Abstract A cross-cultural examination of moral development of children in the U.S. & selected Asian countries. Examines role of culture on moral development. Transmission of values from one generation to another. Role parents & other caretakers play. Cultural roles in determining values & beliefs. Contends cultural values of Americans & Asians are opposite from each other: individualism vs. collectivism. Discusses concepts of moral development. Characterization of American culture. Cultural attributes of Japan & China. Conflicts of values in American schools resulting from immigration & multi-culturalism.
From the Paper "A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Moral Development of Children in the United States (Some Minorities) and Asian Countries
The cultures of different ethnic groups in various countries play a large part in influencing the moral development of the children of the respective societies. Culture in itself possesses a moral dimension because it provides every ethnic group with a "set of values, [a] network of beliefs that are institutionalized in a people's collective life and that govern their behavior. Culture, then, is the outward discipline in which inherited meanings and morality, beliefs and ways of behaving are preserved" (Mack, 1997, p. 167). Therefore, cultural institutions and traditions serve the purpose of defi
Abstract Cites need for a global ethic. Contends that ethical standards must dictate the diplomatic practice. Politics. Different religiouis values. Human rights abuses. Humanitarian interventions & ethical dilemmas. Role of UN (United Nations). Discusses debate between national interest approach to humanitarian intervention vs. human values approach.
From the Paper "Ethics and Diplomacy: The Price of Humanitarianism
Traditionally, ethics have impacted diplomatic practice in a host of ways. In many cultures, religious values impart an ethical standard that is confluent with diplomacy; Muslim states are renowned for their commitment to one religious, ethical, and political law. In more secularized, democratic states, ethics struggle to find a center in a society which is structured to protect individual liberty and the free-market, capitalist system. In any established government, a guiding philosophy must dictate diplomatic practice. Ethical standards must be determined and enforced to this end.
Today, the need for clear ethical standards are more important than ever. The scope of diplomacy is broadening under the new globalization..."
This paper discusses and compares and contrasts Aristotelian teliology and perspective on the objectivity of morality with the Platonic idea of ethical rationalism and the Forms.
Abstract The paper shows how Plato essentially believes in the relativity of morality whereas as Aristotle does not, but instead believes that human beings, like nature, have an inherent purpose that we are designed to aspire to. Plato, on the other hand, believes that there are undefinable Forms, like moral goals, that can be seen, appreciated and reached for in many different ways, thus making hm an ethical relativist, rather than a believer in moral objectivity.
From the Paper "Both Plato (B.C.E. 428 ? 347/8) and Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C) are known for their ageless philosophy and revolutionary views. Some contemporary philosophers go so far as to suggest that these men are "without equal in the history of human thought" (Cohen, Curd, and Reeve). Although neither man set out to transform the perspectives of the known world with regards to ethics and morality, both succeeded in doing so infinitely beyond what they lived to witness. To a great extent, their views actually differ; yet compliment one another in defining morality. Combined; their works identified and explained morality, shaping the understanding of much of the western world for centuries."
Abstract Every since Watson and Crick discovered DNA's structure in 1953 there has been a mad rush to discover it's function. The paper explores the discovery of scientist J. Craig Venter, whose groundbreaking system is responsible for locating and sequencing 85-90 percent of all human genes. Venter's discovery led to the National Institute of Health patenting gene fragments and the paper examines the controversy surrounding the issue. It discusses whether DNA, part of the human genome, should be allowed to be patented and also, how the information should be used. The paper also looks at the benefits of making DNA sequencing public property.
From the Paper "A major concern for many is how new DNA technology can be used against them. In a world full of real or imagined discrimination, genetic discrimination is a looming threat. Nineteen states now have laws governing privacy of genetic tests. Still, 25 percent of the individuals participating in a study at Georgetown University believed they had been discriminated against (Sternberg, 1996). Many Americans may be reason to fear, including those who themselves discriminate. More that 15 million Americans have one or more birth defects, 80 percent of them genetically caused (Cary, 1995). There are diseases numbering greater than 3,000 that are genetically coded (Platt, 1997). Discrimination may be on the job or by insurance companies who refuse to cover an individual based on a pre-existing condition. Martha Volner of the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups feels insurance companies do not need genetic information to discriminate. Enough history both personal and family is given to the insurance agency to negate the use of genetic tests (Sternberg, 1996)."
Abstract The writer looks at three books that study prostitution in order to give a solid background knowledge of the history of prostitution. The paper then consolidates the information to discover the underlying reasons for prostitution and how it fits in with the societal fabric of which it is a part.
From the Paper "With the rise of Christianity came a harsher view of sexuality, which reflected in the way prostitutes were viewed. Many church leaders saw it as a necessary evil to protect and preserve marriage, and they sought to reform not condemn these women. Much of this had to do with the Bible character of Mary Magdalene. She was most likely a "streetwalker" before she met Jesus, and was reformed through her love of God. It is also important to note that she was the most significant woman in Christian tradition, aside from the Virgin Mary. This says something of the dichotomy that had already become entrenched in the treatment of women, the virgin (good woman) and the whore (bad woman), a theme that you can find across cultures and time. The ideal women were seen as sexless virgins by the Church fathers, wives and mothers barely tolerated, and prostitutes pitied and loathed (p.72)."
Tags: sexuality, Christianity, women, marriage, society
Abstract Euthanasia is the deliberate ending of life or the hastening of death of the patient. Over the last few years Euthanasia has become a much-debated topic, not only in the medical circles but also in the legal and the social domains. The paper shows that when looking into the topic of mercy killing we find that it is the "fear factor" which underlies both sides of euthanasia debate. While from the patients perspective it is the fear of unbearable pain that cannot be assuaged, the embarrassment of dependence and the feeling of worthlessness and loss of self love. From the other angle we have a fear of doctors and the possibility of the abuse of the power. This paper analyzes the issue from ethical, social and medical perspectives and ultimately argues against the legalization of euthanasia.
From the Paper "Euthanasia seems to be the only solution for the patient to escape from the clutches of unbearable and medically interminable illness and pain. For old people who are suffering miserably in the last stages of their life without any sort of control over their agonizing condition, it indeed seems rightful to assist them to rest peacefully once and for all by Euthanasia. The Pro Euthanasia groups argue that unless we are only considered with prolonging life without any consideration for the quality of the life and the costs that might be incurred we have to start thinking about the decisions that affect the end of life. In other words when the quality and the length of prolonged life do not go together we have to make some kind of a practical decision. The argument is that there is no point in simply sustaining a terminally ill patient and increasing his suffering without any hope of recovery. The justification for Euthanasia lies in the fact that the either the ?burden of the treatment' or the distress and the disability of the prolonged life do not merit the sustenance of the patient. Euthanasia is best advised in severe and chronic cases where condition seems to deteriorate day by day and the patient expresses a sincere wish to end the unbearable agony."
Tags: physician, assisted, suicide, PAS, Palliative, care, WHO
The author compares the works of E. Pendleton Herring, Frederick Mosher and Dennis Thompson on their theories about the relationship between ethics and public administration.
Abstract This paper discusses how, although Herring, Mosher and Thompson would agree that there should be administrative ethics in place to keep administrators morally sound and in tune to the needs of the public, they would debate on employee consent of--and who was to blame for--administrative unethical conduct.
From the Paper "Many theorists have looked to examine the relationship between ethics and public administration. E. Pendleton Herring (1937) and Frederick Mosher (1974) were just two theorists that have addressed the issue of ethical accountability and responsibility of public managers. In Herring's "Public Administration and Public Interest," he discussed critical roles of bureaucrats and interest groups in the formulation of public policy. In "Watergate: Implication for Responsible Government," Mosher provided an overview of merit systems and equity issues of public administration. Both of their works can be compared to that of Dennis Thompson's (1985) "The Possibility of Administrative Ethics." In it, he raised the question of whether there is such a thing as administrative ethics at all. These three writings are similar in content; however, there are some portions where the ideas of the authors contrast."
Abstract This paper offers a short review of the death penalty in the United States. While offering statistics and a background of the use of the death penalty, the writer leans towards the belief that the death penalty is wrong and should be stopped. The writer believes that moral and religious people must ultimately consider whether the death penalty is just or not and conclude that the death penalty is not always applied in a just way.
From the Paper "The death penalty has been debated in the United States for some years. The United States had more than 3600 prisoners on Death Row in 2001 Floyd, 2001), and since the death penalty can never be the automatic sentence for a crime in the United States, over 3600 juries had to individually determine that death was the appropriate sentence for every one of those prisoners. Nevertheless, those who study the issue cannot help but notice that very few countries still use the death penalty, and only three countries in addition to the United States executed any prisoners: China, Iran, and the Congo."
Abstract This paper reflects on the moral and ethical implications of the genocide against the Jews. The unfortunate experience of many European nations in the hands and oppression of the Nazis is incomprehensible if brought in a discussion of morality issues. Nonetheless, this paper states that the strength and spirit of the oppressed and prisoners of the Nazi tyranny is something that we should commemorate despite the terrible crimes they have witnessed.
From the Paper "The history of anti-semitism in the period of Holocaust was implicated by Hitler's hatred on the Jewish communities. His extreme abhorrence on Jewish people was demonstrated before the outbreak of World War II by saying that he would still annihilate every Jew if there will be another war (McFee, Gordon. Are the Jews Central to the Holocaust?). Accounts as to when and how did Hitler acquire such hostility against the Jews are still unknown to history. Assumptions say that his anti-semitism was caused by his previous experiences with Jewish people. Or, others believe that he was influenced by anti-semitics such as Chamberlain and Eckart (McFee, Gordon. Are the Jews Central to the Holocaust?)."
Abstract This research paper discusses health care fraud. It offers three examples of this fraud affecting the health care industry today. It explains that this kind of fraud is on the increase and manifested in several different forms. It discusses what the authorities are doing to combat this phenomenon.
From the Paper "In the film Wall Street, financier Gordon Gecko proclaims, "Greed is good." It appears that a number of patients, health care providers, and others who handle financial transactions in the U.S. health care system, heartily endorse Gecko's philosophy. For up to $80 billion is stolen each year from taxpayers and insurers. Bolder scams arise all the time, and little is done to stop them. And as America's health-care bill spirals to an estimated $817 billion this year, it is attracting an ever more impudent and wily army of scam professionals. Experts now estimate that fraud and abuse in the health-care field cost somewhere between $50 billion and $80 billion each year?a figure that dwarfs the estimated $5 billion lost through criminal fraud in the entire savings and loan debacle. And of course, consumers and businesses are paying for these health-care rip-offs in higher taxes and skyrocketing insurance premiums (Friedman)."
Abstract This paper discusses the difficulties faced by human rights groups in monitoring violations. It examines the problems in obtaining a truly universal measure for morality and ethical behavior and the fact that what one society sees as a human rights issue may not be deemed as such by another society. The writer examines why even defining human rights violations is controversial due to its subjectivity.
From the Paper "Attempts to impose a universal morality encounter resistance at various levels and may not be realistic, but we often make the effort. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies a conception of human rights that can be ascertained and compared to other approaches in the literature on the subject of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an example of quasi-legislation by non-binding instrument, something the United Nations has created for a number of different purposes. The Declaration was created in 1948. The fact that the United Nations would make a declaration on the issue of human rights is in keeping with the structure and genesis of the entire organization."
Attempts to address the issue of animal rights by asking the question, from a humanistic perspective, "what potential exists for a healthy construct of the rights of animals?"
Abstract This paper briefly looks at the evolution of the Western world's views on the treatment of animals and how the lack of a agreement on what an animal precisely is causes difficulties in addressing the issue of animal rights. It goes on to present a debate on the issue of animal rights through three different perspectives: ethical relativism, utilitarianism, and ethical egoism.
Sentient Rights in a Solitary World
The Essential Problem of the Definitions
Framework of the Debate within this Context
Taking A Position -- Modified Personal Responsibility
Ethical Traditions Within The Framework
Summary
From the Paper "In recent years, the ethical issue of animal rights has seriously entered into the realm of philosophical debate. This in itself shows a change in perspective, for until relatively recently the issue was not even seriously broached by philosophers, save maybe in sport or to highlight the absurdity of a line of reasoning. However, increasingly within modern philosophy, the issue may be broached. While one would think that the demands of such philosophies as egoism and utilitarianism would subjugate the position of animals, it seems historically that the reverse has somewhat been true. The question then becomes, within a humanistic mind-set, what potential exists for a healthy construct of the rights of animals? The answer lies in comprehending the individual focus of these philosophies, and treating this issue not as one of social or legal mandate, but as one of personal cognizance."
Abstract This paper examines the issues concerning abortion including the stance of pro-life and pro-choice supporters. It looks at the debate over whether induced abortions should be permitted, encouraged, or severely repressed and how it has been a social issue that has divided theologians, philosophers and legislators for centuries. It analyzes the laws, practices and attitudes towards abortion in three different cultures, in the U.S., France and China.
From the Paper "The debate over abortion in the United States has largely been a focus on the morality of the practice; in many developing nations of the world, though, the debate centers on the mother's right to survive in a harsh environment herself. For instance, the United Nations Population Fund reported in 2000 that worldwide, 350 million couples do not have access to safe and effective contraceptive methods, and millions of couples lack even the most basic information about birth control. That report stated that about 175 million unwanted pregnancies occur each year, about 20 percent of those end up in unsafe abortions, and more than half a million women per year die as a consequence (The Global War for Public Health, 2002, p. 24)."
Abstract Articles 1 and 2 of "Code of Ethics" state that meeting "public needs" and "public welfare" is a duty of professional engineers. The Articles make a clear distinction between commitments to technical precision and moral or social duty. A number of sub-tenets of the Articles aim to ensure that an engineer conforms to the Articles. However, the "Code" is not legally enforceable and therefore can be breached. Additionally, commitment to the public welfare of an individual practitioner could be compromised due to externalities.
