My ethical code requests that all life be treated without violence

Consider a typical day in your current life. List at least a dozen of your basic activities and state the ethical choices underlying those activities. Examples of activities include brushing your teeth, procrastinating an onerous chore, cleaning your space, taking your dog for a walk, studying, going to work, doing something for a friend, preparing a meal, arguing with your girlfriend or mom, playing music, etc. Think about what ethical theory or theories you may be using to make that choice. Note what theory or concept you may be utilizing and explain why. Use the theories in the text as well as ethical concepts you may be more familiar with already. Also think about if you are following your own ethical code or acting against it. Usually, we humans engage in a bit of both. Consider the reasons for why you are making the choices you are making. Any changes needed?

For instance, my ethical code requests that all life be treated without violence. In the realm of food, to be in alignment with my ethics, I would choose to eat only foods that “are given” to me, as opposed to being killed in order to be eaten. Yes, this is possible. Think about the many plants that shed their fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. So, I would be eating non-violently, which is a step beyond even veganism. Do I eat this way? No. Why not? What other ethical considerations may be coming into play that override that? Am I giving into laziness, appetite, etc? Is that ok with me? Should I reconsider my original ethical stance regarding food? I could delve into this topic for myself from a myriad of angles.

Do you see how complicated this can get? This is a good thing! We are gloriously free beings that have an astounding array of choice at our disposal in every moment! It is my opinion that we have a sacred responsibility to choose with awareness, authenticity, clarity, and ethics in order to be decent world citizens and masters of our own lives.

Please read the book chapters 7