Ethics Essay…Getting Started!

Ethics Essay…Getting Started! • Proposal is due on 2 Feb • Ethics Essay is due on 22 Mar • Proposal Includes: • Topic, Draft Thesis, List of at least 5 sources, & Rough Outline (or general approach to addressing thesis) • Homework: Does your thesis pass the tests??

Leadership & Ethics Lesson 4 Relativism “What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like, and immorality is what they dislike” Alfred North Whitehead “Morality differs in every society, and is a convenient term for socially approved habits.” Ruth Benedict

Current Events Iran has hanged 47 people in three weeks, say human rights groups An average of one person every eight hours has been executed so far this year, including two political activists Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani Saeed Kamali Dehghan guardian.co.uk, Monday 17 January 2011 The news came as it emerged today that Iranian officials had apparently suspended the sentence of hanging for Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old woman whose sentence of death by stoning for adultery sparked an international outcry. Mohammadi Ashtiani has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. AP – FILE - This undated file image made available by Amnesty International in London on Thursday, July 8.

Absence of Ethics The Criminal “I KILLED HIM AND I DON’T CARE” The Delinquent “I DON’T CARE ABOUT THAT” “CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.” Duty Ethics Deontological Relativism Consequentialism Teleological Ethics Virtue Descriptive Relativism Normative Relativism Cultural Relativism Accepted Practices Utilitarianism Most Pleasure Greater Net Happiness Based On : Consequences Outcomes Kantian – Duty Truth Justice Rights Divine Law Natural Law Aristotle Honor Character Habituation Stoicism Rule Based Moral Theories Character Based The Range of Ethics

Survey Strongly agree Agree Neutral/undecided Disagree Strongly disagree 1: No one has the right to judge what is right or wrong for another person. 2: What is right depends on the culture you are in. 3: No one has the right to intervene when they think someone else has done something morally wrong. 4: It is hopeless to try to arrive at a final answer to ethical questions. 5: Ultimately, there is one and only one right standard of moral evaluation.

As a Naval Officer, is it “right” for you to… • …allow your underage (18-20 yr old) troops to drink alcohol while in a foreign country where the legal drinking age is 18? • …order your men & women to abide by stricter dress codes while in a foreign country?? • No blue jeans on liberty? • Females must cover their heads? • …ignore the actions of your troops if they engage in sex w/ minors since it is tolerated in that country?? • …use your authority as a means to impose your views on abortion on a subordinate during their personal crisis???

Defining Relativism • rel·a·tiv·ism NOUN: Philosophy - A theory, especially in ethics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them. • The idea that some elements or aspects of experience or culture are relative to, i.e., dependent on, other elements or aspects. • Common statements that might be considered relativistic include • "That's true for you but not for me" • "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" • "You can't judge other cultures by the standards of your own"

Overheard on Campus… • Right and wrong are a matter of opinion • What’s “right” is what each person (or society) says is right • Who are we to judge? • There are no moral absolutes • “I do my thing, you do yours. . .” • “When in Rome (or Saudi Arabia, or wherever), do as the Romans (or Saudis, or whomever) do!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw82zZ5uQ4o&feature=related

“When in Rome. . .”Culturally acceptable? • Ancient Callatians ate the bodies of their dead fathers (Herodotus) • Ancient Callatians were horrified that the Greeks cremated their dead ( & vice versa) • Some Inuit communities (Eskimos) practiced infanticide and senilicide

Definition IGood to know…maybe something you might be asked about later…if you get my drift… • Descriptive relativism: tastes, preferences, even moral values, DIFFER as a matter of fact • from individual to individual (belief relativism) • from society to society (cultural relativism)

Descriptive Relativism Good to know…maybe something you might be asked about later…if you get my drift… • Different societies have different moral codes • Naval Officers traveling the globe are going to encounter some surprising practices • Likewise, individuals differ in their moral beliefs • (Maybe this is why we argue so much!) These general observations seem to be beyond reasonable doubt – we accept them as fact

Definition II • “Normative Relativism” is the theory that all of us ought to tolerate each other’s different perspectives on morality, because there are no absolute or objective standards of right and wrong • People who believe this seem to feel that normative relativism is the logical outcome or deduction from descriptive relativism • “Facts” about individual and cultural differences are thus said to establish “norms” or standards of obligation

Argument for Normative Relativism (Rachels) • Different cultures have different moral codes • People (and societies) differ in their opinions over which moral values or moral codes are correct • “Right” and “wrong” seem to be merely matters of opinion • Therefore there are no objective moral standards • And, in the absence of objective standards, we ought always to respect and tolerate moral differences Which one of these bullets would you say is the weakest link in the logic chain?

Let’s Compare…. Values that we could all agree our society (country) is based on? - - - - Acceptable in other cultures but not here? - - - - What makes them/us right?

Objectivist argument against Relativism: BURTON PORTER “RELATIVISM AND OBJECTIVISM” • The relativist claims that the statement, “Everything is relative” is really true, ….but if everything is relative then nothing is really true, including that statement. It may be true relative to one's culture or according to one's tastes, but to say it is objectively true contradicts the theory itself. …Sound likes a teasip logic course!

Objectivist argument against Relativism: BURTON PORTER “RELATIVISM AND OBJECTIVISM” • Although values differ between cultures, that does not imply that all values are relative. • The differences can be attributed to one society being more backward or enlightened than another, seeing values more dimly or clearly. • The fact that people thought the earth was flat at one time, and round at another, does not mean that each idea is right. • Rather, people came to understand that, although they believed the earth was flat, it really is round (unless you are Thomas Friedman) • In the same way, people have come to realize: • that women should be treated with equality, • that enslaving people is wrong in any society, • and that we should respect minority rights. • Prejudice and discrimination is not wrong in some cultures and right in others; it is wrong whenever and wherever it occurs. Relativism contradicts the idea of “moral progress”

Consequences of Normative Relativism • The theory seems right, to an extent, in warning us not to mistake our personal (or cultural) opinions and habits for absolute truth……But the theory goes on to deny that there is, or could be, any such truth • If so, why should I be tolerant if I believe in intolerance? (Porter and Rachels) • What if what the Romans do (or the Nazis, or the Serbs, or the Hutus) seems monstrous? • How can I evaluate? Decide? Compare? Condemn?

Golden Rule BURTON PORTER “RELATIVISM AND OBJECTIVISM” • Christianity: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them“ • Judaism: "What is hateful to yourself, don't do to your fellow man” • Buddhism: "Hurt not others with that which pains oneself” • Hinduism: "Do naught to others which if done to thee would cause pain." • Confucianism: “ What you don't want done to yourself, don't do to others” • Zoroastrianism: "Do not do unto others all that which is not well for oneself" • Sikhism: "Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself"; • Plato: "May I do unto others as I would that they should do unto me.” Objectivist theory: We can identify particular acts as universally right, others as wrong, and certain purposes in living as more desirable than others

Criticism of Relativism • Politically correct, but confused, family of beliefs designed to support toleration and fight bigotry • Because of poor moral reasoning, this view in fact fails to accomplish these goals • Ignores large areas of cross-cultural agreement on common moral principles • (e.g., “Golden Rule” teachings)

From the Commander in Chief

The “Official” Response • USNA/NROTC “official” policy: “Moral Relativism is Wrong!!” • Philosophers (like Porter and Rachels) have great fun refuting relativism • If everyone is so convinced this view is wrong, then why do we have to spend time on it? … maybe there is something right, or appealing about it!

Descriptive Relativism Factual Different cultures have different values Cultural Relativism Right and wrong should be interpreted in terms of respective culture Moral Relativism There are no absolute truths Morality is all relative Normative Relativism Cultural relativist who thinks we shouldn’t judge others because he is a moral relativist (even if he doesn’t know it yet!) Native Americans have different values than Kurds When considering the differences in Kurdish and Native American values, you should consider their respective cultures. Right or wrong simply depends on whether you are Kurdish or Native American. It is not for us to judge whether the Kurds or Native Americans are right. Relativism for Dummies

Survey results from U of San Diego Ethics Website Moral/Normative Relativism Cultural / Normative Relativism Results directly contradict question #1 Some Objective truths? Ethical Pluralism

Nutrition Example • Is there only one right way to eat? • Are there wrong ways to eat? • Are there foods most nutritionists would agree are good for you? • Is there conflicting evidence /theory on whether some foods or diets are good? • How the hell do you decide what to eat?

Solution: Moral Pluralism • In physics, there are often rival theories, supported by evidence, and alternative methods for arriving at solutions to problems • It never follows from this that all theories are equally true, or all methods are valid • Perhaps there are also, in ethics, rival versions of what constitutes moral goodness, and multiple modes of valid reasoning about moral questions • This will make our task difficult, but not impossible; • We don’t need to believe in nonsense, or accept morally outrageous conduct

Solution: Moral Pluralism • Acknowledges that cultures can legitimately pass judgments on one another • Encourages us to listen to what other cultures say about us…as well as what we say about them • Encourages toleration when possible • Recognizes that cultures may legitimately differ – even on the most important issues • Accepts that there are some objective truths and absolute wrongs • And a moral responsibility to resolve those wrongs Wisdom consist in knowing where to draw the line between tolerable and intolerable. Ethics a Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory Lawrence M. Hinman, Univ of San Diego

Three days before budget closure - flying to Saudi Arabia to negotiate a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal Saudis considering purchasing 10 Littoral Combat Ships This is a complete surprise – but a possible windfall, none the less Congress considering canceling program unless cost is kept below $300M per copy Sale of 10 ships to Saudis would drive unit cost from $350 to $300 and meet Congressional mandate Your FMS expert is Navy Female Commander– No one else has sufficient program knowledge to negotiate the deal Embassy country team has told you Saudis will NOT negotiate with a woman. Saudi culture does not deal with women Women are not permitted to pay for merchandise in store – son or husband must accompany them Women not allowed to drive or even permitted to sit in front seat Must remain covered Rarely permitted to speak in public Mutwaa (religious police) will hit women with a stick in public if they are not covered by their Abaya – long black head-to-toe outerwear This is a long standing part of their culture You know the criticality of this program – Cornerstone of our Naval Strategy Saudi Negotiations ScenarioOur Values or Theirs – Case Study pp. 213-214

Saudi Negotiations ScenarioOur Values or Theirs – Case Study pp. 213-214 • If you were the senior officer in charge of the “team”, would you take the female lawyer? • Our culture says women should be given equal opportunity • Their culture says they will not deal with women • What should you do? • What is the right thing to do?

Lt Col Martha Mc Sally Delicate Balance • Toleration • Compromise • Respect for cultures • Nation’s ambassador • Commitment to Allies • Mission Accomplishment • ….but at what cost? Lt. Col. Martha McSally assumed Command of the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The squadron, which has been in action in both Iraq and Afghanistan, has 27 A/OA-10 attack jets and more than 60 pilots and crew members. Lt Col McSally is the Air Force's first female fighter squadron commander - the first active-duty female officer to lead an Air Force fighter squadron. In 1994, she was the first female Air Force pilot to fly combat missions. In 2001, she sued the Pentagon over a policy that forced military women in Saudi Arabia to wear Muslim cloaks called abayas when they were off base. The Supreme Court sided with her.

Possible responses to an unacceptable cultural practice • Where does tolerance begin? • What do we want our Marines & Sailors to do? • How do we help them do the “right” action?

Military “Moral Progress” • Flogging • Racism • Tailhook • Women in combat • Hazing • Blood winging • Shellback Ceremony • Chief’s Initiation • What about Homosexuality?

The “60 Minutes” Test It’s not if they show up… …but whether you will be ashamed if they do

Reading & Homework For Next ClassConstitutional Ethics • EMP (Read/Review) • IIB, IIC and IIIA • CSME (7 pages) • Pg. 25-28 USS Vincennes – Friend or Foe? • Pg. 43-48 Abu Ghraib • Posted – The Oath of Office (KNOW THIS word for word) • Contemplate our moral obligations to the government & inherent tension caused by this obligation • Discuss meaning of a Commission and what it means to accept an Appointment as an Officer • Identify Constitutional constraints on the military • Discuss the need and means to resolve conflicts between moral and Constitutional obligation • Know and apply 4 principles of Constitutional ParadigmKnow and apply 4 pre-requisites to Principle IV of Constitutional Paradigm

Ethics Essay…Getting Started!