This post is for those who completed GOVT6301.
If they wish to maintain a dialogue with each other, they may do so by posting to this entry. I offer it as a service in reaction to comments about missing the opportunity to engage with each other when the unit ends. If it is used, I will leave it. If not, I will delete it.
Please note that the blog is published and anyone can read it.
GOVT6301 Continuing the Discussion
If those who completed GOVT6301 want to remain in touch, this blog post will help. Messages can be attached as comments below.
My only comment at this time is that I support the continuance of this site to enable ongoing discussions. I think the site is potentially of immense benefit.
I have just completed a week long uni residential on the topic of “Governing by the Rules” as part of a Masters program. Some of you might be interested to know that during this week, we had a presentation on “ethics” and discussed Kant, Mill, Hobbs et al. The group of about 60 students were divided into 3 groups and each group was required to discuss a particular problem from the Kantian, Utilitarian or Virtue Ethics perspective. Listening to the vigorous debate, it was very much a case of deja vu.
Seems that the “ethical” approach supported by some is entirely dependant upon the individuals and their own values. The same pros and cons were discussed and issues such as public good, character and “the greater good” all came to the surface. The jury is still out on the verdict!!
Rick, Is the ‘jury’ you refer to you – your conscience. Imagine a bit more Zen in your life! These approaches are all great tools to help you adapt to certain categories of ambiguous situations posed by the environment. But none necessarily “computes” a “right” answer. However when combined with an increasingly detailed understanding of the terrain they represent useful cranes to build your own personally coherent ethical decision-making muscles. Like all muscles the more you exercise them the more powerful they become, and the more confident you will feel when you need to put them to use. Ethical norms are the social constructions of these interacting consciences. A small number of commonly held underlying axioms should help avoid complete relativism. Just a thought! (Sorry this reads like a Horoscope 😉