What role do our worldviews, i.e. our understanding of nature/science, the individual, society, the divine etc., take in shaping our moral philosophy or ethics? In fact what is the difference between morality and ethics itself? Furthermore, what is the nature of ethics within a religious framework? How does a particular theology condition a morality? Here in the following space we will explore these issues and more via turning to the ancient Greeks.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Ring of Gyges
So if you had a ring of invisibility, would you still behave ethically or would you do as you "pleased"? Be sure to explain/justify your answer.
If I had a ring of invisibility, I'm pretty sure I would still behave ethically because it would be on my conscience and thats something I do not want. I'm one of those people that feels guilty if I walk pass a homeless person, knowing that I have no cash on my person or any food to give. I can't knowingly do as I please without having my own my mind work against me and making me feel that what I did was unfair. I would just rather do things the right way instead of having to cheat my way through things. I don't think its fair to other people and not fair to myself. I would like to be able to be proud of the things I strive for and achieved by using my own wit and ability, not by some invisibility ring.
Oh the temptation! I would never want rob someone or hurt an individual. I’m thinking big. Maybe you can call me a Marxist because I’d be tempted to take down the credit card companies- And finance my endeavors in order to take down the credit card companies. Lol
I don't think this is an adequate place to test this question, knowing that everyone on the blog can read your response. The ring theory only applies when you are, indeed, invisible.
That being said, I can't separate this story from Lord of the Rings. I imagine the little Golem in everyone will come out eventually, it is inevitable, but at that point it will be one's world-view that will influence individual ethics the greatest.
I agree that it is difficult to test this question on an open blog! Having a ring of invisibility would certainly lead to temptation. I feel that on the 'big' decisions/actions in life, I would act ethically, but perhaps a ring of invisibility would further justify 'white lies' and minor deviant acts. True virtue and ethics can not be effected by whether or not our actions can be seen. This post reminds me of a familiar quotation (unknown author)
"Character is who you are when no one is watching."
A ring of invisibility would present a world of opportunities to the beholder. I personally do not know if I would be able to behave ethically, I mean I wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone else- like kill anyone or spy on anyone, but there are definitely some advantages to being able to have invisibility, like going to Saint's games for free. I would have to be able to exercise a lot of responsibility if this ring were in my possession. Although I believe for the most part I would behave ethically, I can't say that I would never do as I pleased!
I think it would be very hard for someone not to be tempted by the invisiblity ring. In the beginning most people in general might not be incited to do any thing unethical, but eventually the temptation for someone to do something unethical and get away with it would over come them. They most likely will not do something terrible like murder but, maybe tempted to do bad things such as lying, spying, or stealing. That is why I think neither me or anyone else would totally act ethically with the possession of an invisibility ring.
Any person would be tempted on a much higher scale with a ring of invisibility. I believe a person would consider committing more minor injustices and victimless crimes due to their invisible status. However I also believe for the most part people would not commit grave injustices such as murder because their guilt and conscience would eat at them. Each individual would act differently if they had a ring of invisibility. Some would act completely ethical and others would do as they pleased.
Lets be completely honest here...Though some may not be as quickly tempted as others, the temptation is inevitable. If anyone had a ring of invisibility, ethical behavior or not, they would do as they pleased. Most people act "just" in fear of getting caught. With a ring that allows a person to become invisible, they probably will commit small or major injustices(depending on the owner) because they would get away with it. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't commit great offenses like harming others, but I would use the ring to my advantage in certain situations.
i agree 100% with Sable. people dont do certain acts that would please themselves only becuase they are afraid of the consequences once they get caught. but because of this invisibility, who knows what would happen. for me, i wouldnt focus on getting excessive pleasure, which i previouly learned may cause excessive harm. but i would definitely give in to the temptation once or twice without breaking any large rules.
Professor Layne, you really opened a can of worms with this question. Thanks!
Oh, the mischief I could cause with a ring of invisibility! I could fool with traffic lights, give random people wedgies, splice NSFW images into film reels, anything that would let me feel like Puck for a day.
That said, my misdeeds would only stay in the "mischief" category. Even with the power of invisibility, I wouldn't have the guts in me to abuse my powers (If I could shift between visible and invisible mode, then throw caution and logic to the curb because I'd go crazy!)
If someone were to assure me that I wouldn’t get caught or in trouble, I would definitely without a doubt use the invisibility ring. Having a ring like this at ones disposal is fantastic. Personally, I would use it for fun and maybe every now and then for personal gain. I wouldn’t try to use it to harm others.
I actually have thought about this before while watching Lord of the Rings, thinking about what I would do if I were able to be invisible. I think that nobody can escape the temptation associated with such a unique ability. Not saying that everyone with an invisibility ring would commit acts such as murder or violent acts, actually I think that they would do the opposite seeing as most murders and robberies happen because of money instead of just purely a lust for violence, and if you are invisible money wouldn't be much of a problem. However, if we are talking ethics in general, I think that it is inevitable that while having the ability to be invisible, people will be tempted to act mischievous or unethically for their personal gain, and some would be able to control it better than others.
I try to behave ethically even when no one is watching me, so I think I would be mostly ethical with a ring of invisibility. Of course, the tendency to "go wild" as it were is always there when you gain some sort of freedom--and lack of being watched can definitely be considered a freedom. I think, however, the longer they've had the ring the less overwhelming the temptation would be.
"Do the right thing, even when no one is looking...." Except of course, in this case no one is looking because no one can see you. Morally, I wouldn't be able to do something if I were invisible, just as much as I wouldn't cheat on a test with a guarantee that no one would find out, or steal a $20 out of a full wallet. Whats right and whats wrong isn't differentiated by the simple fact someone knows whether or not you're doing it...
I would try to behave ethically because that was how I was taught. I would not want to abuse the ability to turn invisible by doing whatever I want because when I die it would be impossible for me to take the things I gained with me. Anything a person can gain (possession wise)is only temporary as it would be lost after they die. Although, being able to turn invisible can be useful to get out of things like embarrassing situations. A person can also be able to get out tight situations. For example if someone was robbing my house I can sneak up on them and either scare them away and knock them out. I would really use the power of invisibility to avoid danger and escape embarrassing situations. Using it to do whatever I want will end badly unless one has self-control so one is not corrupted by its power.
Gynes’ Ring of Invisibility really raises the question of why do humans behave/or not behave ethically. While certainly laws and the judgments of others weigh in on our decisions, there is still a certain inward understanding of right and wrong that guides our actions. However, and even in light of this assumption, I still believe that religion and laws serve as a governing tool for society and without consequences, most human beings WOULD NOT act morally. I must admit that my opinion the result of the theological belief that human beings are born sinners. However, in the practical sense I conclude that the actions of human beings are motivated by self gratification. This means that without the possibility of punishment, there would be no reason, without receiving some personal benefit, to act “good.” Even more, good would be left to the interpretation of each individual. Scary.
So, if I had a ring of invisibility, I and all others, would NOT behave ethically because I would have the leisure to do as I pleased without any ramifications. (Shhh, don’t tell my kids!)
If I had a ring of invisibility I am not completely sure how I would act. People in modern societies fear consequences of their actions. Conscience does play a large role but certain things that are not permissiable under the law may be ethical to others. For example, revenge is not allowed under the law but someone who did not have to face criminal charges for committing revenge may do so. My conscience would still be there and a ring of invisibility would not change my conscience completely.
I would like to think that with such a power I would behave totally ethically and use my powers for good but I’m honestly not sure that it's possible. I begin to think about the contrasting ideas about power. On one hand I believe that with great power comes great responsibility (thank you Spiderman) but on the other hand I believe that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I would want to do good with my power but the allure for personal gain would be tempting. On top of that, being the curious person that I am, the desire to do things and see things that no one else can might overcome my desire to do good with my power. This is not to say that I would use my powers for anything evil or harmful but I may not use my powers for good. The secretive nature of invisibility would make it difficult to continue my life in the same manner. I think it's hard to predict how one would act with invisibility because I think it would probably change a person. If a weak-minded person were to obtain such a power I think it may consume them. The power is just too great.
Obviously, as most people attempting to exert some form of justice, I claim that I would act justly. Acting unjustly only grants instant gratification. But, as we all notice, some people live off of instant gratifications. While a form of hedonism is always considered, it appears not fully satisfying to me. However, I do believe humans naturally act more justly when they are being observed. I also believe that someone can say one thing and do another when in the actual situation. Acting justly, I say that I would act with some form of justice with the ring of Gyges. But, only the actual circumstance can prove the outcome.
I believe that with a ring of invisibility, I would do as I pleased. I would like to believe that I would act ethically but with no punishment for what i do, that would probably not be the case. I think I would only commit minor crimes and only ones that would benefit myself, because the joy of just doing something that is against the law would wear off quickly. Also, if I did commit a major crime, or did some form of major harm to others, I would have so much guilt that it might even be worse than if i were actually visible.
Although I would typically say that I would still act ethically and good, but in reality I probably wouldn't. I would sneak into concerts and shows without paying, get free food and most likely spy on people for fun. I think that the ability to do whatever you wanted and never be caught would eventually become overwhelming.
Under a ring of invisibility I would like to say that I would act exactly the same as I do know when I am perfectly visible, yet I know this is not the case. Although I do not believe I would commit grave acts of injustice, I would probably be tempted to do as I pleased in average ways that while visible I could not. I would, admittedly, not act supremely moral or just entirely but I would never kill or commit heinous or grave acts of the same severance.
I don't believe I would behave ethically if I had a ring of invisibility. I don't know what the point would be in having a ring of invisibility if I would act the same as I would if I was visible. I wouldn't do anything that I would regret but I would do things that are not considered a social norm or ethical in some peoples eyes. Anyone would be tempted to use this ring if they had it in their hand because the point of being invisible is to be unseen. Everyone has a small side of them that they would rather be left unseen because it might be unethical or not seen as normal.
If I had a ring of invisibility, I'm pretty sure I would still behave ethically because it would be on my conscience and thats something I do not want. I'm one of those people that feels guilty if I walk pass a homeless person, knowing that I have no cash on my person or any food to give. I can't knowingly do as I please without having my own my mind work against me and making me feel that what I did was unfair. I would just rather do things the right way instead of having to cheat my way through things. I don't think its fair to other people and not fair to myself. I would like to be able to be proud of the things I strive for and achieved by using my own wit and ability, not by some invisibility ring.
ReplyDeleteOh the temptation! I would never want rob someone or hurt an individual. I’m thinking big. Maybe you can call me a Marxist because I’d be tempted to take down the credit card companies- And finance my endeavors in order to take down the credit card companies. Lol
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is an adequate place to test this question, knowing that everyone on the blog can read your response. The ring theory only applies when you are, indeed, invisible.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I can't separate this story from Lord of the Rings. I imagine the little Golem in everyone will come out eventually, it is inevitable, but at that point it will be one's world-view that will influence individual ethics the greatest.
I agree that it is difficult to test this question on an open blog! Having a ring of invisibility would certainly lead to temptation. I feel that on the 'big' decisions/actions in life, I would act ethically, but perhaps a ring of invisibility would further justify 'white lies' and minor deviant acts. True virtue and ethics can not be effected by whether or not our actions can be seen. This post reminds me of a familiar quotation (unknown author)
ReplyDelete"Character is who you are when no one is watching."
A ring of invisibility would present a world of opportunities to the beholder. I personally do not know if I would be able to behave ethically, I mean I wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone else- like kill anyone or spy on anyone, but there are definitely some advantages to being able to have invisibility, like going to Saint's games for free. I would have to be able to exercise a lot of responsibility if this ring were in my possession. Although I believe for the most part I would behave ethically, I can't say that I would never do as I pleased!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be very hard for someone not to be tempted by the invisiblity ring. In the beginning most people in general might not be incited to do any thing unethical, but eventually the temptation for someone to do something unethical and get away with it would over come them. They most likely will not do something terrible like murder but, maybe tempted to do bad things such as lying, spying, or stealing. That is why I think neither me or anyone else would totally act ethically with the possession of an invisibility ring.
ReplyDeleteAny person would be tempted on a much higher scale with a ring of invisibility. I believe a person would consider committing more minor injustices and victimless crimes due to their invisible status. However I also believe for the most part people would not commit grave injustices such as murder because their guilt and conscience would eat at them. Each individual would act differently if they had a ring of invisibility. Some would act completely ethical and others would do as they pleased.
ReplyDeleteLets be completely honest here...Though some may not be as quickly tempted as others, the temptation is inevitable. If anyone had a ring of invisibility, ethical behavior or not, they would do as they pleased. Most people act "just" in fear of getting caught. With a ring that allows a person to become invisible, they probably will commit small or major injustices(depending on the owner) because they would get away with it. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't commit great offenses like harming others, but I would use the ring to my advantage in certain situations.
ReplyDeletei agree 100% with Sable. people dont do certain acts that would please themselves only becuase they are afraid of the consequences once they get caught. but because of this invisibility, who knows what would happen. for me, i wouldnt focus on getting excessive pleasure, which i previouly learned may cause excessive harm. but i would definitely give in to the temptation once or twice without breaking any large rules.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Layne, you really opened a can of worms with this question. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, the mischief I could cause with a ring of invisibility! I could fool with traffic lights, give random people wedgies, splice NSFW images into film reels, anything that would let me feel like Puck for a day.
That said, my misdeeds would only stay in the "mischief" category. Even with the power of invisibility, I wouldn't have the guts in me to abuse my powers (If I could shift between visible and invisible mode, then throw caution and logic to the curb because I'd go crazy!)
If someone were to assure me that I wouldn’t get caught or in trouble, I would definitely without a doubt use the invisibility ring. Having a ring like this at ones disposal is fantastic. Personally, I would use it for fun and maybe every now and then for personal gain. I wouldn’t try to use it to harm others.
ReplyDeleteI actually have thought about this before while watching Lord of the Rings, thinking about what I would do if I were able to be invisible. I think that nobody can escape the temptation associated with such a unique ability. Not saying that everyone with an invisibility ring would commit acts such as murder or violent acts, actually I think that they would do the opposite seeing as most murders and robberies happen because of money instead of just purely a lust for violence, and if you are invisible money wouldn't be much of a problem. However, if we are talking ethics in general, I think that it is inevitable that while having the ability to be invisible, people will be tempted to act mischievous or unethically for their personal gain, and some would be able to control it better than others.
ReplyDeleteI try to behave ethically even when no one is watching me, so I think I would be mostly ethical with a ring of invisibility. Of course, the tendency to "go wild" as it were is always there when you gain some sort of freedom--and lack of being watched can definitely be considered a freedom. I think, however, the longer they've had the ring the less overwhelming the temptation would be.
ReplyDelete"Do the right thing, even when no one is looking...."
ReplyDeleteExcept of course, in this case no one is looking because no one can see you.
Morally, I wouldn't be able to do something if I were invisible, just as much as I wouldn't cheat on a test with a guarantee that no one would find out, or steal a $20 out of a full wallet. Whats right and whats wrong isn't differentiated by the simple fact someone knows whether or not you're doing it...
I would try to behave ethically because that was how I was taught. I would not want to abuse the ability to turn invisible by doing whatever I want because when I die it would be impossible for me to take the things I gained with me. Anything a person can gain (possession wise)is only temporary as it would be lost after they die. Although, being able to turn invisible can be useful to get out of things like embarrassing situations. A person can also be able to get out tight situations. For example if someone was robbing my house I can sneak up on them and either scare them away and knock them out. I would really use the power of invisibility to avoid danger and escape embarrassing situations. Using it to do whatever I want will end badly unless one has self-control so one is not corrupted by its power.
ReplyDeleteGynes’ Ring of Invisibility really raises the question of why do humans behave/or not behave ethically. While certainly laws and the judgments of others weigh in on our decisions, there is still a certain inward understanding of right and wrong that guides our actions. However, and even in light of this assumption, I still believe that religion and laws serve as a governing tool for society and without consequences, most human beings WOULD NOT act morally. I must admit that my opinion the result of the theological belief that human beings are born sinners. However, in the practical sense I conclude that the actions of human beings are motivated by self gratification. This means that without the possibility of punishment, there would be no reason, without receiving some personal benefit, to act “good.” Even more, good would be left to the interpretation of each individual. Scary.
ReplyDeleteSo, if I had a ring of invisibility, I and all others, would NOT behave ethically because I would have the leisure to do as I pleased without any ramifications. (Shhh, don’t tell my kids!)
If I had a ring of invisibility I am not completely sure how I would act. People in modern societies fear consequences of their actions. Conscience does play a large role but certain things that are not permissiable under the law may be ethical to others. For example, revenge is not allowed under the law but someone who did not have to face criminal charges for committing revenge may do so. My conscience would still be there and a ring of invisibility would not change my conscience completely.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think that with such a power I would behave totally ethically and use my powers for good but I’m honestly not sure that it's possible. I begin to think about the contrasting ideas about power. On one hand I believe that with great power comes great responsibility (thank you Spiderman) but on the other hand I believe that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I would want to do good with my power but the allure for personal gain would be tempting. On top of that, being the curious person that I am, the desire to do things and see things that no one else can might overcome my desire to do good with my power. This is not to say that I would use my powers for anything evil or harmful but I may not use my powers for good. The secretive nature of invisibility would make it difficult to continue my life in the same manner. I think it's hard to predict how one would act with invisibility because I think it would probably change a person. If a weak-minded person were to obtain such a power I think it may consume them. The power is just too great.
ReplyDeleteObviously, as most people attempting to exert some form of justice, I claim that I would act justly. Acting unjustly only grants instant gratification. But, as we all notice, some people live off of instant gratifications. While a form of hedonism is always considered, it appears not fully satisfying to me. However, I do believe humans naturally act more justly when they are being observed. I also believe that someone can say one thing and do another when in the actual situation. Acting justly, I say that I would act with some form of justice with the ring of Gyges. But, only the actual circumstance can prove the outcome.
ReplyDeleteI believe that with a ring of invisibility, I would do as I pleased. I would like to believe that I would act ethically but with no punishment for what i do, that would probably not be the case. I think I would only commit minor crimes and only ones that would benefit myself, because the joy of just doing something that is against the law would wear off quickly. Also, if I did commit a major crime, or did some form of major harm to others, I would have so much guilt that it might even be worse than if i were actually visible.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I would typically say that I would still act ethically and good, but in reality I probably wouldn't. I would sneak into concerts and shows without paying, get free food and most likely spy on people for fun. I think that the ability to do whatever you wanted and never be caught would eventually become overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteUnder a ring of invisibility I would like to say that I would act exactly the same as I do know when I am perfectly visible, yet I know this is not the case. Although I do not believe I would commit grave acts of injustice, I would probably be tempted to do as I pleased in average ways that while visible I could not. I would, admittedly, not act supremely moral or just entirely but I would never kill or commit heinous or grave acts of the same severance.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I would behave ethically if I had a ring of invisibility. I don't know what the point would be in having a ring of invisibility if I would act the same as I would if I was visible. I wouldn't do anything that I would regret but I would do things that are not considered a social norm or ethical in some peoples eyes. Anyone would be tempted to use this ring if they had it in their hand because the point of being invisible is to be unseen. Everyone has a small side of them that they would rather be left unseen because it might be unethical or not seen as normal.
ReplyDelete