Ethics in Society

Ethics in Society

Life is a complicated journey. It is a mosaic of our experiences and adventures, coupled with information we've acquired through friends, family, books and teachers. As we mature, we begin to develop a distinct view of the world around us, as well as where we belong within that world. Our decisions start to follow the path laid out by the philosophy formed from this conglomeration o knowledge. These actions and beliefs, together with our genetic predispositions, help define who we are and what we want from our lives.

The philosophical impact of classroom discussions on ethics is an excellent way to shape and encourage an ideal and unregretable life. The roll of a structured analysis of morality, one that is unlikely to be undertaken otherwise, should greatly influence future decisions of ethical bearing. They, however, are not the primary motivational forces in life, and while they are valuable resource, they are overshadowed by other influences and desires.

Aristotle once said "Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements, but in virtuous activities." For me, life's circumstances have given me a strong desire to fulfill my potential and to affect society in a positive manner. This, desire, however, sometimes runs contrary to a need for happiness and enjoyment of every day life. To excel is one thing, but over-ambition is a vice. It is important, to me to be well rounded and without too many regrets. This balance, for me, is the basis of good and happy living.

My personal ideas and values have been shaped and changed quite often in my life, but there foundation has always been set in my close bonds to my friends and family. These bonds are the basis for the majority of my decision...

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...moral decisions. This, I feel, gives me the greatest chance of discerning the right from the wrong.

The divergent opinions of many of my classmates have led me to believe that the greatest affront to making a morally sound decision depends upon the enormity of the choice. The greater immoral transgressions seem to be committed out of ignorance for what is right or wrong. The lesser, more usual immoralities, such as apathy and gluttony are, pardon the pun, easier to stomach. They are much more likely to be perpetrated without excuse.

One of the greatest benefits of disagreement is self-examination. The conclusions that I have formed from ethical reviews shall reverberate in my future behavior and disposition. I will be sure to make more contemplative decisions on larger ethical issues, and try to be more stern and willful in my avoidance of smaller lapses.