Ethics

3 Pages 646 Words

Ethics is something very hard to be defined in one document, even by some of the greatest philosophers of all time. Although it would be wonderful if we all were utilitarian, I don’t think it is possible. That is simply because human nature is that we put ourselves a little bit higher than everyone else. Some people put themselves on a level much higher than others and some put themselves just above others. I myself care for the fellow man but just as discussed in the book, I care more for family and friends safety than I do for the strangers. I should not however, because they are no better or worse than my family, friends, or me. If everyone was utilitarian everyone would take care of one another, therefore creating a balance of life.
Hobbes’ “Social Contract” is a wonderful piece of work and I believe states a lot of truth. This document has and will continue to open many eyes. The cooperation in society is vital to achieving the desires that we humans strive for. I have become a slight follower of the “Social Contract,” but I do believe that humans are not just completely selfish. I see that humans also express the ability to help one another out, for no self accomplishments. I am not sure if this is part of human nature or is something that is taught and passed down to each generation. Helping out a person that hasn’t the ability to complete that task is a common everyday thing, but this is most likely something passed down to the children. I say this because you can see that some people will help and some will not, just because of the way they were raised. We must set rules for the society and abide by them, just for our own safety. If we all follow the law, then it is set that a certain action will receive punishment. David Hume did see a degree of altruism in humans, which can be understood, but still I am unable to decide if it is human nature or taught.
Impartiality can also be agreed with. I...