Theory of Knowledge Ethics Lesson 2 – Ethics, Culture & Religion

Ethics, Culture & Religion

What are ethics? DEFINITIONS… BUT… Moral principles upon which decisions are made and actions taken. What are morals? What are morals based on? Do we all have the same morals? A code of behaviour considered morally correct. Does every culture value the same morals? Does everyone have the same morals?

Ethics, Culture & Religion “Let me give you the definition of ethics: it is good to maintain life and to further life. And this ethic, profound and universal, has the significance of a religion. It is religion.” Albert Schweitzer 1875 - 1910

Moral Standard OR Convention? You should hold your fork in your left hand. You should not waste your time. You should not lie. You should not use illicit drugs. You should take the first left to go to the theatre. You should control the money supply so as to bring down inflation. You should not jump a red traffic light, even if it is safe to do so. You should speak respectfully to teachers and parents. You should not drive a car recklessly. You should not use drugs. You should not engage in sexual relationships outside of marriage. You should not steal. Your teachers and parents should speak respectfully to you. You should respect the dress code of the school. You should allow old ladies to have your seat on the bus/train.

The Golden Rule Will following the Golden Rule result in a peaceful and equitable society? Some issues… How do you define neighbour? Does each Rule represent the highest moral standards? Can we improve on these Rules?

Human Rights The right to life, liberty and security. On the 10 December, 1948, the 58 member states of the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. After the atrocities of the devastating world war, it aimed to ensure… The right to life, liberty and security. The right to an education. The right to participate fully in cultural life. Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman treatment or punishment. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Human Rights This Declaration is itself not a legally binding document, but its key principles have now been incorporated into international treaties that protect specific rights. Considered to be core human rights treaties… International Covenant of Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (1966) International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (1966) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979/1981) Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984/1987) Convention on the Rights of a Child (1989/1990)

Human Rights International Covenant of Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (1966) International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (1966) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979/1981) Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984/1987) Convention on the Rights of a Child (1989/1990) In groups, research the countries who are and are not signatories to these covenants or conventions. What are some of the reasons given for not signing?

Is it ever ethically justifiable to take a life? What if someone has killed another? What if someone has been adulterous? Some countries punish crimes such as these with the death penalty. Sometimes by lethal injection, sometimes by methods such as stoning. Is this just wrong because our culture tells us it is wrong?

Discuss…Doesn’t terrorism take lives? “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.”

Economic & Political Ethics? Corruption undermines democratic institutions, retards economic development and contributes to government instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law, and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existence is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because outside direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the “start-up costs” required because of corruption. Daniel L Richie, 2007

What is it about the IB curriculum that makes it so ethically minded? What can you do? Read… What is it about the IB curriculum that makes it so ethically minded? Which subjects/philosophy in particular do you think are contributing to this?