DATE: 02/01/2023
SUBJECT: GE 8: ETHICS
What is the importance of Ethics in today's time?
Ethics, is a knowledge used as guidelines in knowing what is right and wrong in human
conduct. In this, ethics helps people in society to be humane, to act accordingly to what
is right and wrong, to reflect on his/her actions. It is said that “A man without ethics is
a wild beast loosed upon this world” — Albert Camus. As much as possible, I will
state the reasons as to why it is important to study ethics in today’s time. These are based
on my perception/realizations of the reality in the world.
Truth to be told, that in this time of modern era we are entitled of so much freedom.
According to Potter Stewart, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you
have a right to and what is right to do”. Not in general, but people nowadays did not
execute their freedom rightly, especially our youth who abuses their freedom just for
pleasure. They became rebellious and disobeying their parents, because they feel the
urge to do what they think is right, and they are becoming hedonistic. We have rights and
freedom, but it does not mean to do always the things we want in life. And if we do not
use it in a right way, there is a tendency that we affect and harm others or simply we fall
short of having ‘morality’. The only way to stop the dilemma related to the youth, is to
impart and emphasize to them the importance of having ethics in life. For that, they will
be guided and allow them to have a conscious decision making when faced with ethical
problems in life. As well as that, if you want freedom then you need to limit yourself in
order to be free. In addition, we will be continuing to be needing ethics today, as it helps
us to respond critically and to weigh in maturely the situation, and to think of a better
solution to our problems in life. It is also said that, “Without moral perception, man is
only an animal. Without morality, man as rational being is a failure”. We as a human
being, we have the ability to think rationally, to consider the choices we are going to take,
and as well as the consequences of our choices. Human beings should have a sense of
superego, it is the morality/ideal principle. Furthermore, we are in crisis since the
pandemic happened, we will need ethics to efficiently respond to the nation’s safety. Such
as having to obliged and trust the making and implementing guidelines by the authorities
to maintain the public safety. Moreover, ethics, plays a crucial role in maintaining the
balance and harmony between social groups in nation. We must show kindness, passion,
love, and respect to one’s identity, culture, race, and religion. Let us all be reminded of
the Golden Rule: "Don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you."
It is by ethical behavior that keeps the nation away from chaos and disharmony.