Ethics Reflection Paper - Jess Taylor 5a6v3y

Jessica Taylor EDLD 651 Ethics: Does it matter? When I look at the question that is posed, I automatically think yes, ethics do matter. It’s easy to say yes they do, the hard part is to take a more in depth look, and figure out exactly why it matters to me, and why I think ethics matter in this world. I try to think of what the world would be like if it were completely void of ethics, and I don’t believe that is a place where I would like to live. I think today more then ever, there is a need for strong ethics and morals as technology is becoming so advanced and widespread. The potential for this technology to be used in a negative way is great, so ethics and morals need to be instilled in today’s society as to use reason, and good judgment, to responsibly utilize these technological advances. As I think about my life, and ethics on an individual level, I can’t help but think of how important it is to me to act in what I consider to be an ethical manner. From a position of leadership in a camp setting, I find it hard to imagine being a leader and not caring about what is right and what is wrong. I think it is important from an environmental standpoint, while leading canoe trips, to be cognitive of the impact one can have on the environment and try to take steps towards being a steward of the environment. I also think it is important to treat participants fairly, and avoid favoritism as much as possible. As well I would like to be a good role model for the participants that I am leading. If I give the impression that it is okay to treat people poorly, or am not respectful, I am basically saying that is it okay for my participants to act in that manner as well. I recognize that people do make mistakes, and make bad decisions, but I think what is important is to recognize that a mistake has been made, and making a

Jessica Taylor EDLD 651 change. I am constantly growing and changing, and I think as long as I recognize that I am in the wrong, and make a change to better myself, I think that is the best I can do. I have learned so many new perspectives over the course of this semester that my personal ethics and morals are changing as well. I appreciate different aspects from the different philosophers and I strive to make some changes in the way I conduct myself. I appreciate Epictetus’ acknowledgement of the things that you can control, and the things that you can’t. I have learned to try to look at life from this perspective and try not to be so concerned with matters that I can’t change. From Kant, I appreciate the categorical imperative. I like the idea that when I am making decisions, to consider that if I can’t make a decision universal, than maybe I shouldn’t be doing it. Finally, from Mill, I have learned that sometimes decisions can be made for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. But I have also learned to think more about the minority that is being underserved in this situation, and to consider how to benefit them as well. From this class I have realized that there are so many different philosophies of ethics, and different people can be working within different frameworks of ethics. I have realized the importance for me in the future to work in a place where my ethical values are similar to those of who I am working for/with. If they do not coincide, I may either have to make a decision to accept where our differences lie, or whether or not that is a place I would like to continue to work. I sometimes struggle with ethics as I think it is so subjective. What I consider to be right may be wrong to someone else and vice versa. I don’t think there is merit in judging people about their decisions, because to them they may have thought it was ethical, even if I don’t

Jessica Taylor EDLD 651 agree. I think one of the best things that we can do for today’s society is to teach the importance of critical thinking and moral decision making, as to encourage people to make their own decisions based on what they think is right and wrong, and encourage them to stand up for what they believe in.