I’m musing, and I often like to muse about the conflicts that arise between sets of ethics. So, prompted by a recent class discussion, I’m musing if rape could ever be considered ethical.
It needs to be immediately noted that morals, ethics and legal systems are not the same thing. Rape is illegal. Rape is immoral. And in my opinion rape is always (get that always?) wrong.
So let me set up a scenario that might be familiar to frequent viewers of “Law & Order: SVU.” A woman police officer goes undercover in a female prison to expose a corrupt prison guard and drug ring. She is heavily briefed on how dangerous the mission is, and yet everyone realizes that this route is basically the only way to “catch the bad guy.” Long story short, she is sexually assaulted/raped by the evil prison guard. He is caught and put in prison on a litany of charges. Let it be noted that she was NOT looking to be sexually assaulted to catch the bad man. It just kinda happened that way.
Utilitarianism tells us simply that it is “the greatest good for the greatest majority.” Going off of this simplification of Jeremy Bentham’s brain child* it becomes clear that getting the bad guy is best for society, or the majority. He won’t have the chance to rape any more women and his other illicit activities will stop. In this case, the female police officer’s rape was the reason he was caught. So, in this line of reason, we could say her rape benefited the majority. Thus, the rape is ethical.
Again, it’s important to note that what is ethical isn’t always what is right. And vice versa. Ain’t ethics a bitch?
So let’s stray to the other side of the ethical fence to the deontological point of view. Because this is my blog, and my favorite ethical philosopher (yes, I have one, don’t you?) is Immanuel Kant, we’ll use his strict guidelines as our ethical road map.
Kant suggests that we create axioms to live by- or something that never contradicts humanity and is so rational that humanity must accept it.* This is basically his first Categorical Imperative. His second stems from the first and says that humans can never be a means to an end.
Well right there we’re stopped and it’s obvious the rape situation isn’t ethical. A person was used to obtain an end (the arrest of a very bad guy). But let’s look at it a bit further- sexual assault on a male or female, insults the rational of humanity. Again, I can’t see a way to allow for rape in accordance to this first Categorical Imperative.
So do a little tap dance and rejoice for the deontological approach that says rape is bad. At least I will.
*Bentham is credited for Utilitarianism, while John Stewart Mill is known for it. Mill took the concept and ran a bit. For this blog I’m going off of Bentham’s approach, which is a more stringent view of utilitarianism.
*Please refer to my earlier blog post about Kant and his approach to creating axioms.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
I Love Grad School. No Really, I do.
You know what’s great about graduate school?
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
I Love Grad School. No Really, I do.
You know what’s great about graduate school?
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Black Friday
It’s 1 a.m. Friday and the temperature is in the 20s with a biting windchill. And yet, there is a line of 50 plus people waiting outside of Best Buy for their Black Friday “door busters.” They set up tents, brought warm blankets and coffee for a four hour wait that might not prove to be fruitful.
So what motivates these early morning shoppers? A good buy? A tradition? Loyalty? Or a fancy combination of all these things?
I’m rooting for the latter personally. There’s a certain thrill to pouring over the ads in the newspaper during the Thanksgiving turkey lull. Marking the deals that interest you and then plotting out a plan to go to three different stores before 8 a.m. to capture these great deals. During this one day of crazy shopping it’s not about where you’re shopping at as much as what you’re shopping for. Parents may stalk Toys R Us and Wal-Mart ads, while I snooped around for the best e-reader deal. On this day it really is about saving a buck.
So loyalty to a particular store sorta goes out the window for November 26th. I’m sure this is something most stores don’t relish as they spend the entire year branding themselves to bolster loyalty among customers. Instead they switch to “loss leaders” that convince shoppers to stop by. Companies can only cross their fingers and pray that customers buy other things as well.
So then, why do companies continue to slash prices on this day? While the happy shopper in me wants to believe that they do it to make me happy, I’m sure they turn a nice profit. I’ve worked retail and here’s my super shopper secret. Shop early on Jan. 1st. The sales are crazy at department stores and all over. And I can say that even with the low sale prices, stores make a killing. So I’m sure Black Friday sales still earn a nice profit margin for the stores.
But I still want to believe in this concept of loyalty to a tradition. Even if it is my tradition to drive by the stores, decide it’s too cold and then go home, drink wine and continue to look the ads over. Then go 12 hours later and still manage to get my Nook on sale. Booyah!
So what motivates these early morning shoppers? A good buy? A tradition? Loyalty? Or a fancy combination of all these things?
I’m rooting for the latter personally. There’s a certain thrill to pouring over the ads in the newspaper during the Thanksgiving turkey lull. Marking the deals that interest you and then plotting out a plan to go to three different stores before 8 a.m. to capture these great deals. During this one day of crazy shopping it’s not about where you’re shopping at as much as what you’re shopping for. Parents may stalk Toys R Us and Wal-Mart ads, while I snooped around for the best e-reader deal. On this day it really is about saving a buck.
So loyalty to a particular store sorta goes out the window for November 26th. I’m sure this is something most stores don’t relish as they spend the entire year branding themselves to bolster loyalty among customers. Instead they switch to “loss leaders” that convince shoppers to stop by. Companies can only cross their fingers and pray that customers buy other things as well.
So then, why do companies continue to slash prices on this day? While the happy shopper in me wants to believe that they do it to make me happy, I’m sure they turn a nice profit. I’ve worked retail and here’s my super shopper secret. Shop early on Jan. 1st. The sales are crazy at department stores and all over. And I can say that even with the low sale prices, stores make a killing. So I’m sure Black Friday sales still earn a nice profit margin for the stores.
But I still want to believe in this concept of loyalty to a tradition. Even if it is my tradition to drive by the stores, decide it’s too cold and then go home, drink wine and continue to look the ads over. Then go 12 hours later and still manage to get my Nook on sale. Booyah!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Non-Profits and why I don't like them
As it turns out, I’m an extremely liberal, idealistic person. Thankfully this schema hasn’t crashed and burned against pragmatism yet. I like to think it’s due to my realization of my idealism, but regardless, this mindset makes me opinionated to say the least.
So when I hear “Non-profits,” the first thing that jumps to mind is no salary, and agendas. Not evil agendas, but still…
(Have I mentioned that I’m also a cynic?)
So it may be no large surprise that up until recently I’ve shunned non-profits. I will donate money to carefully vetted organizations, but I have few desires to work for a non-profit. In regards to my own opinion, I personally am not a fan of The Salvation Army. I feel as if there is a forced religious aspect that taints what they are trying to do. It’s simply something I’m not willing to support. Because I staunchly hold on to my beliefs, I have realized it would be best for me to work in a neutral environment, generally away from politics and religion.
However, thanks Anita Foster from the American Red Cross, I have a new respect for the organization. A completely neutral organization that formed because, “you don’t leave the wounded on a battlefield.” Those “wounded” are no longer confined to wars, but appear in any form of a crisis.
These crises bring with them a desire to not only help the needy, but to extend that help where ever it is needed, regardless of situation. It calls for an ability to stay calm in the face of tragedy.
What fascinates me is the ability to apply a generic set of “crisis communications” rules to varying situations all to garner the same outcome. Every day is different, every crisis is different and yet the approach to each day/situation is generally the same.
What seems more impressive is the thought that Anita didn’t view an earthquake as a crisis, rather she viewed the human interactions with that natural disaster the “crisis.” It’s really not what’s thrown at us that is the issue, but rather how we, and others, respond to said problem.
With that in mind, I still won’t donate to the sweet old people ringing bells this holiday season. Not every non-profit can appeal to all people. I am, however, excited to find one not-for-profit organization that strives for something I can deem admirable. Although, with a 94 percent volunteer base, my chances of being paid by the Red Cross is alarmingly weak.
Guess I was right on some of my assumptions about non-profits.
So when I hear “Non-profits,” the first thing that jumps to mind is no salary, and agendas. Not evil agendas, but still…
(Have I mentioned that I’m also a cynic?)
So it may be no large surprise that up until recently I’ve shunned non-profits. I will donate money to carefully vetted organizations, but I have few desires to work for a non-profit. In regards to my own opinion, I personally am not a fan of The Salvation Army. I feel as if there is a forced religious aspect that taints what they are trying to do. It’s simply something I’m not willing to support. Because I staunchly hold on to my beliefs, I have realized it would be best for me to work in a neutral environment, generally away from politics and religion.
However, thanks Anita Foster from the American Red Cross, I have a new respect for the organization. A completely neutral organization that formed because, “you don’t leave the wounded on a battlefield.” Those “wounded” are no longer confined to wars, but appear in any form of a crisis.
These crises bring with them a desire to not only help the needy, but to extend that help where ever it is needed, regardless of situation. It calls for an ability to stay calm in the face of tragedy.
What fascinates me is the ability to apply a generic set of “crisis communications” rules to varying situations all to garner the same outcome. Every day is different, every crisis is different and yet the approach to each day/situation is generally the same.
What seems more impressive is the thought that Anita didn’t view an earthquake as a crisis, rather she viewed the human interactions with that natural disaster the “crisis.” It’s really not what’s thrown at us that is the issue, but rather how we, and others, respond to said problem.
With that in mind, I still won’t donate to the sweet old people ringing bells this holiday season. Not every non-profit can appeal to all people. I am, however, excited to find one not-for-profit organization that strives for something I can deem admirable. Although, with a 94 percent volunteer base, my chances of being paid by the Red Cross is alarmingly weak.
Guess I was right on some of my assumptions about non-profits.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Don't Be Stupid Part II
There are times people/things don’t live up to expectations. coughcoughCliff Lee in Game 1 of the World Series.coughcough But we carry on and keep hope alive.
Then there are times when it turns out our vocabulary just hasn’t been as good as we though. For example, many years ago (read three) I was job searching on Craigslist. All these jobs kept saying there were “lucrative” opportunities. Finally I asked my boyfriend why every job was just telling me they offered sketchy possibilities with a high propensity to fail. Turns out that was NOT was lucrative meant. I still have issues with the word- I think my definition makes more sense.
Regardless, it seems I’ve been imaging “public relations” as “issues management.” It’s nice to have a new name to say what I’m interested in. PR was becoming blasé. So, as I tarry on learning about issues management, I’m newly excited. It’s almost like I got a new pair of boots for the winter. My education got a face lift.
I love that issues management is really about community relations and preemptive measures. It’s thinking ahead to what could be and educating everyone who would be affected. What a wonderful idea!
“Hey guys, we aren’t facing a crisis but in case we are- here’s what you should know. There is no need to worry, because we will do that for you. Instead, let us educate you and guide you to peace.”
It’s oddly reminiscent to the “Don’t be stupid” philosophy espoused earlier on this blog. Such good ideas stem from issues management.
Then there are times when it turns out our vocabulary just hasn’t been as good as we though. For example, many years ago (read three) I was job searching on Craigslist. All these jobs kept saying there were “lucrative” opportunities. Finally I asked my boyfriend why every job was just telling me they offered sketchy possibilities with a high propensity to fail. Turns out that was NOT was lucrative meant. I still have issues with the word- I think my definition makes more sense.
Regardless, it seems I’ve been imaging “public relations” as “issues management.” It’s nice to have a new name to say what I’m interested in. PR was becoming blasé. So, as I tarry on learning about issues management, I’m newly excited. It’s almost like I got a new pair of boots for the winter. My education got a face lift.
I love that issues management is really about community relations and preemptive measures. It’s thinking ahead to what could be and educating everyone who would be affected. What a wonderful idea!
“Hey guys, we aren’t facing a crisis but in case we are- here’s what you should know. There is no need to worry, because we will do that for you. Instead, let us educate you and guide you to peace.”
It’s oddly reminiscent to the “Don’t be stupid” philosophy espoused earlier on this blog. Such good ideas stem from issues management.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
How Twitter is Like Any Other Infectious Disease
I resisted Twitter like many resist syphilis. In fact, I saw Twitter much like a std. It may start out nice and cozy but ends up in an itchy rash. One more way for me to somehow mess up my job search, and forever disappoint my grandmother.
But, since I do anything for class, I finally had to cave to the Twitter rash. I’m glad I did if for nothing other than @prwork posting constantly and affirming my belief that jobs really are out there if you know where to look.
Using Twitter as a tool is the difference between it and a status update. The ability to leverage my views by notifying the subject in a harmless manner is fascinating. I complained about “Project Runway” and Lifetime actually replied back to me. It’s nice to know my voice was heard. Granted, they didn’t change their lineup to offer and encore presentation, but at least they know one person would like it.
Twitter is an amazing public relations tool. Practitioners are able to get an instant read of their product and how the public is reacting. The public is able to easy let their voice be heard. A conversation can be had between me, a relative nobody (my mom would disagree, but I digress), and a major cable channel. My complaint/suggestion didn’t go to an email no one checks, it went to their Twitter account.
On Twitter companies have the ability to activate their followers and get them to do something. Ellen Degeneres shows this all the time by having Twitter contests. That’s the difference between Twitter and a Facebook page. Twitter connects people to causes in a manner that dictates passion.
Will the “revolution be tweeted?” Malcom Gladwell thinks not. And while I hate to argue against Gladwell in any respect, I have to wonder what role this particular social networking tool will have. No, I do not believe that a revolution will start due to Twitter. A revolution will start in its own organic way and then be carried over to Twitter as a logistics tool.
Seems I should start taking antibiotics for the Twitter rash soon. I want to know about any upcoming revolutions.
But, since I do anything for class, I finally had to cave to the Twitter rash. I’m glad I did if for nothing other than @prwork posting constantly and affirming my belief that jobs really are out there if you know where to look.
Using Twitter as a tool is the difference between it and a status update. The ability to leverage my views by notifying the subject in a harmless manner is fascinating. I complained about “Project Runway” and Lifetime actually replied back to me. It’s nice to know my voice was heard. Granted, they didn’t change their lineup to offer and encore presentation, but at least they know one person would like it.
Twitter is an amazing public relations tool. Practitioners are able to get an instant read of their product and how the public is reacting. The public is able to easy let their voice be heard. A conversation can be had between me, a relative nobody (my mom would disagree, but I digress), and a major cable channel. My complaint/suggestion didn’t go to an email no one checks, it went to their Twitter account.
On Twitter companies have the ability to activate their followers and get them to do something. Ellen Degeneres shows this all the time by having Twitter contests. That’s the difference between Twitter and a Facebook page. Twitter connects people to causes in a manner that dictates passion.
Will the “revolution be tweeted?” Malcom Gladwell thinks not. And while I hate to argue against Gladwell in any respect, I have to wonder what role this particular social networking tool will have. No, I do not believe that a revolution will start due to Twitter. A revolution will start in its own organic way and then be carried over to Twitter as a logistics tool.
Seems I should start taking antibiotics for the Twitter rash soon. I want to know about any upcoming revolutions.
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