Advanced English W05

 Because ethical decision making can be so difficult, some resist any attempt to evaluate or judge their decisions. The Brother Juniper cartoon captures this inclination. Rather than work to align decisions with an ethical framework or standard, or correct a decision we believe misses the mark, we simply accept the decision as valid and paint the ethical rationale or bull’s-eye around it. In effect, we adjust the ethical target to fit our aim rather than adjusting our thinking or conduct to meet ethical standards. Ethics, then, becomes a matter of personal inclination or taste, or a product of our social norms or culture. Wherever the arrow lands, it hits the target. 

While this may seem easier, it makes recognizing and defending ethical choices impossible. If all decisions are equally valid, none are invalid, and we can no longer discuss real questions of right and wrong

Ethical Relativism= Simply because some practices are relative does not mean that all practices are relative.

... ethics is an inquiry into right and wrong through a critical examination of the reasons underlying practices and beliefs. As a theory for justifying moral practices and beliefs, ethical relativism fails to recognize that some societies have better reasons for holding their views than others.

But even if the theory of ethical relativism is rejected, it must be acknowledged that the concept raises important issues. Ethical relativism reminds us that different societies have different moral beliefs and that our beliefs are deeply influenced by culture. It also encourages us to explore the reasons underlying beliefs that differ from our own, while challenging us to examine our reasons for the beliefs and values we hold.

*How does ethical relativism lead to a loss of moral agency?

I now understand that ethical relativism normally leads to a loss of moral agency because if all decisions are equally valid, none are invalid, and we can no longer discuss real questions of right and wrong.

D. Todd Christoferson: "...resenting the law of gravity will not stop you from falling if you step off a cliff. The same is true for eternal law and justice. Freedom...

 Elder Dallin H. Oaks explains, “While we must practice tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs, including their right to explain and advocate their positions, we are not required to respect and tolerate wrong behavior

REMEMBER

Revision

Means to look with fresh eyes to try to find better flow and verbage.

Feedback

Is not just about finding grammatical errors. Look for credibility and check your own assumptions. Am I defensive?

Cut the Clutter

Cut out words that are redundant or unnecessary. 

 GOALS

>Read the rest of D. Todd Christoferson's talk, Free to Act for Themselves

why is the struggle to engage and wrestle with ethical questions valuable?

I feel like it helps you to learn the difference between right and wrong. I have noticed that I have been doing things that are considered ethically questionable and I didn't even know. Ignorance does not help you to learn and grow.

John C. Bean, a writer and writing teacher, believes students mistake editing for revision: “Students think they are revising, of course, but usually they are merely editing—cleaning up spelling, tinkering with sentences, playing with punctuation. What they submit to us for grades, by and large, are first drafts that exhibit the problems typical of most first drafts, even those of expert writers: confused purpose, inadequate development, rambling organization, uncertain audience, lack of clarity. (I like to tell my students that a C essay is an A essay turned in too soon)” (29).

• Have you ever turned in an essay too soon?
• In light of what you’ve learned in this lesson, how will your approach to revision change?