The Ring Of Gyges: Case Study
When I was in my late 20’s, Life was difficult. My husband was out the picture, and I was trying to raise my two small children while working a full time job and a part time trying to make ends meet. There was no one helping me. My parents taught me stealing was wrong, and it was against our family’s good morals. Still, if I had received the opportunity to own the ring of Gyges back then, along with every chance to keep my traits virtuous because there was no chance of repercussion or anyone knowing my activities, I would have stolen money in a heartbeat. In fact, I would not have thought twice. For that reason, I would have become a phantom thief in order for my children and myself to live an easier life. In addition, having unlimited money, I
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could have been more active in my kid’s life by not having to work two jobs that made me so tired. Miserably, when I did see them I still was barely there, and we were still broke. As a result, I sometimes did not even get to put my kids to bed, or wake them up in the morning, as I was either already gone to work or not home yet. Nevertheless, with the super power of the ring, I could have given them everything they needed or wanted (within reason). For instance, I could have afforded to buy all my children’s school pictures, along with, not having to say no to things such as, field trips, birthday parties, or even new shoes. This analogy is an example of psychological egoism because of my inspiration of self-regard (MacKinnon, 2012). What I mean is our life was hard but we would have made it without the ring, but my maternal thinking would have wanted a better life for my kids and myself. I consider that the normative theory, ethics of care, comes into play in this situation because it was my duty to provide us with a better life.
However, if I had the same opportunity today, I would not take the ring. I now know it is against my personal ethics of what is right and what is wrong due to my firm beliefs of my religion.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1Corinthians 6:9-11, n.d.)
The word of God is the theory I live by, and it makes me happy to know my moral reasoning will result in eternal peace. As Kant believes, a key point is the expansion of positive predispositions to act in a particular manner will empower us to ensure a virtue without difficulty (MacKinnon, 2012). In this way, the rules commanded to us in the Bible are the laws I ought to govern my life by because they are good. Plain and simple. For this reason, there is no chance that I would take the ring, as I would be in fear of it leading me to do things I normally would not do. Moreover, I do not want to feel the shame associated with, not being just.
As a final point, in the video, Ethics III #3 Ring of Gyges, it is said that Glaucon claims that no one is just willingly. He also believes doing wrong is naturally good and will ultimately make you happy. Accordingly, he also accepts as truth that a person is also doing their self an injustice if they are against doing wrong because nothing good will come of being fair. As well as for Socrates, I disagree with Glaucon, and do trust that acting just is good.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11. (n.d.). "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall… Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/1-corinthians/passage.aspx?q=1-corinthians+6:9-10
Ethics III #3 Ring of Gyges. [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wdQyIjmWcg
MacKinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (concise 2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
Melodee Pasqualini Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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Week 2 Discussion
The Ring of Gyges
Walden University
Melodee Pasqualini
I would like to think that I as a person who helps people that I would be an Ethical egoism, “What we ought to do, how we ought to act”(Mackinnon 2012).
Not an Individual ethical egoism in this version “I ought to look out for only myself”(Mackonnon 2012). I would also like to think that morally I would do the right thing if I had all that power, that my moral virtues (depose us to act well) are in tact that temptation would not take over and I become unjust.
We all would like to think that we would do the right thing help the needy, homless and the people less fortunate than ourselves. I know thats what I would love to do. But self interest may or could get in the way of that. Then there is also greed, the more you get the more you want and hell ya I would love it if I never had to work again. But morally I would never hurt someone to get there. In reading The Ring of Gyges by Plato, Gyges was a very unjust person and I hope that by me being a just person that all that power would not turn me unjust and throw all my morals and virtues out the window.
Christopher French Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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I think most people would honestly say that they would be compelled to use the ring. From a feminist care ethic perspective (Mackinnon, 2012), I would attempt to use the ring for good. I would want to use it to protect the innocent and those who cannot protect themselves. I would feel I had a responsibility to protect society from evil. I would also carry the responsibility of ensuring the ring does not fall into the wrong hands. I would like to say that I would be prudent to resist the temptation to use the ring for the wrong reasons. It is human nature for us to be tempted and to make the wrong choices. I could have good intentions, yet make all the wrong decisions.
When we stop and think about from a legalistic point of view, even Robin Hood, who stole from the rich to give to the poor, had a moral dilemma. Even though Robin Hood had good intentions and gave the money he stole to the poor, he was still stealing and that is morally wrong (Mackinnon, 2012).
I would like to think I am a virtuous person, but I am only human and human are not without sin. We can relate the power and temptation of the ring to Adam and Eve and their fall into sin. Adam and Eve were virtuous and without sin. Then they were tempted by the knowledge of good and evil. They knew that the knowledge was forbidden, yet they fell into temptation anyways. I am sure they had good intentions, but with that knowledge and power comes responsibility and consequences (Mackinnon, 2012; Genesis 3:1-8:14 (King James Version)).
References
Mackinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (Concise 2nd ed. ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Hi Christopher.
Nice Post. I certainly appreciated your correlation of the ring in the last paragraph. It is a pity that the devil tempted Adam and Eve. If they had not, we could have been forever free of sin and always joyful. Indeed, the world is paying for their consequences. However, we know the blood of Jesus Christ is a filter that can enable us to live someday in the presence of our Almighty Lord, along with only peace, love and happiness.
In your first paragraph, you compare your morality to that of feminine care ethics. I too feel that it is important and my duty, to defend the innocent and feeble. I think it is admirable that you wrote from this viewpoint. As we read in our book, the psychologist Carol Gilligan led discussions that showed that both men and women depict their ethical views differently. It also defined that no man in the study focused on the dilemma of caring. This caring philosophy considers the virtues of compassion and kindness in the context of personal relatedness and how their affiliation will be inclined to a particular action. (Mackinnon, 2012).
On the other hand, this survey also showed not all women followed this morality. In this interview, I think if I participated I would have been one of these women. Although I agree with these some of these caring principles, I tend to think more in terms of universal ethics, as do men. In this way, “men are more inclined to talk in terms of fairness and justice and rights.”(p 68) Also, I sense that if all nations were charted by unbiased laws that put all people on equal grounds, we could live in a more productive and serene society. (Mackinnon, 2012). My question to you is, do you primarily associate yourself with the understandings of caring ethics or do you also relate to other principles like me?
Mackinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (Concise 2nd ed. ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
I would have to say that I primarily associate myself with the caring ethic. Since childhood, I have always care about and for others. During high school, I was involved in several social justice projects. I also spent several hours a week babysitting, which is not that common for males to do. After high school, I decided I enjoyed working with children. I began studying early childhood education. I also took additional course work in human development. I am currently a child development major here at Walden University with a concentration in psychology. I plan on doing graduate work in either school psychology or school counseling and eventually work with elementary and middle school children.
I am currently training to be a first responder (Emergency Medical Responder) and am also planning on getting C.E.R.T. certified as well (Citizen Emergency Response Team). Even though I am currently not a teacher in a public school system, I love working with children and teaching them. Yesterday, I drove about 30 miles to a friend 's house to spend the afternoon and evening with thier children teaching them science. I have also worked with a few home school families teaching various subjects to children grades K-8.
I worked in a child care center caring for children from infancy through school age. Unfortunately, I found it to be a very hostile environment to work in. I was the only male teacher amongst about 50 women.The executive director did not think men had any business working with children. From the first day I worked in that center the executive director did everything in her power to get rid of me. Finally about two years later, the board members of the center voted to fire me simply becuase they got tired of listening to the executive director complain about me.
Christopher, you write very well!
My mother was an EMT in the early 70’s.In fact, she became the first paid women paramedic in Prince William County Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. Then she worked as a paid paramedic in the District of Columbia, where she was retired because she broke her back on the job. I remember how much she loved her job, helping people, it hurt her to have to stop working. Good luck with your training!
Also, I commend your love of children, too bad there are not more people like you having so much interest in wanting to nurture our children. What an encouragement you are.It sounds like those people who brought you done, lost a good thing!
Janna Wilkins Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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I grew up taught to be respectful, not to lie, or steal. Like many of you this is how we were taught by our parents or by the person(s) who was in our lives as we grew up. This is our ethical egoism, what we ought to do, how we ought to act (Mackinnon, 2013, p. 25). I grew up also looking up to my Mom. She went back to school as an adult with kids. She became a nurse, someone who helps another person during an illness/sickness. She always put others a head of her. I admired this and want to be this. As a nurse I do put others in front of me. I love to help and heal others. I work in emergency medicine for this reason. The front line of the hospital. I love to get the sickest people in and to be able to stabilize them and get them to the floor feeling better and on the right road to healing.
As a Catholic, I do believe in Karma. What goes around, comes around. So with that being said, I would not use the ring. I don 't think I could knowing this. I would love to be able to be debt free, know what others know, but what is all that worth? Is it worth having the knowledge you did wrong? You may think it is ok because you can get away with it, but it is not. To steal, lie to get what you want is never ok. I know there are people out there that do this but do they have the respect they deserve? I don 't think so. The question regarding can you use the ring for good? I don 't think that you can use it as a "Robin Hood" type story. You are still stealing and possibly lying to get things for others. "If you could imagine any one obtaining this power of becoming invisible, and never doing any wrong or touching what was another 's, he would be thought by the lookers-on to be a most wretched idiot, although they would praise him to one another 's faces, and keep up appearances with one another from a fear that they too might suffer injustice" (Plato, n.d).
Reference
MacKinnon, B. (2013). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Plato. (n.d.). The republic. Retrieved January 20, 2015 from: https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201530_05/BS_GNED/PHIL_2001C/artifacts/USW1_PHIL_2001C_Week02_ringGyges.pdf
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Glemon EnglishIV Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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Parent Post In the article, “The Ring of Gyges” (Plato. The republic, 2012), it presented the idea of using a magical ring to become invisible. If I were given something like this to do something without being caught I would honestly say I would not steal or do anything mean or crazy. In fact I probably would be that person to do nice things without anyone knowing. I am no one who likes to be in the spot light and like people to know what I have I done. I believe my rewards come from someone much higher and that 's the reward I want not someone knowing that something was done for them so they can keep talking about it. There are many times in life where I may have had a situation to do something bad or not get caught doing it but I didn 't choose those paths, they would lead to nothing but darkness.
There are many celebrities who have done crazy things and must have thought they would get away with it or even get wrote off just because they were a celebrity but they were caught and brought to justice like anyone else.
Dear Kimberly and ALL: Care Ethics and gender differences in ethical perspectives
Kimberly:
This is a powerful personal testimony of spiritual growth. It reminded me of an enthralling book by V. Hogo, Les Miserables. Perhaps you read it or watched the Hollywood musical with the same title. It was released in 2012. Its heroic and noble protagonist, Jean Valjean, became a prisoner after stealing a loaf of bread to help his family. This act cost him not only the loss of reputation, but also moral and physical sufferings. On one occasion, he stole again from a priest who gave him shelter. The priest, knowing the real cause of his crime, testified on Jean Valjean 's behalf. This act of kindness became a turning point in Jean Valjean 's story, leading him on the path of a noble life.
Do you think that the female and male ethical perspectives on “The Ring of Gyges” will be similar? Would Care Ethics, on the contrary, advocate their significant differences?
Hi Dr. Workman, Funny you asked this question. I did a little survey on Tuesday of men and women, from church and my neighbors. I told them of the story of The Ring of Gyges then I asked if they possessed the ring would they steal money, and if they did, what would they do with it.
There was a total of ten people, six women and four men. Firstly, three of the six women agreed that they would not take the ring to steal, but would take it and do good deeds similar to helping others in need, without anyone knowing. Suitably, these women showed characteristics of care. Similarly, one woman said she would have no problem stealing because no one would know, and her family could use the money. Aptly, this dilemma shows her caring morals. Also, two of the women whom I talked to at Church said if they acquired the ring, they would destroy it because they ought to not let the ring tempt them to steal because it is wrong. Showing, they had deontological morals as the Bible tells them stealing is bad.
Now for the men. One out of the four men said they would not do it for the same reason as the three women. Then, two said they would take the ring and steal as much as they could for themselves, and use it live it up with their friends. They pretty much said to hell with everyone else, as they would not know, selfishly showing signs of self-egoism. Next, One man said he would use the money to take care of his ailing mother, and then take care of others, such as the Church and other family members. This premise shows his caring morals. So to answer your first question, I am predicting yes they could have comparable perceptions, depending on that person’s particular reasoning or aspects of human character, rather than assumed male or female qualities. (Mackinnon, 2012).
To answer your second question, if the norms were the same as say 50 years or more ago I would say that yes Care Ethics would show significant differences between male and female. Appropriately, it is said that relatedness is the framework that forms female decisions. Mainly due to the fact they were nurtured and sheltered closely by their mother. Thus, women are likely to think of their personal relations with particular individuals and how they will be affected by an outcome. Furthermore, they are subjective to their family and friends as they feel accountable for them. These accounts are traits of care moral values. On the other hand, men were raised with a sense of independence and tend to gravitate away from their mother, learning by way of how their father lives and the public. For this reason, they tend to have a utilitarian view of life. (Mackinnon, 2012)
Nevertheless, in this day and age, some men are raised without a male figure in their life, and it is possible they may acquire the same feminine traits, as with Care Ethics. Likewise, some men nowadays raise families without a female in the household and learn feminine traits by way of requirement to rear their children. Thus more importantly, researchers currently have found that either males or females can hold the mannerisms relevant to Care Ethics. So in the case of the ring it is sure that care ethics can be the principle of both men and woman, depending on their scruples. (Mackinnon, 2012)
MacKinnon, B. (2013). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Karen Boyd
In the reading, The Republic, Gyges used the ring as a way to gain the kingdom. He used those around him to get what he wanted (Plato, 1901). For most, the chance to have whatever their heart desires is the dream of a lifetime. But to be a person with morals and values and fear of God, I don’t believe I would steal anything, for fear I would not only suffer the earthly consequences, but lose my right to the tree of life which is eternity in heaven. Although we know God is forgiving; knowingly committing a crime which is punishable by law on earth, would not be pleasing to God. The thought of being able to engage in activity of the unjust may seem inviting to some, but to implicate myself in moral behavior punishable by law would cause conflict with my conscious. In the reading, the author states, and I quote. “No man would keep his hands off what was not his own when he could safely take what he liked out of the market, or go into houses and lie with any one at his pleasure, or kill or release from prison whom he would, and in all respects be like a God among men (Plato, 1901).” However true this may be if this was allowed, I still feel compelled to honor my beliefs. If we were given the opportunity to have free will without punishment the world would be in utter chaos. My character will not allow me embody ideas that are less than moral.
Alternative moral theories to consequentialism are: deontology, which proposes that ethical decisions should be made by following rules or fulfilling duties; and virtue ethics, which proposes that the ethical action to be taken is the one that would be taken by a virtuous person.
could have been more active in my kid’s life by not having to work two jobs that made me so tired. Miserably, when I did see them I still was barely there, and we were still broke. As a result, I sometimes did not even get to put my kids to bed, or wake them up in the morning, as I was either already gone to work or not home yet. Nevertheless, with the super power of the ring, I could have given them everything they needed or wanted (within reason). For instance, I could have afforded to buy all my children’s school pictures, along with, not having to say no to things such as, field trips, birthday parties, or even new shoes. This analogy is an example of psychological egoism because of my inspiration of self-regard (MacKinnon, 2012). What I mean is our life was hard but we would have made it without the ring, but my maternal thinking would have wanted a better life for my kids and myself. I consider that the normative theory, ethics of care, comes into play in this situation because it was my duty to provide us with a better life.
However, if I had the same opportunity today, I would not take the ring. I now know it is against my personal ethics of what is right and what is wrong due to my firm beliefs of my religion.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1Corinthians 6:9-11, n.d.)
The word of God is the theory I live by, and it makes me happy to know my moral reasoning will result in eternal peace. As Kant believes, a key point is the expansion of positive predispositions to act in a particular manner will empower us to ensure a virtue without difficulty (MacKinnon, 2012). In this way, the rules commanded to us in the Bible are the laws I ought to govern my life by because they are good. Plain and simple. For this reason, there is no chance that I would take the ring, as I would be in fear of it leading me to do things I normally would not do. Moreover, I do not want to feel the shame associated with, not being just.
As a final point, in the video, Ethics III #3 Ring of Gyges, it is said that Glaucon claims that no one is just willingly. He also believes doing wrong is naturally good and will ultimately make you happy. Accordingly, he also accepts as truth that a person is also doing their self an injustice if they are against doing wrong because nothing good will come of being fair. As well as for Socrates, I disagree with Glaucon, and do trust that acting just is good.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11. (n.d.). "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall… Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/1-corinthians/passage.aspx?q=1-corinthians+6:9-10
Ethics III #3 Ring of Gyges. [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wdQyIjmWcg
MacKinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (concise 2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
Melodee Pasqualini Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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Week 2 Discussion
The Ring of Gyges
Walden University
Melodee Pasqualini
I would like to think that I as a person who helps people that I would be an Ethical egoism, “What we ought to do, how we ought to act”(Mackinnon 2012).
Not an Individual ethical egoism in this version “I ought to look out for only myself”(Mackonnon 2012). I would also like to think that morally I would do the right thing if I had all that power, that my moral virtues (depose us to act well) are in tact that temptation would not take over and I become unjust.
We all would like to think that we would do the right thing help the needy, homless and the people less fortunate than ourselves. I know thats what I would love to do. But self interest may or could get in the way of that. Then there is also greed, the more you get the more you want and hell ya I would love it if I never had to work again. But morally I would never hurt someone to get there. In reading The Ring of Gyges by Plato, Gyges was a very unjust person and I hope that by me being a just person that all that power would not turn me unjust and throw all my morals and virtues out the window.
Christopher French Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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I think most people would honestly say that they would be compelled to use the ring. From a feminist care ethic perspective (Mackinnon, 2012), I would attempt to use the ring for good. I would want to use it to protect the innocent and those who cannot protect themselves. I would feel I had a responsibility to protect society from evil. I would also carry the responsibility of ensuring the ring does not fall into the wrong hands. I would like to say that I would be prudent to resist the temptation to use the ring for the wrong reasons. It is human nature for us to be tempted and to make the wrong choices. I could have good intentions, yet make all the wrong decisions.
When we stop and think about from a legalistic point of view, even Robin Hood, who stole from the rich to give to the poor, had a moral dilemma. Even though Robin Hood had good intentions and gave the money he stole to the poor, he was still stealing and that is morally wrong (Mackinnon, 2012).
I would like to think I am a virtuous person, but I am only human and human are not without sin. We can relate the power and temptation of the ring to Adam and Eve and their fall into sin. Adam and Eve were virtuous and without sin. Then they were tempted by the knowledge of good and evil. They knew that the knowledge was forbidden, yet they fell into temptation anyways. I am sure they had good intentions, but with that knowledge and power comes responsibility and consequences (Mackinnon, 2012; Genesis 3:1-8:14 (King James Version)).
References
Mackinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (Concise 2nd ed. ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Hi Christopher.
Nice Post. I certainly appreciated your correlation of the ring in the last paragraph. It is a pity that the devil tempted Adam and Eve. If they had not, we could have been forever free of sin and always joyful. Indeed, the world is paying for their consequences. However, we know the blood of Jesus Christ is a filter that can enable us to live someday in the presence of our Almighty Lord, along with only peace, love and happiness.
In your first paragraph, you compare your morality to that of feminine care ethics. I too feel that it is important and my duty, to defend the innocent and feeble. I think it is admirable that you wrote from this viewpoint. As we read in our book, the psychologist Carol Gilligan led discussions that showed that both men and women depict their ethical views differently. It also defined that no man in the study focused on the dilemma of caring. This caring philosophy considers the virtues of compassion and kindness in the context of personal relatedness and how their affiliation will be inclined to a particular action. (Mackinnon, 2012).
On the other hand, this survey also showed not all women followed this morality. In this interview, I think if I participated I would have been one of these women. Although I agree with these some of these caring principles, I tend to think more in terms of universal ethics, as do men. In this way, “men are more inclined to talk in terms of fairness and justice and rights.”(p 68) Also, I sense that if all nations were charted by unbiased laws that put all people on equal grounds, we could live in a more productive and serene society. (Mackinnon, 2012). My question to you is, do you primarily associate yourself with the understandings of caring ethics or do you also relate to other principles like me?
Mackinnon, B. (2012). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (Concise 2nd ed. ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
I would have to say that I primarily associate myself with the caring ethic. Since childhood, I have always care about and for others. During high school, I was involved in several social justice projects. I also spent several hours a week babysitting, which is not that common for males to do. After high school, I decided I enjoyed working with children. I began studying early childhood education. I also took additional course work in human development. I am currently a child development major here at Walden University with a concentration in psychology. I plan on doing graduate work in either school psychology or school counseling and eventually work with elementary and middle school children.
I am currently training to be a first responder (Emergency Medical Responder) and am also planning on getting C.E.R.T. certified as well (Citizen Emergency Response Team). Even though I am currently not a teacher in a public school system, I love working with children and teaching them. Yesterday, I drove about 30 miles to a friend 's house to spend the afternoon and evening with thier children teaching them science. I have also worked with a few home school families teaching various subjects to children grades K-8.
I worked in a child care center caring for children from infancy through school age. Unfortunately, I found it to be a very hostile environment to work in. I was the only male teacher amongst about 50 women.The executive director did not think men had any business working with children. From the first day I worked in that center the executive director did everything in her power to get rid of me. Finally about two years later, the board members of the center voted to fire me simply becuase they got tired of listening to the executive director complain about me.
Christopher, you write very well!
My mother was an EMT in the early 70’s.In fact, she became the first paid women paramedic in Prince William County Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. Then she worked as a paid paramedic in the District of Columbia, where she was retired because she broke her back on the job. I remember how much she loved her job, helping people, it hurt her to have to stop working. Good luck with your training!
Also, I commend your love of children, too bad there are not more people like you having so much interest in wanting to nurture our children. What an encouragement you are.It sounds like those people who brought you done, lost a good thing!
Janna Wilkins Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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I grew up taught to be respectful, not to lie, or steal. Like many of you this is how we were taught by our parents or by the person(s) who was in our lives as we grew up. This is our ethical egoism, what we ought to do, how we ought to act (Mackinnon, 2013, p. 25). I grew up also looking up to my Mom. She went back to school as an adult with kids. She became a nurse, someone who helps another person during an illness/sickness. She always put others a head of her. I admired this and want to be this. As a nurse I do put others in front of me. I love to help and heal others. I work in emergency medicine for this reason. The front line of the hospital. I love to get the sickest people in and to be able to stabilize them and get them to the floor feeling better and on the right road to healing.
As a Catholic, I do believe in Karma. What goes around, comes around. So with that being said, I would not use the ring. I don 't think I could knowing this. I would love to be able to be debt free, know what others know, but what is all that worth? Is it worth having the knowledge you did wrong? You may think it is ok because you can get away with it, but it is not. To steal, lie to get what you want is never ok. I know there are people out there that do this but do they have the respect they deserve? I don 't think so. The question regarding can you use the ring for good? I don 't think that you can use it as a "Robin Hood" type story. You are still stealing and possibly lying to get things for others. "If you could imagine any one obtaining this power of becoming invisible, and never doing any wrong or touching what was another 's, he would be thought by the lookers-on to be a most wretched idiot, although they would praise him to one another 's faces, and keep up appearances with one another from a fear that they too might suffer injustice" (Plato, n.d).
Reference
MacKinnon, B. (2013). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Plato. (n.d.). The republic. Retrieved January 20, 2015 from: https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201530_05/BS_GNED/PHIL_2001C/artifacts/USW1_PHIL_2001C_Week02_ringGyges.pdf
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Glemon EnglishIV Email Author
RE: Discussion - Week 2 - Thread 1
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Parent Post In the article, “The Ring of Gyges” (Plato. The republic, 2012), it presented the idea of using a magical ring to become invisible. If I were given something like this to do something without being caught I would honestly say I would not steal or do anything mean or crazy. In fact I probably would be that person to do nice things without anyone knowing. I am no one who likes to be in the spot light and like people to know what I have I done. I believe my rewards come from someone much higher and that 's the reward I want not someone knowing that something was done for them so they can keep talking about it. There are many times in life where I may have had a situation to do something bad or not get caught doing it but I didn 't choose those paths, they would lead to nothing but darkness.
There are many celebrities who have done crazy things and must have thought they would get away with it or even get wrote off just because they were a celebrity but they were caught and brought to justice like anyone else.
Dear Kimberly and ALL: Care Ethics and gender differences in ethical perspectives
Kimberly:
This is a powerful personal testimony of spiritual growth. It reminded me of an enthralling book by V. Hogo, Les Miserables. Perhaps you read it or watched the Hollywood musical with the same title. It was released in 2012. Its heroic and noble protagonist, Jean Valjean, became a prisoner after stealing a loaf of bread to help his family. This act cost him not only the loss of reputation, but also moral and physical sufferings. On one occasion, he stole again from a priest who gave him shelter. The priest, knowing the real cause of his crime, testified on Jean Valjean 's behalf. This act of kindness became a turning point in Jean Valjean 's story, leading him on the path of a noble life.
Do you think that the female and male ethical perspectives on “The Ring of Gyges” will be similar? Would Care Ethics, on the contrary, advocate their significant differences?
Hi Dr. Workman, Funny you asked this question. I did a little survey on Tuesday of men and women, from church and my neighbors. I told them of the story of The Ring of Gyges then I asked if they possessed the ring would they steal money, and if they did, what would they do with it.
There was a total of ten people, six women and four men. Firstly, three of the six women agreed that they would not take the ring to steal, but would take it and do good deeds similar to helping others in need, without anyone knowing. Suitably, these women showed characteristics of care. Similarly, one woman said she would have no problem stealing because no one would know, and her family could use the money. Aptly, this dilemma shows her caring morals. Also, two of the women whom I talked to at Church said if they acquired the ring, they would destroy it because they ought to not let the ring tempt them to steal because it is wrong. Showing, they had deontological morals as the Bible tells them stealing is bad.
Now for the men. One out of the four men said they would not do it for the same reason as the three women. Then, two said they would take the ring and steal as much as they could for themselves, and use it live it up with their friends. They pretty much said to hell with everyone else, as they would not know, selfishly showing signs of self-egoism. Next, One man said he would use the money to take care of his ailing mother, and then take care of others, such as the Church and other family members. This premise shows his caring morals. So to answer your first question, I am predicting yes they could have comparable perceptions, depending on that person’s particular reasoning or aspects of human character, rather than assumed male or female qualities. (Mackinnon, 2012).
To answer your second question, if the norms were the same as say 50 years or more ago I would say that yes Care Ethics would show significant differences between male and female. Appropriately, it is said that relatedness is the framework that forms female decisions. Mainly due to the fact they were nurtured and sheltered closely by their mother. Thus, women are likely to think of their personal relations with particular individuals and how they will be affected by an outcome. Furthermore, they are subjective to their family and friends as they feel accountable for them. These accounts are traits of care moral values. On the other hand, men were raised with a sense of independence and tend to gravitate away from their mother, learning by way of how their father lives and the public. For this reason, they tend to have a utilitarian view of life. (Mackinnon, 2012)
Nevertheless, in this day and age, some men are raised without a male figure in their life, and it is possible they may acquire the same feminine traits, as with Care Ethics. Likewise, some men nowadays raise families without a female in the household and learn feminine traits by way of requirement to rear their children. Thus more importantly, researchers currently have found that either males or females can hold the mannerisms relevant to Care Ethics. So in the case of the ring it is sure that care ethics can be the principle of both men and woman, depending on their scruples. (Mackinnon, 2012)
MacKinnon, B. (2013). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Karen Boyd
In the reading, The Republic, Gyges used the ring as a way to gain the kingdom. He used those around him to get what he wanted (Plato, 1901). For most, the chance to have whatever their heart desires is the dream of a lifetime. But to be a person with morals and values and fear of God, I don’t believe I would steal anything, for fear I would not only suffer the earthly consequences, but lose my right to the tree of life which is eternity in heaven. Although we know God is forgiving; knowingly committing a crime which is punishable by law on earth, would not be pleasing to God. The thought of being able to engage in activity of the unjust may seem inviting to some, but to implicate myself in moral behavior punishable by law would cause conflict with my conscious. In the reading, the author states, and I quote. “No man would keep his hands off what was not his own when he could safely take what he liked out of the market, or go into houses and lie with any one at his pleasure, or kill or release from prison whom he would, and in all respects be like a God among men (Plato, 1901).” However true this may be if this was allowed, I still feel compelled to honor my beliefs. If we were given the opportunity to have free will without punishment the world would be in utter chaos. My character will not allow me embody ideas that are less than moral.
Alternative moral theories to consequentialism are: deontology, which proposes that ethical decisions should be made by following rules or fulfilling duties; and virtue ethics, which proposes that the ethical action to be taken is the one that would be taken by a virtuous person.