What does “right” really mean
- What does “right” really mean? How do you know when something is truly right or wrong? Explain and document your reasoning using scholarly and peer reviewed journal articles and/or texts
Replyto the following students
A person’s view on what is right, does not make it so, however it does affect the actions of the individual. The view of right and wrong largely is created by upbringing and through experiences during their life. The upbringing ingrains the definition of right and wrong, either implicitly or explicitly, through the words and actions of those around the person. Experience itself does not teach a person about right and wrong, rather how the person perceives the events is what will either solidify or alter they preconceived views on right and wrong.
Understanding the differing views of the unemployed sawmill worker and the young lawyer requires a deeper look into the situation. “Moral decisions and judgements not only express opinions about values and attitudes, but also prioritize some social values over others” (Ammann, 2018, p. 110). The sawmill worker likely has a more complex set of factors for his view on harvesting the old growth trees than the young lawyer. The sawmill worker is unemployed, therefore finances will likely play a role in the construction of his perspective, as will the fact that the harvesting of these trees is required for the creation of lumber to benefit multitudes of people. This closely resembles the utilitarian perspective. “Utilitarians believe they should make decisions that result in the greatest total utility, or the greatest benefit for all those affected by a decision” (Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell, 2017, sec. 6-2b). The young lawyer does not have the same experience in these matters, but rather sees the beauty of the forest. Often people see the majestic nature of the untouched-forest and view it as a painting that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This would follow more of an enlightened egoism perspective. “Enlightened egoists take a long-range perspective and allow for the well-being of others although their own self-interest remains paramount” (Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell, 2017, sec. 6-2b). “An appreciation of moral dimensions, perhaps in combination with a desire to improve relations, might promote mutual understanding and foster calm and rational discussion, even in areas where agreement is unlikely” (Krull, 2016, p. 50). Neither of these individuals are necessarily right or wrong in the example, they simply have different perspectives on the matter.
References:
Ammann, K. (2018). right and wrong from the perspective of 8- and 12-year-old children: An exploratory analysis. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 9(2), 109. doi:10.18357/ijcyfs92201818215
Ferrell, O., Fraedrich, J. and Ferrell, L. (2017). Business ethics: Ethical decision making and cases. 11th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Krull, D. S. (2016). Religiosity and moral foundations: Differing views about the basis of right and wrong. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 35(1), 41-51. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.
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