Discussion and Responses
My research indicates the most prized Confucian virtues of Ren, Li, Shu, Xiao, and Wen are social virtues. The notion of sincerity, unlike our Western translation, means to choose naturally what is correct for society. (Molloy, 2010) This being said, Ess states that the Ubuntu project illustrates the emphasis on “community well-being” from the view of this religion, which is much different than our Western individualistic perspective. (Ess, 2009, p. 79)
RESPONSE: There is an evident truth to sincerity. I would like to add that apart from sincerity as a social virtue, I believe there is nothing more worth inculcating and adapting than trust. Nevertheless, I also believe that trust must be earned through sincere service to the community.
Avery Smith:
I like what you wrote about the personal dignity of the accused. Yes, their accused actions are wrong, but they are still human beings. Personally, I like to consider times when I have acted irresponsibly. Thankfully I've never done something like this, but I believe the principles are the same. If we hope to see these young men become helpful members of society, (they could be some powerful speakers against this sort of behavior in the future, in ways that others who never committed or experienced their situation cannot), then we must hold them in a positive light and seek to punish them in a way that communicates the wrongness of their actions but does not condemn them as bad people.
RESPONSE: I agree with what you said about not having to condemn the people who did wrong but simply punish them in a humane way that would tell them they did something wrong. We cannot equate a wrong action with another action. For instance, a child failed to do her homework. We punish the child in a way that would let her remember that homework should be completed. We do not condemn the child just because she did something wrong. Rather, we must be helpful agents in the child’s transformation.
Clyne DQ1 WK 3:
According to our text on page 73, Digg's situational perspective came to mind in the rape trial at the request of the lawyer's to refer to the plaintiff as "accuser" instead of "victim". As this suggested that his clients were guilty of a crime, and that had not been determined. Digg's situational perspective states: "a persuader's role or position, as defined by the specific situation, audience, and society, should determine what criteria are appropriate for judging the ethics of means and ends." As an attorney, this is justified in a pre-trial setting. It shows clear and evident concern about placing a negative connotation in the minds of those set to listen to this trial. However, once that name is out there, it is hard to scratch it from the mind. It would have to be a deliberate notion as a juror to replace that preconceived knowledge and conduct a fair trial.
RESPONSE: I believe that there is a need to be more extra careful in giving labels to plaintiffs and suspects in the courtroom because this somehow decreases the morale of the people involved. A more appropriate labeling must be used to avoid negative connotations and impressions.
DQ1 – WK 3 – AVERY SMITH
I chose to compare the Steubenville trial with the "shared perspectives" perspective, which lists six points, identified by J. Vernon Jensen, that are shared by the "seven world religions. (Honesty, avoid slander, personally-sacred objects or observances, avoid general negative communication, aim to embody positive ethics daily, and seek to enlighten others through example.) (Johannesen, Valde, and Whedbee, 2008, p. 87). I chose this perspective for two reasons: I appreciated its relative simplicity, and I find it fascinating that these "guidelines" are essentially the fundamental ethical web that our world has operated for thousands of years, since they are shared by faiths thousands of years old, with globally-diverse origins.
RESPONSE: Aiming to embody positive ethics and enlighten others through communication are two of the main points shared by world religions that I like best. It always feels good to be enlightened by other people’s words. No matter how strong a person we are, we still look for those people that would constantly feed our souls with positive words of wisdom,
Katie Box: Week 3
C.) The perspective that I chose to compare to the rape case is Diggs Situational Perspective. This perspective believes that a persuader’s role will decide the criteria for determining if a situation or action is ethical. This perspective stated to consider a few things: the right to communicate on the subject, obligation to communicate on the subject, to use morally right communication ends, urges the wise and correct choice, and demonstrates good reason for adopting the view
RESPONSE: The effectiveness of communication is always manifested in the way people are able to persuade others to believe them. I believe that the outcome of a case relies on how well the lawyers persuade the judge through the use of words.
Sean Barnhill Week 3
C. The perspective I chose to compare an article with is Flether's Christian Situation Ethics. The article I chose to review is the Huffington Post's "Stubenville Football PlayersGo To Trial For Alleged Rape." The article discussed what happened that day in Ohio and how it forever changed a community comprised of 18,000 residents. According to the article, “Two high school football players go on trial this coming week on charges of raping a nearly passed-out-drunk 16-year-old girl during a night of partying in Steubenville.” There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this case considering the female was incompetent at the time she was raped and if, by law, this is actually considered a rape case. Despite the ongoing controversy, there was still wrong that was done here.
RESPONSE: I have similar texts. The only thing I would add though is the ethics behind the media’s action in the case of these minors. There is always a demarcation point between responsible and sensible reporting and irresponsible way of news delivery.
Katie Box Week 3 (Blog)
RESPONSE: I believe that nothing is more burdensome than seeing the increasing volume of crimes. The law excuses no one. Hence, military groups should be vigilant in investigating the “possible” criminal acts or acts of violence that happen in their own backyard. Sexual violence is worse than other forms of violence because the act itself demoralizes the victim.
