Ethical clarity and the role of character

Should you think about your duty, or about the consequences of your actions? Or should you concentrate on becoming a good person?

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prof
Posts: 1076
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2012 1:57 am

Re: Ethical clarity and the role of character

Post by prof »

Is pride (in oneself) the worst vice?

David Brooks thinks so, as argued in his latest book, THE ROAD TO CHARACTER. {Isn't it great when a new book on Ethics comes out?!!! ! And it makes it to the 'Best-seller List!}

Or is arrogance even worse? And what is the exact difference between pride and arrogance?

His basic message is: We need to cultivate humility. Self-pride is not to be conflated with confidence. Confidence means Believing in yourself. Pride (the opposite of humility) means that you think you did it all yourself, in your life - without the heritage, the culture, the social networks, the societal foundations and facilities. Brooks would phrase it this way: When you suffer from pride you think you did it without the grace of God.

Is it more correct to define it as "arrogance is the opposite of humility'?

.....Your views?

P.S. A reviewer of the book wrote: "Responding to what he calls the culture of the Big Me, which emphasizes external success, the author challenges us to rebalance the scales between achieving wealth and status—and those that exist at the core of our being: kindness, bravery, honesty, faithfulness, etc. See the reviews at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081299 ... 081299325X"
prof
Posts: 1076
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2012 1:57 am

Re: Ethical clarity and the role of character

Post by prof »

I have said before, we philosophers like it when things make sense.

We also like it when things are fitting.

I brought my glasses frames into my optician for repair. He did that service for me. In less than two minutes he fixed them and tightened up all the joints; he handed my glasses back to me. I said, "How much do I owe you?" He replied: "A smile." I found that to be very fitting. It fits in with my ethical theory which indicates the benefits of, and the importance of, value creation.

When a child expresses appreciation to its parents for all they have done for that child, that is rather fitting.

When you can offer someone a very-sincere compliment that is quite fitting.

When due to your cheerfulness and good humor you make someone smile, that too is fitting.

We like it when things fit :!:

See viewtopic.php?f=8&t=14879
Also see viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9561&hilit=


Open for your comments...................
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