Blog Assignment #4

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ASSIGNMENT PART ONE
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1. Paragraph:
Moral Relativism is a general overview of ethical issues, moral problems, and also questions the right and wrong of a situation. Since moral situations are relative they deal with the views of a cultural area. This means that morals may not be the same to everyone. Morals tend to change from area to area. Hopefully everyone can decide the difference from right and wrong for themselves but usually this is not the case. The people who support Moral Relativism believe that there is no set absolute for questions in this ethical way of thinking. The decision is made by the individual. Moral Relativism can be faulty with this and may be disliked by people who have a strong religious way of dealing with morals.

2. Paragraph & Link:
moral-relativism.com is the site which I have used to better define Moral Relativism. The site simply states that, "Moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right or wrong are all culturally based." The first part of the statement covers general ethics but the rest mentions the decision is culturally based. To further Moral Relativism is to mention that a person who believes in it makes the moral decisions for themselves. Thus a right and wrong absolute changes from person to person. The site also has some examples of the more religious ethical tact that morals followed in the past. Moral Relativism is the common way of deciding answers but it is not as neutral as other ways of thinking.http://www.moral-relativism.com/ is the link for the website.

3.
Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Conclusion: Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Premises:
(1) Since morals are different for everyone the answers for them should also be different.
(2)The answers to right and wrong are not set in stone.
(3)People should take responsibility for their own actions.

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ASSIGNMENT PART TWO
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The week 4 readings cover two chapters in the Ruggiero book, The Role of the Majority View, and the Role of Feelings. Each student must complete BOTH of the following assignments.

The Role of the Majority View

1. Paragraph:
Majority Views, to go along the same lines of the book, is the vote of at least 51% percent of a group of random people to represent the whole. This way of coming to decision does not seem like a very good tactic. Not to offend anyone lets look at American Idol. The book would classify this type of show as "tabloid television". People call in and vote for their favorite singer but it is never said how many times a person can vote. Also the country does not watch or vote on such meaningless things.Taking those votes to represent the who country is wrong. Most people only watch the show to see idiots make a fool of the themselves. I highly doubt anyone puts much stock into this Majority View system for more important issues. This system would be effective if the nation were informed voters.

2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not the Majority View is a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Majority View is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) People who vote are not always informed about an issue.
(2) This system would leave out people without the means to vote who can contribute to the decision.
(3) This system is not reliable against fraud while polling people.

The Role of Feelings

1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what feelings are. Cite your sources.
I agree with the book that feeling will always have a place in ethical issues but there should be a guideline to follow when enter feelings into the mix. The example with the cone interrupter is not a great example of having your feelings influence you. Those are more likely urges than actual feelings towards a subject. Feelings about abortion are a more better example because the issue is so complex. Also people are not robots, feelings are among us to help us better know our surroundings. A persons feelings are like an internal magnet which effects a person's moral compass and points them in their own directions.

2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not our feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) When under guidelines feelings back up ethical decisions.
(2) Feelings control our personal views.
(3) Feelings keep people and their decisions unique.

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ASSIGNMENT PART THREE
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The ability to express yourself in your own words is essential in this class. Did you put everything in your own words this time?
Yes, and what I did quote was cited.

What was easiest / hardest about this assignment?
The question about Majority Views is easy decide on but is also the hardest to write about without hurting a person's feelings.

How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life?
I will look at ethical problems and think "I wonder how others would view this situation?"

How well do you think you did on this assignment? Explain.
I believe I completed this assignment to the fullest with comprehension of the topics covered. My answers were researched and put into my own words and I answered the questions with my own ethical views in mind.