Ethics unit

Readings:

Aristotle’s “The Aim of Man”

Michael Gazzaniga’s “Toward a Universal Ethics”

W. E. B. Du Bois’s “The Souls of White Folks”

Hsün Tzu’s “Man’s Nature is Evil”

The establishment of ethical principles that translate into moral behavior constitutes a major step forward for civilization. To be sure, ancient civilizations maintained rules and laws governing behavior, and in some cases those rules were written down and adhered to by the majority of citizens. But the move that major religions made was to go beyond simple rules or laws to penetrate deeper layers of emotion and make people want to behave well toward each other. The writers and writings in this section have all examined the nature of morality and come to interesting conclusions, focusing on various aspects of the ethical nature of humankind.

Aristotle focuses on defining the good life, not in the abstract, but in terms of the individual’s obligation to participate in politics. He believes human happiness is connected to virtuous conduct. Reason must be followed if we are to live well, though it is often discarded.

Hsün Tzu thought that people are born with natural traits that lead to immoral behavior. The individual should read the teachings of the sages and follow the rituals of the culture. The ethical path must be regulated by accepting wisdom and instruction from elders.

Du Bois demonstrates the role that racism plays in conflict. He discusses the ethical dimension of racism, which can be taken into consideration with moral decision making.

Gazzaniga examines the nature of ethical behavior and brings to bear his experience in brain physiology. He ponders the possibility that there may be a moral center in the brain and whether, if he is right, there could be a universal ethics that applies to all people regardless of cultural upbringing.

Please choose two of the readings and write a 5-page compare contrast essay on the authors’ notions of ethics. Your thesis should show where the authors’ overlap in their ideas and/or where they contrast. There is no need to bring in outside research to this essay, although this is a possibility if you would like.