Debate Of Moral Issues example essay topic

Abstract Ethical decisions always involve morality or society's accepted ways of behavior and address matters of serious consequence to society's well being, such as murder, lying, and slander. Ethical decisions cannot be established or changed by decisions of authoritative bodies like legislatures, and they should override self-interest. As stated by the author, Paul Kurtz (2003), one should not rely simply upon authoritarian dictates, tradition, dogma, or bias, but rather have an open mind about moral questions, and encourage others to think for themselves as well. The major topic of this article was practical wisdom and how essential it is that each person cultivates critical thinking in life. Mr. S. Morgan Barber of California emphasized the need to develop "Courts of Wisdom", to debate issues dealing with basic moral concerns. INTRODUCTION The Center for Inquiry is committed to the use of science, reason, and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor.

In this issue of Free Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism hopes to adopt a new approach to assist in achieving the goal of cultivating practical wisdom. The term eupraxsophy (good practical wisdom) is used to describe the "capacity for framing effective practical judgments and engaging in reflective thinking". This approach began by examining a basic moral question before the public. Should society permit an adult who is suffering a terminal illness to end his or her own life? May that person call upon others, particularly members of the medical community, to assist in that termination? The editors of this magazine happen to be in favor of assisted suicide and the right to die-under carefully regulated conditions.

PERCEPTIONS It is perceived that a person can be an expert in one field but be totally incompetent in others and furthermore authority in a particular subject does not necessarily qualify that person outside of their field. Individuals may be illiterate about the larger questions of life, or may fall prey to pseudoscience, religious mythology, or na " ive political ideologies. ASSUMPTION It is stated, a person possesses wisdom, in at least two senses: a general comprehension of the basic principles and relationships of knowledge at any one time in history. This depends on scientific and philosophical wisdom.

This sense depends upon educational background and some general degree of understanding of the main fields of human knowledge. The second sense of wisdom refers to practical wisdom or good judgment, the ability to evaluate moral positions and to decide what is appropriate in ethical behavior. Practical wisdom requires the skills of critical thinking and the capability of making wise choices. EMOTION Moral judgments are never situational: Something that is morally right remain so regardless of the circumstances. Moral judgments tend to trigger strong emotions.

Since the subject deals with human conduct, wisdom needs to be fused with passion and compassion, for their goal to arouse conviction and commitment to act upon. Compassionate physicians without publicly declaring the true intention of their actions, often speed up the dying process through heavy dosages of drugs to ease pain and suffering. The latest Gallup poll (2002), which measured Americans' views on "morally acceptable" and "morally wrong conduct, indicates that support for assisted suicide is diminishing. LANGUAGE The language the writer chose for this article was presented in a way that defined the audience as that of your average individual. I believe the article was written in this manner to appeal to the well-informed citizen. It was suggested the "Courts of Wisdom" be developed with these citizens to debate moral questions in public debates and to actually make decisions.

ARGUMENT This situational approach to ethics stresses the principle of empathy based on the context of the particular event. In other words, you cannot hold people accountable to the same degree when ethical standards or rules are applied without knowing the totality of the situation. Every ethical dilemma must be decided within the context of the situation. What is the most compassionate approach to take? Practical wisdom or good judgment is the ability to dig out and evaluate moral positions, to decide what is appropriate in ethical behavior, and requires the skills of critical thinking and the capability of making wise choices.

FALLACY The writer of the article would have us to believe that through a debate of moral issues conducted by well-informed citizens, social and political policies could be determined. LOGIC Through deductive reasoning the writer presents a sound argument. There have been a number of political policies changed through the use of Town Hall meetings throughout the country. Because much of the current case against assisted suicide is secular, people who once worried about the imposition of religion will now willingly consider arguments that might not have previously been heeded. ISSUE / PROBLEM RESOLUTION The issue as stated in the article is " one should not rely simply upon authoritarian dictates, tradition, dogma, or bias, but rather have an open mind about moral questions, and encourage others to think for themselves as well" and that a "democratic society must depend upon wise citizens to determine social and political policies". Among the most effective ways to influence public opinion are declarations issued in conjunction with major events and guest columns in newspapers and magazines.

Assisted suicide is a burning issue in our society. It is likely that assisted suicide proponents and those against will continue to attempt to gain public support. CONCLUSION The individual's decision making is only as rational as his or her unique values, capabilities, and limited capacity for processing information. Wisdom is often said to come with experience, and that is a product of a long life. Yet we often find the capacity for practical wisdom among young people, some of who seem to have a natural inclination to make the right choices. The debate over assisted suicide will continue to be waged at the ballot box, in legislatures, in courts of law and in the court of public opinion.

Its importance merits not only meticulous examination, but also the commitment and dedication of those who seek to protect individuals, families and society. As part of the public Court of Wisdom, draw upon your own reflective intelligence and judge for yourself.

Bibliography

Kurtz, P. (2003).
The Court of Wisdom Convenes, Free Inquiry, Buffalo, NY Smith, W., Dying Cause, National Review Online, May 20, 2003, 8: 45 am Berkowitz, H.