Is Contemporary America an ethical society?
We live in a country where society is undergoing a significant political and cultural transition, caused by remarkable changes in technology, social reform, and an ever-changing economic landscape. In the past twenty to thirty years alone, The United States has been a significant player on the global field of international policy and reform initiatives. From the initial developments of U.S. and Iraq relations in the Middle East during the Gulf War to the restructuring of national security after 9/11, the decisions made on American grounds has had rebounding effects internationally for participants and bystanders alike. For instance, national airport security after 9/11 had residual changes in airport …show more content…
Essentially, the first component of an ethical society is the freedom to make the wrong decision. There is evidence throughout history attesting to the value of mistakes, and the potential that they provide for public growth. It is safe to assume that progress is a goal our society strives toward, with this in mind; we can establish that both positive and negative consequences of our decisions are beneficial to our prosperity. In fact, some of the greatest social, political, and religious revolutions were initiated on what were considered immoral grounds at the time. Jesus, the holy figure in Christianity, was condemned by the Jewish authorities for claiming to be the son of God. Buddha, who was ordained to become a prince, was condemned by his community for abandoning tradition in pursuit of enlightenment through asceticism. Galileo Galilei, one of the most prominent figures of the scientific revolution, was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church for his finding that endorsed Nicolaus Copernicus’ heliocentric theory. The common factor in each of these examples is the ubiquity of innovation. All these history-altering events, whether scientific or divine, stemmed from an individual, or group, who held beliefs that were in opposition to the relative morals of the time. Therefore, it …show more content…
Moreover, former diplomat, Thomas More, delineates many two sided policies that our society such as the appearance of choice and security coupled with beliefs like the dying should be treated for as long as possible (665). In order to evaluate our stance on these issues ethically, we must first recognize that half the battle is identifying the issues that are important to our society. These problems that we are willing to collectively support or oppose, because we believe it is the “right” thing to do, reflects what holds meaning to us as a country. These central issues are either causing division in our society, or they are bringing us together in order to holistically push for change. In any case, the point of identifying this mechanism is to appreciate, and more importantly recognize, that we are able to have this freedom of choice whether or not we are directly affected by the issue. Permitting argument is the first step towards establishing whether a society is ethical or not, and as a result of this dialogue, we have made significant strides in key issues affecting our society, for instance race and gender equality. As Thomas More stated in “What is the Ideal Society”, it is clear that it would take a long time to comprehensively eradicate the many deeply
We live in a country where society is undergoing a significant political and cultural transition, caused by remarkable changes in technology, social reform, and an ever-changing economic landscape. In the past twenty to thirty years alone, The United States has been a significant player on the global field of international policy and reform initiatives. From the initial developments of U.S. and Iraq relations in the Middle East during the Gulf War to the restructuring of national security after 9/11, the decisions made on American grounds has had rebounding effects internationally for participants and bystanders alike. For instance, national airport security after 9/11 had residual changes in airport …show more content…
Essentially, the first component of an ethical society is the freedom to make the wrong decision. There is evidence throughout history attesting to the value of mistakes, and the potential that they provide for public growth. It is safe to assume that progress is a goal our society strives toward, with this in mind; we can establish that both positive and negative consequences of our decisions are beneficial to our prosperity. In fact, some of the greatest social, political, and religious revolutions were initiated on what were considered immoral grounds at the time. Jesus, the holy figure in Christianity, was condemned by the Jewish authorities for claiming to be the son of God. Buddha, who was ordained to become a prince, was condemned by his community for abandoning tradition in pursuit of enlightenment through asceticism. Galileo Galilei, one of the most prominent figures of the scientific revolution, was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church for his finding that endorsed Nicolaus Copernicus’ heliocentric theory. The common factor in each of these examples is the ubiquity of innovation. All these history-altering events, whether scientific or divine, stemmed from an individual, or group, who held beliefs that were in opposition to the relative morals of the time. Therefore, it …show more content…
Moreover, former diplomat, Thomas More, delineates many two sided policies that our society such as the appearance of choice and security coupled with beliefs like the dying should be treated for as long as possible (665). In order to evaluate our stance on these issues ethically, we must first recognize that half the battle is identifying the issues that are important to our society. These problems that we are willing to collectively support or oppose, because we believe it is the “right” thing to do, reflects what holds meaning to us as a country. These central issues are either causing division in our society, or they are bringing us together in order to holistically push for change. In any case, the point of identifying this mechanism is to appreciate, and more importantly recognize, that we are able to have this freedom of choice whether or not we are directly affected by the issue. Permitting argument is the first step towards establishing whether a society is ethical or not, and as a result of this dialogue, we have made significant strides in key issues affecting our society, for instance race and gender equality. As Thomas More stated in “What is the Ideal Society”, it is clear that it would take a long time to comprehensively eradicate the many deeply