02 - Ethical Frameworks

Copyright Gershon Weltman, 2014

Engineering & Society:Ethical Frameworks

Dr. Gershon Weltman

Engineering 183EW, UCLA SEAS

Lecture 2

2Copyright Gershon Weltman, 2014

What Do We Mean by Ethics?

BiologicalGenetic/Neurophysiological

PhilosophicalTheoretical, Experiential

Ethics Are:Beliefs, Assumptions, Values -- Guides to Action

NaturalNatural Law/Nature

Revelation Judaism, Christianity, Other

The Sources of Ethics Are Considered to be

SocietalCommunity, Nation, World

Cultural Family, Ethnicity, Gender

Descriptive Ethics – Deals with describing existing ethical systemsNormative Ethics – Deals with determining ‘right’ opinions and actions

Descriptive Ethics – Deals with describing existing ethical systemsNormative Ethics – Deals with determining ‘right’ opinions and actions


Ethical Progression

Royal/Divine Legal Codes

Revealed Moral/Ethical Codes

Specialized Life Codes

Ethical Philosophies

Societal Regulations & Laws

The relationship of ethical codes to ethical philosophies is like the relationship of engineering to science – doing comes first.

It seems as if a society, a culture, or a subculture first decides what its people should and shouldn’t do -- and then its philosophers try to

figure out the basic principles on which these decisions are based.


Early Codes: Egypt & Mesopotamia

2050 B.C. Ur-Nammu 1850 B.C. Lipit-Ishtar 1780 B.C. Hammurabi 1500 B.C Hittite 1100 B.C Assyrian

These were both bodies of law to be followed and records of how cases had been decided in the past. E.g., in Egypt the Pharaoh was the living law - and the law was he. The “law” was the prerogative of kings and priests, but they might be influenced by societal custom.


Code of Hammurabi (Babylonia, ~1800 BC) Hammurabi, prince, called of Bel am I the, making riches and increase, enriching Nippur and Dur-ilu beyond compare, sublime patron of E-kur; who reestablished Eridu and purified the worship of E-apsu; who conquered the four quarters of the world………….. …………….When Marduk sent me to rule over men, to give the protection of right to the land, I did right and righteousness… and brought about the well-being of the oppressed.

1. If any one ensnare another, putting a ban upon him, but he can not prove it, then he that ensnared him shall be put to death. 2. If any one bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser. 3. If any one bring an accusation of any crime before the elders, and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death. …………..282. If a slave says to his master: "You are not my master," if they convict him, his master shall cut off his ear.

(These are the) LAWS of justice which Hammurabi the wise king established. A righteous law and pious statute did he teach the land. Hammurabi, the protecting king am I.


Earliest Biblical Material (~1000 BCE)

1. you shall not do [it], but worship the [Lord].

2. Judge the sla[ve] and the wid[ow]/Judge the orph[an] [and] the stranger.

3. [Pl]ead for the infant / plead for the po[or and] the widow.

4. Rehabilitate [the poor] at the hands of the king.

5. Protect the po[or and] the slave / [supp]ort the stranger

Translation by Gershon GalilUniversity of Haifa, Israel

The writing was discovered on a pottery shard dug up during excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa, near Israel's Elah valley. The excavations were carried out by archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The breakthrough could mean that portions of the Bible were written several centuries earlier than previously thought. LiveScience.com Jan 15, 2010

The writing was discovered on a pottery shard dug up during excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa, near Israel's Elah valley. The excavations were carried out by archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The breakthrough could mean that portions of the Bible were written several centuries earlier than previously thought. LiveScience.com Jan 15, 2010

Potshard containing early biblical material


Revealed Laws - Noahide (Israel, ~600 BCE)

The Seven Laws for Mankind

1. You shall practice equity, establish and promote justice 2. You shall not commit Idolatry 3. You shall not commit Blasphemy 4. You shall not commit Sexual Immorality 5. You shall not commit Murder 6. You shall not commit Theft 7. You shall not eat the limb torn from a live animal. Flesh

with the life of it, the blood of it, you shall not eat.

According to Biblical tradition, the first six universal laws were given to Adam, the seventh was added for Noah after the flood.

According to Biblical tradition, the first six universal laws were given to Adam, the seventh was added for Noah after the flood.


Revealed Laws - Decalogue (Israel, ~500 BCE)

1. You shall have no other gods before me.2. You shall not make idols to worship them.3. You shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.5. Honor your father and mother.6. You shall not murder.7. You shall not commit adultery.8. You shall not steal.9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods, nor his house, nor his wife,

nor his manservant, nor his bull, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of slavery in the land of Egypt.

The Jewish Torah, in which the Decalogue appears twice, has a recognized 613 injunctions involving religious practices.

The Jewish Torah, in which the Decalogue appears twice, has a recognized 613 injunctions involving religious practices.


Example Injunctions: Leviticus19

26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.

29 Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.

30 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.

32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.

33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.

36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.

37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.


Revealed Christian Doctrine (Israel, ~30 AD)

Follow the Law, obey the Commandments Do not only not swear oaths falsely, do not swear oaths at all Blessed are the meek, the persecuted, the merciful, the peacemakers Agree with your adversary, murder begins in the heart, Turn the other cheek, do not give “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you Do your charitable deeds in secret, pray privately, fast to be seen only by God Lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth, you cannot serve both God and

mammon Adultery is committed in the heart when you look at a woman with lust Divorce is adultery, unless for sexual immorality Do not worry – about your life, about food and drink, about clothing….. Judge not, that you be not judged

According to the Gospels, Jesus of Nazareth preached:

These novel teachings emphasized humility, loving kindness, and forgiveness rather than prohibitions and retribution

These novel teachings emphasized humility, loving kindness, and forgiveness rather than prohibitions and retribution


An Essential Idea: The Golden Rule(s)

Judaic:

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. Christian:

What you would want others to do to you, do so to them. Buddhist:

Hurt not others with that which pains you. Muslim:

Desire for your brother that which you desire for yourself. Hindu:

Do nothing to others which if done to you would cause you pain. Baha’i

Choose for your neighbor that which you choose for yourself.


The Golden Conundrum

Practical Level Assume homogeneity – Everyone thinks the same Emphasize principles over particulars – E.g., pleasure & pain Empathize -- Do as they would have you do onto them!

Conceptual Level Shared cognitive models

Family and Friends Learned cognitive models:

Individuals – Psychology Groups – Sociology

Meta-cognitive processes Create models Test and refine models

Analytical Level: Philosophies of Ethical Principles

How do you know what is hateful or desirable to others?How do you know what is hateful or desirable to others?


Codes: Chivalry (Europe, ~1000 AD)1

Observe all the Church teaches Defend the Church Do not recoil before your enemy Make war on the Infidel without

cessation or mercy Love your country of birth Perform your feudal duties Champion the Right and Good

against Injustice and Evil Be generous to everyone Respect all weaknesses and make

yourself their defender Never lie, and keep your word

1After Gautier, Chivalry, 1989


Codes: Samurai (Japan, ~1500 AD)1

Preparation Education Knowledge of right and wrong Bravery, respect Horsemanship, military arts Offensive spirit Literacy and aesthetics

Life Skills House construction Household management Servants and their equipment Relatives, friends, relationships Travel

Service Duties of Samurai Records, escorts, officials Tax extortion and thievery Showing feelings Loyalty till death

1After Sadler, A.L, Code of the Samurai, Charles E. Tuttle, 1988

Do the Good,Show Loyalty,Honor Parents


Codes: Boy Scouts (England, ~1900 AD)

Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind

Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Law: A Scout is


Codes: West Point (USA, ~1950 AD)

A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal,or tolerate those who do!

Such simple codes are easy to remember, but in their simplicity they may neglect more complex ethical and moral issues of great importance

Such simple codes are easy to remember, but in their simplicity they may neglect more complex ethical and moral issues of great importance


Codes: Engineering Profession (USA ~2000)

Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public Perform services only in the area of their competence Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful

agents or trustees Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment

The above Fundamental Canons are followed by detailed Rules of Practice and Professional Obligations. Most if not all of these cast the engineer in the role of employee or agent rather than in the role of entrepreneur, employer or initiator. And few if any deal with societal moral or ethical issues. Is a Professional Code

of this type still appropriate and/or adequate for today’s more complex world?

The above Fundamental Canons are followed by detailed Rules of Practice and Professional Obligations. Most if not all of these cast the engineer in the role of employee or agent rather than in the role of entrepreneur, employer or initiator. And few if any deal with societal moral or ethical issues. Is a Professional Code

of this type still appropriate and/or adequate for today’s more complex world?


Morality, Ethics and the Law

Ethics occupy the middle ground between a society’s Fundamental Morals and its government’s Regulations and Laws

Ethics provide direction toward adherence to the Law as well as guidance in ambiguous areas of the Law

Moral and Ethical principles often create new Laws when there is sufficient political and/or public support

The reverse is also true, Laws become outmoded or unenforceable when the Moral and/or Ethical climate surrounding them changes


Example: Creation of Child Labor Laws

Child “hurriers” in 19th century coal mines

• Child labor played a major role in the European Industrial Revolution• More than 50% of children from 5 to 15 worked without regulation• 1802 English law reduced children’s work day from 16 to 12 hours• 1847 English law limited adults and children to 10 hours work daily• Child labor laws presaged other restrictions on industrial practices

But -- child labor remains a world ethical issue today!


Example: Reversal of Existing Laws

Slavery Segregation Discrimination Subjugation of Women Disenfranchisement Contraception/Abortion Derogatory Speech Inter-Racial Marriage Same-Sex Marriage

Government Surveillance Cruel & Unusual Punishment Torture Death Penalty Chemical/Biological Weapons Land Mines Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sale of Body Parts Others

In the USA many previously legal practices have been overturned or are being reexamined on the basis of moral or ethical considerations:

Many further examples in politics, business, sports and daily life.Many further examples in politics, business, sports and daily life.


Ethics, Morality and Law: A Local Example


Ethics, Morality and Law: Summary

Many of the difficult problems in Engineering Ethics lie inside the boundary of what is legal.

At the same time, things that were formerly ethical questions -- such as sexual harassment, job-related age discrimination, and arbitrary dismissal -- are now outside the Law.

Most, if not all, of our outmoded laws are still open issues from a worldwide perspective, and provide a valuable insight into the historical interaction and evolution of morality, ethics and laws.

The challenge is to build a solid Personal Ethical Framework in the face of continual interaction among and fluctuation of morals, ethics and laws – and then to act decisively on the basis of that framework.

The challenge is to build a solid Personal Ethical Framework in the face of continual interaction among and fluctuation of morals, ethics and laws – and then to act decisively on the basis of that framework.


Ethical Philosophies

Historical Ethical Theories Rights Ethics Duty Ethics* Virtue Ethics* Utilitarianism* Pragmatism

Alternative Ethical Theories*

Attempts to systematize, rationalize and prescribe societal and personal ethical choices. We will review:

*Also treated in Van de Poel and Royakkers


Rights Ethics Fundamental Concepts

Human rights are basic Respect for rights is obligatory

Types of Rights Liberty Rights:

Related primarily to individuals Concern non-interference and property protection

Welfare Rights Related primarily to collections of people Concern for the members of a moral community Rights include benefits under contracts and promises

Examples Declaration of Independence Constitution and Bill of Rights Modern Rights: Privacy, education, safety, health care, etc. Current Controversy: “Tea Party” vs. “New Society”


U.S. Declaration of Independence

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another,and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respectto the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impact them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self evident • That all men are created equal• That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights• That among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness• That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed• That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Govern-ment, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.


Rights Issues

Where Do Rights Come From? Outside Sources: God, Nature, Natural Law Inside Sources: Codes, Laws, Reason Wrongs: Bad Experiences + Morality1

How Do Rights Differ from Morals or Preferences? Are related mainly to governments Extend ‘top level’ morals into law Are “super preferences,” superseding minor preferences

Why are Rights Important? Restrict the actions of Government Protect minority opinions and safety Provide society with necessary values and guidance

1Allan Dershowitz (2004), “Rights from Wrongs,” Basic Books, New York


Case In Point: California Fair Housing

California’s Rumford Fair Housing Act [1963]

Objective was to outlaw racial discrimination by property owners and landlords. The Act provided that landlords could not deny people housing because of ethnicity, religion, sex, marital status, physical handicap, or familial status

California’s Proposition 14 [1964]

Objective was to restore racial discrimination by property owners and landlords. Proposition 14 stated:

Neither the State nor any subdivision or agency thereof shall deny, limit or abridge, directly or indirectly, the right of any person, who is willing or desires to sell, lease or rent any part or all of his real property, to decline to sell, lease or rent such property to such person or persons as he, in his absolute discretion, chooses.


Case In Point: California Fair Housing Property Rights Civil Rights

VS

California voters approve Proposition 14 by 65% to 35%, but the State and Federal Supreme Courts rule it violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause. The Rumford Fair Housing Act stands, and becomes the template for the whole country.

California voters approve Proposition 14 by 65% to 35%, but the State and Federal Supreme Courts rule it violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause. The Rumford Fair Housing Act stands, and becomes the template for the whole country.


Other Rights In Opposition

Right to keep and bear arms

Right to freedom of speech

Rights of defendants

Right to health care

Right to medical treatment

Right to a clean environment

Right to chose abortion

Right to personal property

Etc., Etc.

Right to safety and protection

Right to a non-hostile environment

Rights of victims and of society

Right to personal independence

Right to refuse to give treatment

Right to a profitable business

Right of fetus to life

Right of society to resources

Etc., Etc.

Right Opposing Right


Duty Ethics (Deontological Ethics)

Fundamental Concepts Required duties are actions that agree with basic morals Emphasis is on what we owe to others Mirror image of rights -- for every right there is a duty

Related Issues Unification principles

Autonomy – Man determines morality through reason Universality – Principles apply equally to all people Reciprocity -- Respect others’ desires, needs, efforts

Kant’s Categorical Imperative


The Categorical Imperative

First formulation (The Universal Law):Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.

Second formulation (The End in Itself)So act that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.

Third formulation (Formula of Autonomy)So act as if your maxims should serve at the same time as the universal law (of all rational beings), meaning that we should so act that we may think of ourselves as "a member in the universal realm of ends"

Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, 1785


An “Absurdist” Critique of Deontology

What if everyone took the same bad actions you took?

Well, then I’d be crazy not to do

likewise!

‘Universality’ considerations should not deter from necessary actions‘Universality’ considerations should not deter from necessary actions

After Joseph Heller, Catch 22


Duty Ethics

Fundamental Concepts Duties are basic Mirror image of rights -- for every right there is a duty Emphasis on what we owe to others

Related Issues Unification principles

Autonomy – Governing one’s own life morally Universality – Principles apply equally to all people Respect -- Other peoples’ desires, needs, efforts

Kant’s Categorical Imperative Examples

The Decalogue Code of Chivalry Cadet Honor Code Professional Codes (Engineering, Medicine & Others)


Virtue Ethics

Fundamental Concepts Essential virtues are desirable as

Traits, attitudes, emotions & motives Guides to moral/ethical conduct

Ideal is to be a virtuous person Related Issues

Evolution of virtues The “Golden Mean” Present day relevance


Historical Evolution of Virtues

Wisdom Courage Temperance Justice

Wisdom Greatness of Spirit Decorum Justice Liberality

Greek “Cardinal” virtues of Plato and Aristotle were mainly intended for wealthy, land-owning males

Roman virtues of Cicero were intended for civic leaders of the more expansive and militant Roman Empire

Wisdom Courage Temperance Justice Faith Hope Love

Christian seven fundamental virtues were intended for all believers and had transcendental roots

Virtues are values expressed as permanent modes of behavior. Prof. Nathan Rotenstreich, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

Virtues are values expressed as permanent modes of behavior. Prof. Nathan Rotenstreich, Hebrew University, Jerusalem


Virtue Ethics

Fundamental Concepts Virtues are desirable as

Motives, attitudes and emotions Guides to conduct

Being a virtuous person Related Issues

Evolution of virtues The “Golden Mean” Association with societal classes

Examples Religious precepts Boy Scout Oath

Recent commentators have suggested that a return to simple virtue ethics might be a solution to our apparent loss of any ethical foundation

Recent commentators have suggested that a return to simple virtue ethics might be a solution to our apparent loss of any ethical foundation


For Example: America’s Critical Virtues

In his 2012 book “Coming Apart” author Charles Murray gives America’s founding virtues as:

• Industriousness

• Honesty

• Marriage

• Religiosity

He says the increasing lack of these virtues is what is separating the “new lower class” from the “new upper class,” and he provides statistical evidence to support his thesis.

Is this something you see as reasonable? Or do you think Murray is off on a wrong track?


Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)

Fundamental Concepts: Only the consequences of an action are morally relevant Actions are an optimal balance of good vs. bad consequences Actions should produce the most good for the most people

Related Principles: Rule-Utilitarianism: Moral rules determine acts Act-Utilitarianism: Consequences determine acts

Examples: Cars: Speed & Convenience vs. Safety & Economy Air and Water Pollution: Public Health vs. Industrial Costs Genetic Engineering: Medical Benefits vs. Risks & Morality

Cautions: Unforeseen consequences Inequitable distribution of the ‘good’ Neglect of personal relations and values Some actions are basically wrong, whatever the consequences!


Pragmatism Fundamental Concepts

Context – In which facts and values must be balanced Analysis -- Ethical reasoning vs. fixed rules or ideals Flexibility – In integrating and harmonizing competing values

Related Principles Guidance in methods of analytical thought Warnings of negative consequences

Case Solutions Cases are concrete dilemmas – with differing moral/ethical opinions Emphasizing principles often leads to accentuation of differences Emphasizing particulars over principles can lead to pragmatic

reconciliation of differences Didn’t we earlier say the opposite with regard to the Golden Rule?

“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson


Alternative Ethical Structures

Non-Judeo/Christian: Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu. Etc. Non-Religious Secular Humanism, Atheism Non-Male Centered: Feminist Non-Adult Centered: Fetal, Infant and Child Rights Non-Human Centered: Animal Rights, Nature Rights Non-Democratic: Theocracy, Dictatorship,

Monarchy Non-Political: Libertarian, Anarchistic Non-Martial: Pacifistic Non-Capitalistic: Socialist, Communist Non-Altruistic: Objectivist (Ayn Randism) Non-Essentialist: Existentialist

Conclusion: It is almost impossible today not to violate somebody’s ethical principles -- no matter what you do.

Conclusion: It is almost impossible today not to violate somebody’s ethical principles -- no matter what you do.


The Modern Role of Religion

Thomas Jefferson created a personal New Testament that contained Jesus’ moral and ethical teachings, but eliminated all of the miracles and supernatural happenings. The Smithsonian Institute recently republished the original Jefferson Bible.

The Dalai Lama has said: “All of us, all human beings, are basically inclined toward what we perceive to be good…In view of this, I am of the firm opinion that we have within our grasp a (secular) way and means to ground inner values without contradicting any religion and yet, crucially, without depending on any religion.”

While religion can certainly be a guide to ethics, many people, even religious ones, have also sought a secular, or non-religious, path to ethical behavior

While religion can certainly be a guide to ethics, many people, even religious ones, have also sought a secular, or non-religious, path to ethical behavior


The Modern Role of Science and Reason“Modern sensibilities have increasingly conceived moral worth in terms of consciousness, particularly the ability to suffer and flourish, and have identified consciousness with the activity of the brain. The change is part of the turning away from religion and custom and toward science and secular philosophy as a source of moral illumination.

Steven PinkerThe Better Angels of our Nature

“Once reasoning has got started its hard to tell where it will stop.”

Peter SingerThe Expanding Circle: Ethics and Sociobiology

Pinker is certain, Singer not so much, but both see moral hope in reason Pinker is certain, Singer not so much, but both see moral hope in reason


Reasoning itself and Moral or Ethical Actions

“An act has no ethical quality whatsoever unless it be chosen out of several (acts that are) all equally possible.”

William James The Principles of Psychology, 1890

William James, renowned psychologist and philosopher, comes down firmly on the side of conscious choice,

and therefore reasoning, as a critical component of ethical action.

William James, renowned psychologist and philosopher, comes down firmly on the side of conscious choice,

and therefore reasoning, as a critical component of ethical action.


Does Ethics Today Depend on Reasoning?

No, it does Not!

“Rather, moral action depends on compassion. Parents need no reasoning to nourish their children to loving kindness. Human beings need no reasoning to help other needy humans and creatures. All we truly need is compassion.”

Yes, if..

“..that means that moral action depends on reason. We do not have to go through a process of reason-ing in order to arrive at a view of what morality requires on every occasion. Often, we simply know. But moral action does not merely depend on reason. Moral action is rational action, because the moral law is a law of reason.”

Yes and No.

“Yes because the actions we can truly call moral depend on the work of reason at some stage, no because the moment-to-moment execution of actions, moral or otherwise, is not necessarily under the control of reason.”

Today’s ethical philosophers are divided, citing a variety of factors including genetics. For a complete presentation of these and other views, see www.templeton.org/reason.

Today’s ethical philosophers are divided, citing a variety of factors including genetics. For a complete presentation of these and other views, see www.templeton.org/reason.

Aref Ali NayedKalam Research, Dubai

Prof. Kristine KorsgaardHarvard University

Prof. Antonio DamasioUSC


Are Ethics Intuitive?

Jonathan Haidt postulates six types of moral response that have evolved to promote group cohesion and are manifested through intuitive emotional reactions:1. Care/harm2. Liberty/oppression3. Fairness/cheating4. Loyalty/betrayal 5. Authority/subversion6. Sanctity/degradation

Haidt further theorizes, using “scientific” evidence, that different groups make different use of these “basic ingredients” to form their moralities, and that these evolutionary attitudes contribute more to the control of behavior than does reason.


Are Ethics Intuitive?

Jonathan Haidt postulates six types of moral response that have evolved to promote group cohesion and are manifested through intuitive emotional reactions: • Care/harm• Liberty/oppression• Fairness/cheating• Loyalty/betrayal • Authority/subversion• Sanctity/degradation

For example, Haidt believes Liberals emphasize the first three responses, while Conservatives emphasize the last three. The two groups are building on the same set of responses, and so should be better able to understand each other.


And What about Experience?

“The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.” Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. The Common Law, 1881

“Genuine experience is aggregated of events and individual circumstances from which conclusions are drawn and tested over time. It is the wisdom to be had from the commonplace, which is why the consensus that grows from shared experience transcends mere custom. Recourse to that civilizing authority is one of the things that breaths ethical life into the day-to-day administration of our courts and the production of newspapers and newscasts.”

Tim Rutten, Regarding Media Los Angeles Times, July 30, 2003

We will consider accelerated experience when we discuss continuing learning We will consider accelerated experience when we discuss continuing learning

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02 - Ethical Frameworks