Should an ethics for the future be a mere return to traditional past?
We are at a critical point in history in many ways, not simply the Covid_19. In a recent thread, someone replied to my comment by remarking that we need to find a way forward for discovering the meaning of life.
I would argue that the present time is one of refining past struggles, including race, the whole spectrum of gender identity, the divide between rich and poor as well, as well as different age groups. This is happening throughout the competition needs of various 'vulnerable' groups.
The current catastrophic circumstances in the world do bring in question of ethics and values.
I would argue that rather than a mere return to traditional ethics of former ages a wider vision is needed. This would include the philosopher who can bring out the positive possible aspects of systems of thought ranging from the traditions arising from religion, to the postmodern deconstructionists, as well as the many thinkers in between.
I am not suggesting an easy task However, perhaps a way of questioning and evaluating all the ethical systems of the past could enable the philosophers to find new approaches for living in a world that is in falling apart.
I would argue that the present time is one of refining past struggles, including race, the whole spectrum of gender identity, the divide between rich and poor as well, as well as different age groups. This is happening throughout the competition needs of various 'vulnerable' groups.
The current catastrophic circumstances in the world do bring in question of ethics and values.
I would argue that rather than a mere return to traditional ethics of former ages a wider vision is needed. This would include the philosopher who can bring out the positive possible aspects of systems of thought ranging from the traditions arising from religion, to the postmodern deconstructionists, as well as the many thinkers in between.
I am not suggesting an easy task However, perhaps a way of questioning and evaluating all the ethical systems of the past could enable the philosophers to find new approaches for living in a world that is in falling apart.
Comments (3)
What are your suggestions?
Quoting Jack Cummins
There's hardly any event, scenario, or circumstance happening now that hasn't occurred before. Especially severity. We're just more connected and aware of eachother now. I mean, could be. Who knows
In a way you could say that all the circumstances of the current time are repeats of previous ones. Nevertheless, I think that the sum total of circumstances is different. I am referring to the world pandemic, climate change and potentials for nuclear destruction.
My questioning may be too broad and it was a spontaneous one in response to another thread discussion but I am suggesting that a whole new way of seeing and not saying that I have got the answers. I am simply suggesting that a new system may be needed drawing upon the positive aspects of many traditions of thought.
Such a system would merge ethics and politics and probably transcend the conflict between capitalism and socialism. My post is only a sounding point for others to think about because it is through such discussions that creative thinking may take place.
It could be a collaborative picture. Another thread writer spoke of a jigsaw puzzle and I just see myself as trying to open a box, with the philosophers all picking out the pieces with s hope of assembling the finest possible picture to hang on the bleak and dark wall facing us.