Ethics
What is Ethics?
Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what is the proper course of
action for man. It answers the question, "What do I do?" It
is the study of right and wrong in human endeavors. At a more fundamental
level, it is the method by which we categorize our values and pursue them.
Do we pursue our own happiness, or do we sacrifice ourselves to a greater
cause? Is that foundation of ethics based on the Bible, or on the
very nature of man himself, or neither?
Why is Ethics important?
Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding
a course of action. Without it, our actions would be random and aimless.
There would be no way to work towards a goal because there would be no
way to pick between a limitless number of goals. Even with
an ethical standard, we may be unable to pursue our goals with the possibility
of success. To the degree which a rational ethical standard is taken,
we are able to correctly organize our goals and actions to accomplish our
most important values. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability
to be successful in our endeavors.
What are the key elements of a proper Ethics?
A proper foundation of ethics requires a standard of value to which all
goals and actions can be compared to. This standard is our own lives,
and the happiness which makes them livable. This is our ultimate
standard of value, the goal in which an ethical man must always aim.
It is arrived at by an examination of man's nature, and recognizing his
peculiar needs. A system of ethics must further consist of not only
emergency situations, but the day to day choices we make constantly.
It must include our relations to others, and recognize their importance
not only to our physical survival, but to our well-being and happiness.
It must recognize that our lives are an end in themselves, and that sacrifice
is not only not necessary, but destructive.
Basics
Life as the Moral Standard
Morality is a Guide to Living
Reason is Man's Means of Survival
Values
Virtue
Self-Interest
Harmony of Interests
Specifics
Self Reliance / Independence
Productiveness
Integrity
Honesty
Pride
Justice
Benevolence
Rationality
Technicalities
Metaphysical Justice
Free Will
Courage
Trader Principle
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