Ethics PSA 3

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Hillsborough Community College *

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1600

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Philosophy

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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2

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PHI1600 Ethics: Primary Source Analysis #3 NAME_____Natasha L. __________ Ayn Rand, “The Ethics of Emergencies” (1964) 1. How and why does Rand criticize the ethics of altruism? How does she define altruism? Ayn Rand disregarded altruism,   the idea that self-sacrifice and helping others less advantage is the ideal of morality . She believed in capitalism versus communism, that government should play as little of a role in people's lives as possible to allow them more individual privileges and rights (page 1). 2. Explain Rand’s argument in favor of ethical egoism. If Ayn Rand's Argument of Ethical Altruism is true, then one is obligated to sacrifice their life for the good of others . Ayn Rand also argues that individuals should prioritize their own self-interest and rational long-term goals. She believes that acting in one's self-interest is morally necessary, “most men do not accept or practice either side of altruism’s viciously false dichotomy, but its result is a total intellectual chaos on the proper human relationships and on such questions as the nature, purpose or extent of the help one may give to others.” (page 2). 3. How does Rand distinguish between an “Emergency” and the “Normal conditions of human existence”? What is the significance of this distinction for Rand? During an emergency the men's primary goal is to escape the danger and restore normal conditions, “The principle that one should help men in an emergency cannot be extended to regard all human suffering as an emergency and to turn the misfortune of some into a first mortgage on the lives of others.” (page 4). Metaphysically normal in the nature of things, and appropriate to human existence , “In the normal conditions of existence, man has to choose his goals, project them in time, pursue them and achieve them by his own effort” (page 4). Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963) 4. Why did he write this letter? Why was King in jail? It was   his response to a public statement of concern and caution issued by eight white religious leaders of the South . He was imprisoned as a participant in nonviolent demonstrations against segregation. 5. How does Dr. King explain “non-violent direct action”? Dr. King explains it as “… seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue . It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored.” (page 2). It is aggressive spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
6. What exactly is the “disease of segregation”? The "disease of segregation" is what causes ignorance and bitterness towards people of color, especially the ones that have darker skin. Segregation keeps people divided and stops a group from having equal opportunities. 7. How does King defend/justify breaking some laws? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. violated the laws regarding segregation, but he wanted to justify his actions by calling a higher moral law. In the letter it states, "I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law...to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake." (page 4). He believed that his confrontation was established on his moral beliefs, and he censured segregation and challenged the law. 8. How does King describe the “White Moderate” during the Civil Rights Movement? He said that a moderate is someone who would agree with the goals you seek to accomplish but doesn't like the actions you take to succeed them. In the letter, King expresses, "...but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season."(page 4). He feels like the people who are holding colored people back could possibly be white moderates, who advises black people to not take direct- action. 9. How do you think Dr. King would respond to Ayn Rand’s 1964 essay arguing for ethical egoism? I believe Dr. King would agree with Ayn Rand's essay arguing for ethical egoism because she makes points about fulfilling one's self-interests behind ulterior motives. I suppose King would have been able to relate to her argument. The people who were portraying to be helpful towards his cause but were trying to make a financial gain off of his teachings.
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