Quick Thought on Ethical Reasoning

Ethical reasoning is quite an issue. It is important because when we do “think” twice about something, when we ponder our decisions we must bring in ethics in order to understand if what we’re about to do is “correct” in our terms and stands alongside with what is commonly accepted in society. We shall always ask ourselves if that what we’re about to do not only benefits us but others as well. Reasoning should be a must activity to each one of us when dealing with ethical dilemmas. There have been many “methods of ethical justifications and decision making” thought human history that have been proved worthy to some. One of this is the so called consequentalism which “concentrates on the consequences of human actions, and all actions are evaluated in terms of the extent to which they achieve desirable results”. Now that’s a big definition. Some have gone to the point of stating that as long as an action brings us pleasure then it is right. Still I question myself if that’s not a selfish way of living. Because I do believe that we can’t go through live doing that what pleases us regardless if those actions affects others. We have to balance our decisions and really think not only in us but in others we have to value happiness taking in consideration not only our present generation but generations to come. The second method is called dentology. Dentology says that there are rules and principles that guide actions. Which I believe to be true. It also states that reason, not inclination, should be the guide of of will and actions. It also says that we do things for the sake of that what is right not by the consequences. Personally I believe that, indeed, as long as we live within a group there are standards that are universally accepted and that are expected to be filled. For example, I as an ITESM student, college sets some norms on ethics, on what’s acceptable, on things that can be done and on things that can not be done, so as member of the ITESM community I shall act according to those rules and principles and have to submit my actions to the reason of that which the school sets are rules are good and have a good purpose. The third one’s called “human nature” this approach “assumes that all humans have inherent capacities that constitute the ultimate basis for all ethical claims.” It says that we act according to our nature. That’s correct, still, I believe that “human nature” is nurture by society, by those things, persons, and beliefs we were exposed to while growing. For me, personally, the way I conduct myself is a combination of the tree methods. Let me explain. I grew up and I was nurture, and influenced by principles and values my family and social background valued. As I continue to grow and as I developed myself within school, sports, Church, Club, etc. norms were stablished so I acted accordingly to those norms and always thinking on the consequences my actions will bring.