Check out THE OBSERVER and what it says about ethics.
http://www.ucobserver.org/archives/index.shtmlMY PERSONAL CONVICTIONS
In my opinion, from their beginning, all religions have been concerned about the morals and ethics of all people, but it is only recently--perhaps since the 1970's--that we have seen certain individuals come forward and call themselves "professional" ethicists, and be quoted in the media as such.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICISTS--new kids on the block
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For years, The Observer, mentioned above and a well-known church magazine in Canada, has carried articles on moral and ethical issues. However, this month it focusses on:
THE MORAL AUTHORITIES in our midst--the philosophers, doctors, clergy, including theologians, who are known as ethicists. They are, definitely, a new breed of professionals--if we, the people, all agree to accept them as such.
The Observer article points out that, "in today's world ethicists have replaced church leaders as arbiters of right and wrong."
Today, the media present us with ethicists as if they are go-to people on a wide variety of topics. They--and some are not necessarily overtly religious--are being listened to in the ways that, in another time, Christians use to defer to their Bible-quoting clergy and bishops. Is this a good idea? Or not?
WHAT ABOUT OTHER RELIGIONS?
It goes without saying that devout Muslims have always looked to their Koran-quoting mullahs as their moral authorities. They do to this even to this day.
I assume that secularist humanists (SH) can also be ethicists. Where are you SH? Stand up and be counted. You have my respect, okay?
QUESTIONS
Do we need professional ethicists?
Is it a valid profession?
Do you know any ethicists?
Would you value their advice?
Would you consult one?
Would you expect an ethicist to have a religion?
Or does it matter?
Is it at least as scientific as economics?
Or is it a bogus science seeking to become a valid one?
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THE FOLLOWING IS INTERESTING
http://www.professionalethics.ca/http://www.professionalethics.ca/cdn.htmlhttp://www.intact.ca/canary.htmhttp://www.christianity.ca/news/weblog/2006/6.14.htmlhttp://www.intact.ca/othersites.html======================
LET'S NOT FORGET ISLAM
http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/text.asp?type=article&aid=75======================
I assume that every "true" religion has its own brand of ethicism, and set of morals. It would be interesting to see how they compare with others. Perhaps, if they have a lot in common this commonality could be called the science of ethics. Or am I reaching?
