3 Paying Attention to Values1 Chapter 3 Paying Attention to Values Moral issues arise from conflicting or unclear moral values Definitions: Values and Moral Values What are values? Those things we care about Those things that matter to us Those goals or ideals to which we aspire and by which we measure ourselves or others or our society. Examples: Good, bad, aesthetic, scientific, instrumental, moral, etc.

3 Paying Attention to Values2 Definitions: Values and Moral Values What are moral values? Moral values are a subset to values Moral values are those values that give voice to the needs and legitimate expectations of others as well as ourselves Examples: fairness, trustworthiness, the well-being of others and the world, justice Morality is not opposed to the self: rather, it puts the self into context and highlights the needs of others.

3 Paying Attention to Values3 Definitions: Values and Moral Values “Legitimate expectations”: Respect and as equals Rights: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, speech, property, etc. Also, legitimately expect each other to act responsibly, keep promises, and so forth. Character Moral values “give voice” to needs and expectations.

3 Paying Attention to Values4 Morality and Self-Interest Moral values are those values that give voice to the needs and legitimate expectations of others as well as ourselves Ourselves and our needs are built into the definition of morality. However, your own needs cannot be the whole story. Contrary to the bumper sticker: “It is all about me, so deal with it.” Pure egoism, not a moral position

3 Paying Attention to Values5 Morality and Self-Interest Psychological egoism: paying only attention to the needs and expectations of others for our own sakes and what we can gain from it. Social beings Not self-sacrifice Ethical egoism: must defend itself by reference to standards that go beyond the self. Capitalism Everyone is better off Habit and inattention

3 Paying Attention to Values6 Guidelines Moral Debates and questions to ask: What needs and legitimate expectations both your own and others’ are at stake here? What needs and legitimate expectations are the parties to this debate trying to speak for? Respond by research and/or exploration Expect Diversity All of us hold many moral values Look at a newspaper article: Minimum wage Fairness to employees and employers Dignity Survival Independence Social benefits Stakeholders?

3 Paying Attention to Values7 Guidelines Look in Depth Many different values also come up within each issue, quite apart from the others. Look thoroughly into all the values and interests involved. Be Fair Annoying, work, thinking, maybe. Open mind, yes. Explain and Clarify Look at each situation since it may be more complex than it appears on the surface. Ask questions and look for distinctions. Don’t Downgrade Emotion Value are the things we care about. Care is an emotion. Pure emotion is incorrect, no facts at all, just a “feeling” Speak/write carefully, listen sympathetically, and provide relevant values that is measured but strong.

3 Paying Attention to Values8 The Great American Desert, page 58 Exercises and Notes, page 64