Selflessness = Ethical behaviour?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between selflessness and ethical behavior, exploring various philosophical perspectives on ethics, self-identity, and the implications of actions taken by individuals. Participants engage in conceptual clarifications, debates on ethical frameworks, and the nature of self in relation to others.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that selflessness leads to the destruction of the self, questioning how it can contribute to the greater good, and suggests that acts of bravery are motivated by self-gratification.
  • Another participant posits that ethical actions are subjective, depending on the perspective of the individual, and that distinctions between "you" and "me" complicate ethical judgments.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the duality of self, suggesting that ethical behavior requires the development of a "whole self" rather than just a "particular self," and that intent plays a crucial role in ethical actions.
  • One participant proposes that every action can be seen as both ethical and unethical, using historical figures like Hitler as examples of complex ethical considerations.
  • Another contribution suggests that true ethical action may not stem from individual desire, but rather from a state of emptiness or non-action, aligning with universal harmony.
  • One participant discusses ethics as a means to harmonize individuals and emphasizes the importance of laws that reflect natural mechanisms for cooperation and balance in society.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of competing views on the nature of ethics and selflessness, with no consensus reached on whether selflessness equates to ethical behavior or how ethical actions should be defined.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments rely on specific philosophical interpretations of self and ethics, and there are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of ethical behavior and the implications of selflessness.

  • #31
The virtue of selfishness is pretty obvious in the practise of ethics that's why I've focused on ethics and selflessness.

One virtue of ethics is that it is a way of avoiding uncomfortable, unbalanced and even destructive consequences. This is often considered a selfish motivation. Furthermore, the pleasure derived from the enjoyment of peace and safety in a community that is a result of the practise of ethical behaviour can also be classified as a selfish aim and motivation.

I would disagree with the idea that selfishness is defined by complete disregard for the welfare of the environment and for other people. That is a better definition for unethical behaviour than it is for selfish behaviour.

Thanks for reminding me I posted this thread:wink::rolleyes: .
 
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