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Ethics & the Law. How Do YOU Decide?. Morality. What is Morality? Values that govern a society’s attitude towards right and wrong Example: Would you die for a friend? Example: Would you kill someone to save your life? Example: Are forms of torture used on terrorists okay?
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Ethics & the Law How Do YOU Decide?
Morality • What is Morality? • Values that govern a society’s attitude towards right and wrong • Example: Would you die for a friend? • Example: Would you kill someone to save your life? • Example: Are forms of torture used on terrorists okay? • Example: Is stem cell research okay?
Ethics • What are ethics? • The means for determining what a society’s values ought to be How Ethics Are Determined: • Feelings & Opinions • The Greatest Good - An action/judgement that creates the greatest good for the greatest # of people • The Golden Rule - Do unto others…
Ethical Character Traits • Honesty • Being open & truthful in dealing with others • Justice • Treating others fairly & equally • Compassion • Displaying sympathy to other’s difficulties • Integrity • Willingness to do the right thing
Relationship between Ethics & the Law • Why is law necessary? • Law is necessary because people do not always do what they should do. • Law • The system of rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain stability & justice • Because law is made by people it is imperfect. Even judges and legislators use personal views. • This is why ethics and laws may conflict
Strange Laws in Illinois • Chicago - It is forbidden to eat in a place that is on fire • Cicero - Humming on public streets is prohibited on Sundays • A car must be driven with the steering wheel
Strange Laws in the U.S. • A person is ineligible to become Governor of the state of Pennsylvania if he/she has taken part in a duel • In Texas, it is illegal to milk another person’s cow • In Cleveland, Ohio it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license • In Oklahoma it is illegal to catch whales
Strange International Laws • Australia - It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and carry the tools of a cat burglar • England - Picking up abandoned baggage is an act of terrorism • France - Between 8am-8pm 70% of music on the radio must be by French composers • Paraguay - Duelling is legal as long as both parties are registered blood donors