Real Talk!

I apologize if this seems to be a recurring subject in my blogging... it seems to be a recurring subject in life.

Ethics:Plural noun
1. (Used with a singular or plural verb ) a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture.
2. The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics.
3. Moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence.
4. (Usually used with a singular verb ) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.

I know that good people sometimes make inappropriate choices- especially when it comes to being accountable for bad choices. Morals define personal character- they are the standards for behaviour, while ethics are the expression of morals within the social system to which they apply- sort of like the rules that guide conduct or principle in action.

Wikipedia says:

Ethics (also known as moral philosophy) is a branch of philosophy which seeks to address questions about morality, such as what the fundamental semantic, ontological, and epistemic nature of ethics or morality is (meta-ethics), how moral values should be determined (normative ethics), how a moral outcome can be achieved in specific situations (applied ethics), how moral capacity or moral agency develops and what its nature is (moral psychology), and what moral values people actually abide by (descriptive ethics).

We all encounter ethical dilemmas in our lives.

As my regular readers will know, I steadfastly believe that virtue is its own reward and that examining a dilemma and responding with ethical behaviour is a continuous opportunity for personal growth. We learn much when we recognize that there is a big difference between what one has the right to do and what is right to do.

Ethical dilemmas often demand INSTANT clarity. Faced with such a situation, I tend to first observe my emotional reaction and acknowledge there is something needing attention… then, intuitively and unconsciously, I process the problem logically- from the BIG to the small. I do THINK before I act… and in spite of my imperfection, I am able to arrive at something I feel is a decent starting place.

My process goes something like this:

I gather all of the facts- as many as I can get… after all; it’s definitely not fair to make judgments without considering the full story. I also factor in my strong personal commitment to positive social and environmental outcomes. Am I perfect? Far from it… remember, I’m merely noting how the process works inside MY head.

I move then, on to:

1/ Are there LLLLLaws, rules, legislations or regulations that apply?
2/ Is there an OOOOOrganization that has applicable “codes” of ethics?
3/ I seek GGGGGuidance from those I trust, I get their perspective
4/ I consider all options available and how they will IIIIImpact each party involved- I look for a fair and reasonable resolution- weighing the consequences of omissions as much as actions.
5/ I CCCCCare about how this sits with me, emotionally. I have to be comfortable with the solution.

I am careful not to dismiss something purely because of its source. I keep an open mind. I know that the experiences I have today may change tomorrow- but it doesn’t change me… my authentic self.

& the consistent practice of meditation and introspection has taught me to recognize the source(s) of my personal preconceptions and also, to filter them- I have discovered this is a most important aspect of the process.

There is no truth. There is only perception. —Gustave Flaubert

I must admit, in business, there are times that I am bound by regulations that sometimes don’t sit well… they don’t fit…. those are the worst occasions. & Just recently, I have found myself feeling as though I am being extorted for and of my integrity. Taken advantage of, so to speak… and I realize that I am frequently baffled by the ethical choices of others. Actually, I feel this way, all too frequently.

The night before last, I had a break-through: I concluded that this is not just my own personal issue… I know too many other people struggling- feeling as if someone behaving unethically is violating them…

Perhaps it’s part of the current global turmoil… the ever-changing social morality is going through an adjustment.

& I have to face it, there are and will always be opportunistic vultures ready to justify poor ethics on the basis of “that is how we’ve always done it”… or “I have rights”… even though it may be anything but right.

Yup… my beef is with the people who draw a line in the sand, unbendingly… the ones who are totally convinced that their interpretation of the situation is the absolute reality and are willing to defend it blindly- coincidentally, without any personal accountability. In other words, “the selfish”. Or is it “the greedy”?

Eric Hoffer wrote, "The uncompromising attitude is more indicative of an inner uncertainty than a deep conviction. The implacable stand is directed more against the doubt within than the assailant without."

Okay, maybe it’s “the weak”?

All too often, when you question someone on an ethical issue, they look to pin the responsibility, or blame, onto another person- finding a “patsy” to take the fall… or worse… they have set someone up to be the patsy… like that oft employed political “false flag” operation in which forces of one power disguise themselves as enemy forces so that they can justify retaliation.

“Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." -Eric Hoffer

Ya, it’s weak.

Former United States President Harry S. Truman made famous the line, “The buck stops here.”
I have tried to live my life that way, too. I’ve made no bones about my choices and I’m always happy to explain myself- but I’m also willing to adjust my stance, when new information comes to light.

My father used to tell me, “Jody, people don’t want to know the truth.”

I can understand that the truth might hurt, or be a disappointment….

But I don’t like being lied to… and I won’t lie. And I also believe that omission is a form of lying. I live my truth and speak my truth and I am ready and willing to be questioned, to answer truthfully and listen and be open to the stance of others. I really do live by the golden rule, too… “Do unto others…”

And I live my truth out loud- not unsolicited, you must understand… I have learned, when someone steps on my toe, to say ouch. I have learned, when I am part of a group decision, to voice my concerns. I have learned, as a parent, to be truthful.

I have, also, learned to acknowledge the positive behaviours of others and I have learned to acknowledge my mistakes… and sometimes that hurts… and sometimes I am disappointed… and then,

I make a fresh start of it.

Okay, so Flaubert said "there is no truth"... I think the only real truth is that we really don’t know much at all…

the one thing I do know is that I would never knowingly hurt anyone and I strive to make good and honourable choices. I'm SINCERE.

Look that one up in your Funk and Wagnalls.