What is Ethics?

Summary

The script explores the importance of ethical decision-making, emphasizing quality over quantity of choices. It delves into the dilemma of maintaining trust versus showing compassion, using the example of a friend's depression and the conflict of values it presents. The narrative stresses the significance of principles and purpose in guiding our decisions, ultimately urging us to make choices that align with our values and contribute to a world we can be proud of.

Takeaways

• 🧐 The script challenges the focus on the number of decisions made daily, emphasizing the importance of decision quality over quantity.
• 📚 Ethics is presented as a philosophical tool that differentiates between good and bad decisions, based on values, principles, beliefs, and norms.
• 🤔 The script poses a dilemma involving a friend's trust and their well-being, highlighting the complexity of ethical decision-making.
• 🔍 It emphasizes the need to understand our values and principles to navigate ethical dilemmas, such as trustworthiness versus compassion.
• 💡 Principles are identified as guidelines that help determine acceptable actions in pursuit of our values.
• 🤷‍♂️ The script acknowledges the ambiguities inherent in ethical decision-making, where conflicts of values or principles can arise.
• 🌟 Purpose is introduced as a guiding factor that can help in making ethical choices, especially when faced with conflicts.
• 👭 The purpose of friendship is discussed as a case study to illustrate how understanding one's role can influence ethical decisions.
• 🌍 The script concludes by stressing that every choice we make has the potential to change the world, advocating for making decisions that are both good and right.
• 🏆 It encourages individuals to make choices they can be proud of, emphasizing the importance of ownership over one's decisions.
• 💭 The importance of reflection on the kind of world one wants to live in is highlighted, as it influences the nature of the choices made.

Q & A

What is the range of decisions people make each day according to the internet?

The internet suggests that the number of decisions people make each day ranges from 70 to 35,000.

Why does the script suggest that focusing on the number of decisions is the wrong question?

The script implies that focusing on the number of decisions is the wrong question because it is more important to consider the quality of decisions, especially from an ethical standpoint.

What does the script define ethics as?

The script defines ethics as a tool that helps create a difference between a good decision and a bad one, and as a branch of philosophy that asks practical questions about what we should do.

What are the elements that ethics studies according to the script?

Ethics studies elements such as values, principles, beliefs, and norms, which are the things that shape our choices.

What dilemma is presented in the script involving a friend named Lee?

The dilemma is whether to keep Lee's secret about their depression and allow them to be socially isolated, or to break Lee's trust by sharing the information for their benefit and to encourage empathy and compassion from others.

Why is it insufficient to rely only on values to solve the Lee dilemma?

It is insufficient because the values of trustworthiness and compassion pull in different directions, and we also need to determine what is right, which is where principles come in.

What role do principles play in ethical decision-making according to the script?

Principles help us draw a line in the sand and determine the acceptable ways of getting what we value, guiding us in making decisions when there is a conflict of values or principles.

How does the script suggest we select values and principles for ethical decision-making?

The script suggests that our selection of values and principles should be connected to our purpose, which serves as a guiding north star in decision-making.

What is the purpose of friendship as it relates to the Lee dilemma in the script?

The purpose of friendship, in this context, is to share Lee's life with them, including the highs and lows, but respecting that it is Lee's life and decision on who they share it with.

What is the final message of the script regarding the importance of the choices we make?

The final message is that every choice we make changes the world, and what's important is making choices that are good and right, ones we can justify and be proud of, making them actively ours.

How does the script relate the concept of ethics to the everyday choices we make?

The script relates ethics to everyday choices by emphasizing the importance of considering the quality of decisions, the values and principles that guide them, and the purpose behind them, rather than just the quantity of decisions made.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Ethical Decision-Making: Quality Over Quantity

This paragraph introduces the concept of ethical decision-making, challenging the notion of the number of decisions made daily. It emphasizes the importance of the quality of decisions rather than the quantity. The script discusses ethics as a philosophical branch that deals with practical questions about what should be done, focusing on values, principles, beliefs, and norms. It presents a dilemma involving a friend named Lee, who is struggling with depression and trust, to illustrate the complexity of ethical choices and the need to balance values like trustworthiness and compassion.

🔍 Principles and Values in Ethical Dilemmas

This paragraph delves deeper into the role of principles and values in resolving ethical dilemmas. It explains that while values define what is considered good, principles provide guidelines on acceptable actions to achieve those values. The script uses the Lee scenario to explore different principles that might guide one's decision—whether to maintain confidentiality or to act in Lee's best interests. It acknowledges the ambiguities and complexities inherent in ethical decision-making, suggesting that understanding one's purpose can help in navigating conflicts between values and principles.

🌟 Purpose as a Guiding Star in Ethical Choices

The final paragraph of the script highlights the significance of purpose in making ethical choices. It suggests that understanding the purpose of a relationship, such as friendship, can inform one's decision in ethical dilemmas. Using Lee's situation as an example, the script argues that considering the purpose of Lee's confidence in the narrator can lead to a decision that respects Lee's autonomy and the nature of the friendship. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the impact of choices on the world and the importance of making decisions that one can be proud of, thus owning them actively.

Keywords

💡Decisions

Decisions refer to the choices individuals make, which can range from trivial to life-altering. In the context of the video, the focus shifts from the quantity of decisions to their quality, emphasizing the ethical implications of each choice. The script uses the concept of decisions to introduce the theme of ethics and the importance of making good and right choices.

💡Ethics

Ethics is the philosophical study of moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior. The video defines ethics as a tool to differentiate between good and bad decisions. It is central to the video's theme, as it underpins the discussion on values, principles, and the process of making ethically sound choices.

💡Values

Values are the beliefs and ideals that individuals hold dear and consider important. In the script, values such as justice, knowledge, family, and equality are mentioned as guiding lights in decision-making. They represent what we care about most deeply and are integral to the ethical dilemma presented in the video.

💡Principles

Principles are fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for reasoning and action. The video suggests that principles help determine the acceptable ways to achieve our values. They are crucial in resolving ethical dilemmas, as they provide a clear guideline on what is considered right or wrong in a given situation.

💡Beliefs

Beliefs are the convictions or acceptances that guide or motivate someone's actions. Although not explicitly defined in the script, beliefs are implied as part of the ethical framework that influences decision-making. They contribute to the formation of values and principles and are essential in the ethical considerations discussed.

💡Norms

Norms are the standards or expectations of conduct within a group or society. The video touches on norms as part of the ethical considerations that shape our choices. They represent the shared values and behaviors that guide social interactions and are relevant to the ethical dilemma of whether to maintain confidentiality or act in someone's best interest.

💡Dilemma

A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. The script presents a specific ethical dilemma involving a friend's trust and well-being, highlighting the complexity of ethical decision-making and the need to weigh competing values and principles.

💡Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is the quality of being trustworthy or reliable. In the video, trustworthiness is one of the values at play in the ethical dilemma, where keeping a friend's confidence is juxtaposed against the potential benefits of sharing their struggles with others to garner empathy and support.

💡Compassion

Compassion is the feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another's plight, often accompanied by the desire to alleviate it. The script uses compassion as a counterpoint to trustworthiness, illustrating the conflict between maintaining a friend's secret and the desire to help them through their struggles.

💡Purpose

Purpose refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding one's purpose in making ethical decisions. It suggests that considering the purpose of friendship and the individual's autonomy in sharing personal information can guide the decision in the presented dilemma.

💡Autonomy

Autonomy is the right or condition of self-governance or self-direction. In the context of the script, autonomy is highlighted when discussing the friend's decision to confide in one person alone. It underscores the importance of respecting an individual's choices and plays a significant role in the ethical decision-making process.

Highlights

The number of decisions made each day ranges from 70 to 35,000 according to the internet.

The focus should be on the quality of decisions rather than the quantity.

Ethics is introduced as a tool to differentiate between good and bad decisions.

Ethics is defined as the branch of philosophy that asks practical questions about what should be done.

Ethics involves the study of values, principles, beliefs, and norms that shape our choices.

Ethics aims to define the conditions of a good choice and determine the best available option.

A scenario is presented involving a friend named Lee who confides in the listener about their depression.

Lee's trust in the listener is highlighted by their insistence that their depression remains a secret.

A moral dilemma arises when another friend expresses frustration with Lee's social withdrawal.

The listener must decide between maintaining Lee's trust or potentially helping them through empathy and compassion.

Values and principles are discussed as essential in resolving ethical dilemmas.

Values are defined as deeply held beliefs about what is good, such as justice, knowledge, family, and equality.

Principles guide the acceptable ways to achieve what we value, helping to resolve conflicts between values.

The purpose of friendship and the listener's role as Lee's friend are considered in the decision-making process.

The importance of aligning choices with one's purpose and the concept of a 'guiding north star' are emphasized.

The impact of choices on the world and the desire to make good and right choices are discussed.

The transcript concludes by stressing the importance of making choices that one can be proud of and justify.

Transcripts

How many decisions do you think you make each day?

If you ask the internet

the answer will range from 70 to 35,000.

If you ask us

it’s the wrong question to be asking at all.

That’s because we’re interested in ethics.

We are not concerned about the quantity of your decisions

we care about their quality.

You might want to think of ethics as a tool

that helps us create the difference

between a good decision

and a bad one.

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that asks the practical question

What should we do?

This leads to the study of things like

values, principles, beliefs and norms.

These are the things that shape our choices.

Ethics asks us:

It tries to help us define the conditions of a good choice

and then figure out which of our available options is the best one.

Let’s say a close friend, Lee confides in you

that they’re struggling with depression.

They’re feeling isolated and alone

but when they’re invited to go out

they find it impossible to do.

Lee insists they don’t want anyone else to know.

They’re trusting this information to you alone.

A few days later

another friend comes to you, frustrated about Lee.

Lee has flaked on plans at the last minute yet again

and your friend has had enough.

They’ve decided they just won’t bother inviting Lee out anymore.

You’re torn...

If Lee stops being invited to things,

the isolation could make them feel even worse.

Sharing information about their depression

might help Lee be treated with more empathy and compassion

But it would be a breach of trust.

And if Lee found out

especially in a vulnerable state

who knows what might happen.

Keep the secret,

and allow Lee to be socially isolated?

Or break Lee’s trust

but do it for their benefit?

Answering this question means getting clear on what matters:

Our values and principles.

Our Values are the things we hold to be good

and therefore care about most deeply.

Things like justice, knowledge, family and equality

In this case, we’re likely to value both trustworthiness and compassion

which pull us in different directions.

So it looks like an appeal to values alone won’t let us solve this dilemma...

We don’t just need to know what’s good

we need to know what’s right.

This is where principles come in

they help us draw a line in the sand

they determine the acceptable ways of getting what we value.

So what’s our guiding principle with regard to Lee?

Some people might adopt a principle like

meaning you keep Lee’s confidence, no matter the risks

Others might be inclined toward a principle like

and decide that it’s in Lee’s best interests that people know about the depression

Of course, there are still ambiguities

which is part of what makes ethical decision-making so complicated

So, how do we select which values and principles to adopt?

And how do we make choices when we face a conflict of values or principles?

good vs good

right vs right

What helps to orient our judgement is a connection to Purpose

What’s our guiding north star?

What’s our reason for being?

Think about Lee again

Now, think about the purpose of friendship...

What are friends for?

Think about why Lee decided to tell you in confidence

Your purpose as Lee’s friend is to share their life with them

The highs and the lows

But it’s their life and it’s their decision on who they share it with.

Lee chose to share this information with you alone

given this, even if you prefer to act in people’s best interests

thinking about purpose and thinking about Lee’s purpose

might encourage you to take a different path.

Every time we make a choice

we change the world.

What kind of world do you want to live in?

Whether you make 35,000 choices in a day

or just one

what’s important is that you make choices that are good and right.

Choices you can justify

ones you can be proud of

That’s what makes the choices actively yours.