Wk 8: Ethics

Ethics is complicated. This is because every person has a different set of personal beliefs, experiences and values, which change the way they react to the world, clearly displayed in this week’s lecture about ethics. I learnt that across the country, and indeed the world, ethical codes change drastically depending on the values of different groups.

The first section on advertising was an eye opener. It's unbelievable what is allowed to be publicly displayed. The lecture reminded me of a German advertisement I saw once. It was eventually banned, but I thought it was hilarious... and effective!

In a world of over seven billion people, it is impossible to construct one set of rules for all types of people, and the rules (or laws) that are made are rarely definite. One example the lecturer gave was the law ‘you shall not kill’.

Young Japanese soldiers

This concept has always intrigued and angered me. In Australia, it is illegal to take the life on another person. If you willfully kill somebody, it means at least 25 years imprisonment. In other countries such as America, it can mean death. The penalties for homicide vary across the globe, though all agree that to kill another person is intolerable.

These same countries however, attach heroism to their countrymen if they kill others in war. Suddenly the deed is honorable, a service to their country, rather than a disgrace. 

Young Australian soldiers

I think the positivity associated with killing for your country is disgusting. 

This example made me see the relevance in the idea that ethical choices are often a 'lesser of two evils'. Although I do think there is something very consequentialist about war, in that the means are thought to justify the end. 

I enjoyed this week's lecture. It made me think about what parts of our society are the most important. Globally, I don't think we will ever agree on one ethical code. There are just too many people in this world to settle for one set of

rules.