Cultivating an ethical life R3101 Lecture 7 Dr Margaret Mishra The ethical challenges that we face in our lives are

diverse & complex These challenges affect us personally, socially, morally & professionally Some points to highlight We are not naturally ethical Moral or ethics education is a life-long process Ethics & morals are learnt by examples from others, & from our lived experiences & religious teachings etc. Think questions How can we cultivate an ethical life? What values, attitudes & behaviors should we strive for? What are some steps we can follow when making important ethical decisions? Balancing & weighing options When seeking to fulfill our basic needs (physiological, psychological, social, spiritual etc) we should strive for balance Ethics begins with choice The capacity to exercise choice in making independent decisions Dont do something because others are doing it! What is right to others may be wrong to you (ethics is subjective) Ethics & integrity From the Latin word integritas (reliable) Following high moral principles/ professional standards Being true to your beliefs, values & convictions at the crunch-point in your life Who am I? And, who am I accountable to?

Ethics & society How we relate to others is crucial: interconnectedness We should recognize and respect others for their own intrinsic worth and not treat them as means for our own gains It is important to build relationships personally & professionally In every action and every intention, in every goal and every means, treat every human being, yourself and others, with the respect befitting the dignity and worth of a person (Morris p.61) Ethics & spirituality Spirituality is not always about religion although it is for some people Spirituality helps to answer questions about our existence It is expressed through love (including compassion, forgiveness, intimacy, & social justice) Love is not just about your relationship to a person; its your attitude to the world/life 5 steps to ethical decision-making What are some values we should strive for? Integrity Honesty Loyalty love Compassion Care Benevolence Respect Justice Utility Understanding Cooperation I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended (N. Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, 1994)