deontological or teleological ethic based?
and what makes that a better choice.

Here's a hint...always include a "none of the above" option.

My ethics, if they can be called that, are based primarily on empathy with other beings. Whether this is universal, common, or relatively unique I have no idea. I only know that I am 'cursed' with seeing and feeling things from someone else's perspective. Combine that with a genuine desire not to cause deliberate harm and the result is the artist formerly - and currently - known as Stimbo. Clearly I'm going to regard it as the better choice, since it works for me as much as it does everyone with whom I interact.

Note that I used the word 'beings' and not 'people'; that was a deliberate choice, since my empathy tends to extend to non-human animals as well. Though if you're a spider, you'd be far better off nowhere near me.

(February 20, 2013 at 11:59 pm)justin Wrote: deontological or teleological ethic based?
and what makes that a better choice.

A combination of the two. What makes it a better is that while there are general, broad principles to be followed, their applicability cannot be absolute for all situations - thus making it more suitable for this world.

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(February 21, 2013 at 1:16 am)Stimbo Wrote: My ethics, if they can be called that, are based primarily on empathy with other beings. Whether this is universal, common, or relatively unique I have no idea. I only know that I am 'cursed' with seeing and feeling things from someone else's perspective. Combine that with a genuine desire not to cause deliberate harm and the result is the artist formerly - and currently - known as Stimbo. Clearly I'm going to regard it as the better choice, since it works for me as much as it does everyone with whom I interact.

Note that I used the word 'beings' and not 'people'; that was a deliberate choice, since my empathy tends to extend to non-human animals as well. Though if you're a spider, you'd be far better off nowhere near me.

So, deonotlogical then?

Probably. Whatever it is seems to work without labels, but if that one fits I can live with it.

I've taken the golden rule to the next step. Instead of doing for others, what I would want, I try to do for them what they want/need.

(February 20, 2013 at 11:59 pm)justin Wrote: deontological or teleological ethic based?
and what makes that a better choice.

More a combination, I do believe that out of utilitarism and it`s results principles can be found. Yet I do believe that utilitarism shouldnt infringe individual rights.

I guess a modern citizen of the world cannot suscribe to one of these philosophical schools alone.

(February 21, 2013 at 1:32 am)Kayenneh Wrote: I've taken the golden rule to the next step. Instead of doing for others, what I would want, I try to do for them what they want/need.

Do they need a slap sometimes?

.. joking.. I know you meant that you try to be even nicer to them

I base my ethics on empathy, need & convenience. Not looking to win any badges so I can afford to play it by ear. I'll try my best not to become a psychotic killer but I'm not making any promises.

(February 21, 2013 at 4:02 am)whateverist Wrote: I base my ethics on empathy, need & convenience. Not looking to win any badges so I can afford to play it by ear. I'll try my best not to become a psychotic killer but I'm not making any promises.

Does Schopenhauer`s "ethics of compassion" apply for you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgehog%27s_dilemma

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer#Ethics

Quote:Schopenhauer's moral theory proposed that only compassion can drive moral acts. According to Schopenhauer, acts of compassion eye only the good of the object of the acts, that is, they cannot be inspired by either the prospect of personal utility or the feeling of duty. Mankind can also be guided by egoism and malice. Egotistic acts are those guided by self-interest, desire for pleasure or happiness. Schopenhauer believed most of our deeds belong to this class. Acts of malice are different from egotistic acts. As in the case of acts of compassion, these do not target personal utility. Their aim is to cause damage to others, independently of personal gains.