbol of the subjugation of women in Islamic society. The Qur'an allows men to have more than one wife, but women can't have more than one husband. Husbands are allowed to inherit twice as much property and possessions as their wives. Women are also prohibited from any further education besides education of the Qur'an. Wearing the veil is seen as another oppression of women because it's just another rule, or so it seems. It is also controversial because men aren't required to cover all of their bodies, only women. I think it is controversial whether it should be prohibited in public schools because on one hand, it is deeply symbolic and a sign of complete devotion to the Qur'an if that is why a woman wears it, a reason for it not to be prohibited, but it can also be worn for reasons other than devotion like family pressure or force, a reason for it to be prohibited. Gfischba

June 20

What is the "open society" and how is the interaction of Islam and the West affected by the presuppositions of the open society?

An open society is a society that ensures political leaders can be overthrown without bloodshed, that people can make their own individual choices and face the outcomes of those choices (whether they are good or bad), is a secular society (no official religion), has a representative government, there is freedom of speech/ideas, etc. To the West, Islam looks like a traditional religious group which is "afraid" of open society and contemporary Western Culture because they do not harbor Islamic beliefs in the way that their own culture does. Islamic people seem to be much more "controlled" by their religious beliefs than Westerners. --Meredith Claeys

Is the prohibition against polygamy justified from non-Christian grounds? Should an open society allow it?

There are not too many solid arguments agaisnt polygamy once you take the Christian bias away from the discussion. Unless the Gov't can prove that polygamy causes child abuse or someother social problem then i don't see why they can outlaw it and accept same sex marriages. -dan-

The arguments against polygamy are logical because they take into account certain harms about the relationship such as: abuse, domestic violence, woman’s rights, financial problems, and emotional/psychological strain. However, these harms are also found in married couples. There are circumstances where polygamous relationships could be potentially dangerous, but just like any other partnership it has to do with the people IN the relationship, not the nature of the relationship itself. I think an open society should allow polygamous relationships to occur. That’s not to say that I would participate in one myself, nor would I like to see it become the social “norm” to be in one, but if we truly live in an open society than it should be there as an option. It will accommodate those who choose to have a polygamous relationship, and it is not affecting the people who still wish to have only one spouse. Just because it all of a sudden becomes legal does not mean that we have to change our whole ideas about marriage. I have heard reasoning that it is possible to have a respectful, loving, and healthy polygamous relationship and there is nothing wrong with allowing that, its just a different lifestyle. Allowing it would show the United States’ progression towards becoming more understanding and accepting of other cultures and religions. (Lolly)

What are the 5 Pillars of Islam? Briefly comment on the distinctive features of this credo?

Five Pillars: 1) Tawhid-- there is no god but god, and Muhammad is his prophet 2) Salat-- prayer five times a day (must face Mecca and have a particular stance) 3) Saum-- Ramadan fast; cannot eat between sunrise and sunset for whole month (9th month) 4) Zakat-- the giving of alms; annual tithing of money, time, and effort one is expected to make 5) Hajj-- pilgrimage to Mecca and the Ka'bah that one is asked to take once in lifetime, if/when they can afford to

The 5 Pillars are grounded in the Qur'an and are used to convey ethical and moral duties of Muslims, regardless of sect (Sunnis, Shiites, or Sufis). They assume and advocate complete obedience to the will of Allah, teach the dignity and worth of all human beings, and encourage good deeds to bring about a just and good society. --Meredith Claeys -Dani Long

June 21

Familiarize yourself with the main characters in the Duth immigration story, "The Dutch Model"

I. Theo Van Gogh (Killed Fall 2004): I would say his role is crucial in this story because he represents to this very day a symbol of freedom of speech. His assassination by a Morrocan-Spanish radical was due to insulting Allah through his work. His death really sparked riots on both sides (for freedom of speech and him insulting one of the most important religous figure in Islam) and questioning the Dutch Pillar system.

II. Pim Fortuyn: openly gay, member of the anti-immigration party and was also murdered by Muslim

III. Immigrants (especially Muslim originally from Morroco)

IV. Pillar Society A. Separation of cultures (secular, religious, or otherwise) 1. Worship in private sphere 2. Alienation towards the immigrated muslims a. Separation into communities (Pillar Society) b. They did do assimilation (like in the US) i. Criticized by multi-culturalist ~Tristan

What can we learn form the Dutch experience with immigration and multiculturalism?

Pillar Society: Separation rather than assimilation did not work very well for the Dutch when Muslims got their own pillar. Originally, it was Jews, Secular, and Christian pillars and they supposedly got along fine. However, when the Muslims entered the picture, this Dutch Model started to go wrong. The religious fundamentalism and the clash between eastern and western culture and freedom of speech became a problem.

We talked about the "Open Society" where people are cared for by the government. They make choices and they themselves experience the consequences. There is no official religion (secular society), but it allows for private societies.

A big question that Alfino asked: "How can I pursue my religion without cooperation from the society?" My own personal experience from fundamental groups (Christian or otherwise) is withdrawing from society (extremist example: Branch Davidians). Another form is evangelical Christians withdrawing from society and not participating in politics or communities. They put their kids in home school and not public schools. It can take many forms. My answer to the question is withdrawl from the public foreground and focus on the private areas of life. Does this allow for radical practices still? You might say that some Christian churches still discriminate in different ways (dominantly one ethnicity or social class in attendance or with leadership).

Multi-culturalism: Allowing more than one type of culture to live in a society and where each different culture is equal (they all have the same rights under law). The question for this ideology is tolerence and acceptance. How much of a culture can we accept but still keep everything equal between other cultures. What religious and cultural practices are tolerable and acceptable? Like in the States, I am guessing that they are free to practice their religious pracitce just as long as it agrees or follows US law. Again, the issue is still tolerance and acceptance. Another question is what cultures are allowed to live amongst us (US does not allow many Muslims into the country...). ~Tristan