ETHC 445 Week 6 Discussion

ETHC 445 Week 6 Discussion | Devry University

Week 6: Discussion - Objectivism and David Hume's "IS-OUGHT " PROBLEM

Term paper ghostwriting is surely not a new idea. But doing it on the scale of big business—with advertisements in college newspapers, branch offices, and a stable of writers—is. It is possible today to buy a term paper on virtually any subject, complete with footnotes and bibliography. Some companies even offer tailor-made papers. You see an opportunity and want to start your own similar business. 

FIRST LEAD DISCUSSION QUESTION

Apply AYN RAND’S ethical approach to this scenario. How would she decide what is right to do? Note her theory has 4 principle's which ought to be included in your analysis.  This is problem 16 page 159 of our textbook.

FIRST LEAD DISCUSSION QUESTION LEARNING POINTS:

Ayn Rand’s ethical theory called “Objectivism” advocates “self-interest” as the principle by which to determine if one’s choices are “good” or “bad.” According to this principle, one is to do that which promotes, what satisfies or achieves personal needs and wants, that this leads to happiness, what reason tells us is that to which all humans aspire.

Ayn Rand’s theory does also include a principle that since all humans similarly have self-interest rights, all are to have their right of self-interest respected and are not to be used as a means to one’s own self-interest. So according to this ethical theory, it is ethical to disregard a plea for help by one in need and not ethical to steal from another. It is also unethical to force one to help another - ie government welfare programs. 

Applying these principles to the scenario, making money is in one’s self-interest, the question raised here is whether anyone here is being used as a means and not having their self-interests respected.  The “Ghostwriting” is done with permission and payment, so the ghost writer’s interest is being satisfied as is the user, but is misrepresentation of who is the author violating another’s self-interest? Example -When turned in for a course credit, is the instructor and school being used as a means? Is presenting oneself inaccurately using others as means?

SECOND LEAD DISCUSSION QUESTION

David Hume criticizes the approach and foundation upon which a number of ethical theories are based. What do you understand is his criticism?  Does it apply to Ayn Rand’s ethical theory?   Also, give one other criticism there is of her ethical theory.

SECOND LEAD DISCUSSION LEARNING POINTS:

David Hume sees logical flaw in those theories that use an analysis of fact to lead to value judgements.   Does Ayn Rand's ethical theory reflect this structure that Hume criticises? 

Consider that   Ayn Rand’s “Objectivism” is based on her observation that there is an “objective” reality which exists and therefor is the same for everyone. For her this is a fact, an objective reality.   She also observes that humans seek to be happy as their primary motivation and goal, another fact.  She further observes that humans are happy when they fulfill some self-interest.  Fact again.  From these facts she then uses human intellect/reason to lead to the principle that one then ought (the ought here being a value judgement) to act in one’s self-interest.  This is the exact construct of an ethical theory that Hume criticizes as flawed.  Or do you disagree? 

There are numerous other critiques of her theory.  Why happiness as the goal and motivating reason to act in self-interest?  How to account for altruistic actions when no seeming self-interest is present.   Presenting that there is an “objective” reality without any support for this “fact.” That her theory is not well developed and reflects immature behavior, acting only in self-interest. Self-interest can lead to anti-social behavior and undermine societal cohesion.