Attitude

[2ndRateMind]

Should we be ethical or expedient in our personal and political choices?

Not that these are necessarily always in direct opposition; sometimes it may be moral to be expedient, or expedient to be moral. But sometimes they are. Sometimes, it seems to me, we should be uncompromising in our values, and to hell with the consequences. Or do you think this a naïvely idealistic approach to a complex world?

For example only, should we support global human rights before jobs in our economy, or jobs in our economy before global human rights?

Best wishes, 2RM.

[2ndRateMind]

[Replying to post 1 by 2ndRateMind]

Ethical when you can afford it, expedient when you can't.

And do you think that maxim to be ethical, expedient, or both, or neither?

[Replying to post 5 by 2ndRateMind]

I think it is effective. It is ethical in some instances and expedient in others.

Do you think, then, that ethics are the preserve of the wealthy?

Best wishes, 2RM

[The Tanager]

[Replying to post 9 by 2ndRateMind]

I would say that when the two are in conflict that we will be better off by making the ethical choice.

[2ndRateMind]

[Replying to post 9 by 2ndRateMind]

I would say that when the two are in conflict that we will be better off by making the ethical choice.

I would agree.

The thing that prompted this thread was an observation about the Trump administration. It seems to be all about expediency, and nothing about ethics. 'America first!', may seem a good idea to many Americans, but it is a slogan that will not win him many friends amongst, say, the world's poor, who deserve our consideration on ethical grounds. But then, they mostly don't vote in American elections, so that is not a problem for him.

Best wishes, 2RM.

[Bust Nak]

Do you think, then, that ethics are the preserve of the wealthy?

Yes in the sense that it is easier to give up your pocket change than your last penny.

No in the sense that the pool are often the most ethical.

[2ndRateMind]

Do you think, then, that ethics are the preserve of the wealthy?

Yes in the sense that it is easier to give up your pocket change than your last penny.

No in the sense that the pool are often the most ethical.

Indeed so. Given the opportunity, I would happily argue that to be rich in an age of widespread hunger is prima facie evidence of a lack of ethics.

Best wishes, 2RM