My Philosophy, Part 12: My Ethics and Morals

There are many theories of ethics, what the good life should be, or how to decide between right and wrong.  I grew up with the standards of my family, school, peers, religion, and society at large.  I thought there was a universal standard of conduct, but as I matured and looked objectively around me at everyone's behavior, I found that much of what I was taught to be "good" was not actually practiced.  Every rule, every law, and every commandment seemed to have exceptions and loopholes.  Our collective ethics seemed to be situational ethics.  Everyone did what ever he or she thought was right at the time.

I believe there is a ladder of "imperatives."  Physically, I must have the space I occupy.  I must have a set of conditions present to exist.  Biologically, as a living organism, my imperative is to survive as long as I can, and to thrive as long as I can, so that I can reproduce.  Pyschologically, I need stimulation; I need to learn to have experiences and interpersonal relationships.  Socially, I must feel safe, loved and befriended.

For me "good" is what ever allows me to have existence, allows me to survive and thrive, with healthy experiences and relationships.  "Evil" either threatens or deprives me of those things.  Notice that I have only stated that "good" is for me alone; "greater good" would allow not only me to live a healthy, secure life, but everyone else too.  I am good if I secure my own welfare.  I am even better if I work to secure others' welfare too.  I know that ethics gets far more complicated than this... but this is the core: fulfill the imperatives.

On the social level, I believe I have a contract with every person I meet, even if it for only a second.  That contract is that neither of us will violate or threaten each other's life, health, security, or welfare.  On my part, I add that I will be cheerful and friendly to them, and will assist the other person if assistance is needed.

All that said, I believe that I have either free will or the illusion of free will to be able to make my own choices.  I believe that I choose (within limits) what I can and will do.  I also believe that every action has its accompanying consequences.  So, here is a Binary Ethics:

• If I choose X, what will happen?  (or if I chose X, what happened?)
• Is that what I want?
• if yes, then continue,
• if no, stop.  (and apologize, etc. if needed.)

And for a more Qualitative, Sliding Scale Ethics:

• Do I want more or less of this?

Again, I look at the consequences to myself ("good") or to everyone around me too ("greater good").

I choose to do what I want to do, and then must live with the consequences.  I can be totally egocentric, or I can be empathetic and social.  I choose.