Wednesday, May 28, 2008

What Happened to Ethics?

To read the original article, click here: http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/eLearning/Default.aspx?article=WhatHappenedEthics&GT1=27001

Everyone has the ability to be ethical and truthful. Whether it is something we are born with, or something we are taught to recognize, I am not sure. Either way, I think the reason that people behave unethically is partly because they have not been shown the necessity of ethics, and therefore do not understand the difference. However, I do think that everyone has a conscience. By that, I mean that everyone recognizes, even if only subconsciously, that they are doing something wrong. Therefore, I do believe that ethics should be taught in school, but really, school is only one means of instilling the understanding of the importance of doing the right thing. Everyone is teaching everyone else about what is acceptable and how important or not important it is to do the right thing everyday by our actions. This is especially true for adults' actions around youth.

Ultimately, it necessary to be truthful for two main reasons. First, people operate based on what they are told and what they perceive. If you show people something that is false, then you not be treated as you wish to be treated, as who you really are. Second, the truth seems to always come out anyway. When someone discovers information that is conflicting, they are likely to speak up, to try o understand. This is particularly apparent in the national news. What goes around, comes around.

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