Golden Rule talk (short version) - Harry Gensler 2014 Marquette

Summary

The Golden Rule, found in various religions and cultures, emphasizes treating others as one wishes to be treated. The speaker critiques its literal interpretation, illustrated by a story of a monkey who mistakenly saves a fish from water, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding individual differences. He introduces the 'No Imagine Test Act' for applying the rule thoughtfully: know how your actions affect others, imagine yourself in their situation, and test for consistency in treatment. This principle promotes justice and compassion, urging us to consider how our actions impact marginalized groups and reinforcing the importance of empathy in moral behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Golden Rule, 'treat others as you want to be treated,' is a universal principle found in most religions and cultures.
• 🤔 The importance of empathy and understanding individual differences is crucial when applying the Golden Rule.
• 📖 Historical figures and thinkers, such as Jesus and Confucius, have emphasized the value of the Golden Rule in moral teachings.
• 🐒 The story of the monkey and the fish illustrates the dangers of applying the Golden Rule too literally, leading to harmful outcomes.
• 🌍 A refined interpretation of the Golden Rule emphasizes treating others only as one would consent to being treated in the same situation.
• 💡 The K procedure (Know, Imagine, Test) provides a framework for applying the Golden Rule thoughtfully and contextually.
• 👥 Switching places in moral considerations fosters empathy and helps avoid the literal Golden Rule fallacy.
• 🗣️ President Kennedy's civil rights speech exemplifies the application of the Golden Rule in addressing social justice and equality.
• 🚫 Many philosophers and theologians have historically dismissed the Golden Rule, often overlooking its profound implications.
• ❤️ The heart of morality lies in the Golden Rule, which encourages just and compassionate treatment of all individuals, regardless of differences.

Q & A

What is the Golden Rule as described in the transcript?

The Golden Rule is to treat others as you want to be treated. It is a common principle found in many religions and cultures worldwide.

Who are some historical figures mentioned that have contributed to the idea of the Golden Rule?

The transcript mentions figures such as Jesus and Confucius as prominent thinkers who endorsed the Golden Rule.

What personal experience does the speaker share regarding their interest in the Golden Rule?

The speaker became a 'Golden Rule junkie' in 1968 after hearing a talk by the philosopher R.M. Hare, which led them to engage in extensive research, including a master's thesis and a doctoral dissertation.

What story does the speaker use to illustrate the Golden Rule?

The speaker recounts the story of 'The Old Man and His Grandson,' which highlights the importance of treating others, like the grandfather, with kindness and respect.

What is one of the criticisms of the traditional wording of the Golden Rule?

Critics argue that the traditional wording can lead to misunderstandings, as it assumes that everyone has the same likes, dislikes, and needs, which is often not the case.

What alternative phrasing does the speaker suggest for the Golden Rule?

The speaker suggests the phrasing: 'Treat others only as you consent to being treated in the same situation,' which adds nuance to the application of the rule.

What are 'Golden Rule fallacies' as mentioned in the transcript?

Golden Rule fallacies occur when one applies the Golden Rule without considering the differences in individuals' needs and circumstances, leading to inappropriate or harmful actions.

How does the story of the monkey and the fish relate to the Golden Rule?

In the story, the monkey tries to save the fish by lifting it out of the water, not recognizing that it would die in that situation. This illustrates the danger of applying the Golden Rule literally without understanding the needs of others.

What is the 'K' in the acronym 'K' related to using the Golden Rule wisely?

'K' stands for 'Know how my action affects others,' emphasizing the need to understand the impact of one's actions before acting.

What historical example does the speaker provide to illustrate the application of the Golden Rule?

The speaker references President Kennedy's civil rights speech, where he encouraged Americans to empathize with the experiences of black Americans and consider whether they would be content being treated as second-class citizens.