For a few weeks now we have been dwelling upon Ethics. Perhaps more than any other unit of TOK, Ethics is taught from the inside out. To avoid a purely academic exercise, one devoid of personal import, one treating ethical systems as if they were maps of purely abstract concepts, we must first become aware of our personal convictions and instinctive reactions, whatever these may be, however contradictory they may be. Once aware of these personal convictions, we can begin to examine them in the light of different ethical doctrines.
We have investigated the implications of using religion as a basis for Ethics, and we have had several conversations upon issues raised by specific ethical dilemmas in which we must make a judgment, select a course of action, and articulate a justification for our judgment and action. In discussing the cases we have looked at Egoist (self-interested), Utilitarian, Christian, and Kantian codes of Ethics.
Is it not interesting that there is no Authoritarian School of Ethics? In Ethics one must be actively thinking, not following. Obedience for the purposes of economic survival perhaps can be treated under Egoism. Recently it has caught the interest of experts concerned with ethics in the workplace. Improper business practice, always for the cause of greater profit, can have a forceful negative impact on society, leading to great economic duress or a terrible poisoning of the environment. In the wake of numerous recent scandals many are now demanding the study of business ethics at university. There is a desire that people be more conscious of their larger ethical responsibilities. The workplace can take on a factory-like ethos: do your work, don't speak up, don't contradict, don't think: you are an indian, not a chief. What is the right thing to do (besides read Dilbert)?
In examining the dilemmas our classroom discussion actually became quite heated at times, providing an opportunity to learn that meaningful human discussion requires restraint, a blast of emotion will usually and unsurprisingly summon an opposing blast. Rather than circumventing discussion, we have learned to exercise more self-restraint in order to share passionate ideas and feelings. All the conversations, I think, have been memorable learning experiences.
Most student responses to the dilemmas (and I hasten to say the responses were a little varied, but speaking generally) would probably find echoes from most adults placed in analogous situations. In fact the continuity with the world of adults made it clear that conventional ethical norms have been well observed and assimilated. At times there was generosity towards a friend, perplexity and inertia at the dilemma of a stranger, indifference at an action that was unethical but had no personal impact. Comparing and contrasting our responses, and looking at them in the light of different ethical codes, is one genuine way for learning to take place, although complex and urgent experience is the better teacher. Our best learning is life.
Besides conventional ethical dilemmas, we have looked at new issues in Bioethics as well, stimulated by a remarkable and memorable talk given by Paul Root Wolpe to an audience at TED. We have also watched an instructive session at TED with Michael Sandel, the most popular teacher at Harvard. Sandel teaches by the case method, first telling a brief story presenting an ethical dilemma and then asking students for their responses. He guides a soft collision of opinions by asking students to respond to each other and to give the reasons for their judgements, and then he seeks to clarify the ethical principles that underlie the collision of judgements. One can see his entire course on the internet (two students in our class have watched all the episodes!).
How do we arrive at our values? How do we justify them? The IB Mission Statement is marked by carefully selected values:
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Let's look at that last paragraph again: it says other people can be right and not other people are right. What distinction is being made? Is the door open to an ethical relativism? If it were, would this be fine? If the door is closed, should it be opened?
Due: January 10, 2012
Each and every one of us has got a set of values that direct our lives. Our differences in values can be attributed to the different family backgrounds, different cultures and even different religious beliefs. The IB aims to expand our knowledge as IB students through exposure to challenging programmes and co-curricular activities that enhance our knowledge in diverse ways. The IB Mission Statement suggests that with the various programmes that students undertake, every student has an opinion that could be right looking at the possible factors that could influence one’s opinion. The distinction being made between other people can be right and other people are right is that not every one is right. They could be right from in one perspective but not in another since every one has a different outlook of the world. With the philosophy of ethical relativism, it mostly depends on the individual. He/she determines what is right to them and how relevant it is to them. In a multi cultural society, varied opinions will arise because what is right in the eyes one person is not necessarily right in the eyes of another. Once again, it varies from culture to culture, religion to religion and different family backgrounds. The door is open to ethical relativism however; some issues could be matters of religion or culture while others are wrong such as corruption and others could be right such as being honest. The door should be open to ethical relativism because we cannot conclude on the basis of one opinion but several opinions.
ReplyDeleteEach person arrives at his/her values throughout their life experiences. Differences in values may also depend on your family background, culture or religion. Values are vital in our lives because they distinguish us from others. Values may be compared to laws that we impose on ourselves, we have to respect them. The IB program aims to prepare its’ students to life. The challenging programs aim to make us more knowledgeable. This program wants to make us in better students and hopefully people who will create a more peaceful and improved world. The IB program will teach its’ students to become activate, compassionate and lifelong learners and will enable them to understand that other people can be also right. The last paragraph says that also other people can be right. The IB teaches us to listen also to other people because they might also be right. There might be a question with no correct answer and two people answering it in a completely different way due to his/her values. “Ethical relativism” is the view that what is right and wrong can only be determined or justified relative to the standards of the individual, group or culture in question. So the door is open to ethical relativism because people’s answer will be based on their culture, family background or religion. This would be fine because each and every one of us has different values and will answer a question based on these.
ReplyDeleteOne of the aims of the International Baccalaureate organization is to teach students how to listen to one another in a constructive manner. The differences present between students create this variety of opinion. This variety is due to the different values and ideas that the students have in regards to particular issues. The IB organization encourages students to respect different opinions. It encourages them to understand that “other people can be right”. In this case, a distinction is been made between the idea that other people “are right” and the idea that they “can be right”. These words clearly show how the IB organization wants to lead students to understand which viewpoint is more correct. The IB wants to demonstrate that the opinion of other people is not always better than your own one. Thus, the door is open to an ethical relativism. This is because there will always exist different opinions which contrast each other. This is valid in the majority of the cases since people will always argue between one another over certain decisions. Thus, the door to ethical relativism will always be open. If it were closed, there would exist a single opinion between populations and, as we know, this will never be possible.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe all have more than one set of values and our lives are regulated by the combination of all of our values. However, our dominant values differ from person-to-person as a result of us being born into different families, cultures, religions, and nationalities. Our values also change as we change. From Individuation to Spiritual values and all values in-between, these values are prevalent in every society. Just as our values change as we grow older, so has education. The IB gives the chance to its students to expand their knowledge through using an international approach when teaching its subjects. Although it does follow a rigid structure - and has the schools that choose to adopt the IB follow a certain way of teaching and carrying out certain things - it also gives the students a chance to voice their own opinions that could be considered as right or wrong. By stating "other people can be right" and "other people are right" the IB is simply telling the reader that everyone can voice their own opinion and be right ... there is no wrong answer or extremely correct answer. If we were to apply ethical relativism - the belief that nothing is objectively right or wrong and that the definition of right or wrong depends on the prevailing view of a particular individual, culture or historical period - to our daily choices and based on what goes on around us (news from different countries of the world) the students gain a "whole - er" understanding of how to approach and interpret these situations. For example, a group of five people coming from different ethnic backgrounds could be in a room discussing an ongoing event and could collectively come up with dozens of different views on the subject at hand ... whether they agree with each other or not, they all learn and see and hear where other people different from themselves come from and view what is being discussed. Ethical relativism can be accepted by many just like it can be rejected. Certain things are universally rejected, like criminal activity other things instead are accepted based on one's religion, cultural and own beliefs. Thanks to transportation it is easier for people to travel around the world and possibly start a new life in a country different from theirs. It is bound to happen that they will bring their own cultural traditions and eventually mesh them with the ones they found in the country they moved to, creating a new and -possibly- improved way of viewing situations. This interesting outlet known as ethical relativism should be used before making any major decisions that could affect the world as a whole since it is believed - and has been found - that it is better when one has more opinions to dwell upon than just one.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Dr !!!
Each individual is brought up in a different way, depending from their origins, and backgrounds. Most of us are somehow given a religion at birth, and as we grow, we choose whether to keep it or not. Our values are also arrived at in a similar way. We each have our own values, and consequently, determine whether it can be considered right or wrong to do something. We each have a say, and opinion. The IB states that “other people can be right” I believe that as long as the individual can prove a valid statement, then his or her opinion can be indeed right. Of course, the different cultures and backgrounds may see something as valid in different ways. This may cause conflicts, but something else the IB teaches, is to be open-minded. One needs to try and accept or understand someone else’s opinion. Doors should never be closed, human beings have the right to direct their lives in the way they intend to. In a similar way, the doors to an ethical relativism should also be accepted. I feel that we all are allowed to have our own opinion on what is wrong, and also on what is right. Having doors closed creates boundaries, limiting the individual’s right to say. Some may think it is better that way, to have a base to grow on. I personally feel that no matter what, humans will always be influenced by others, by religion, by culture, by family background. So creating more boundaries is limiting us even further. Forcing something on someone, such as a belief, or idea, is wrong. It would be interesting to all become children again, and do things without being overly conscious about it. As people say; “babies are fearless”. Therefore, values can be seen as right and wrong, depending on the point of view.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that “other people, with their differences, can also be right” underlines the importance of understanding that in the world we live in there are a variety of different cultures that should be respected. Different social and cultural backgrounds influence people to have different views regarding the life and the external world. What is “right” for us may not be “right” for other people.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to consider the fact that the truth and the values that belong to our culture are not necessarily “absolute truths” that have to be accepted by everyone. It is normal to consider the ideas and values hold by different cultures as unusual, and we, as humans, have a proclivity in feeling fear for something unknown, different, and detached from the “reality” to which we are accustomed. This, however, does not mean that we have to simply reject the unusual and not consider other people’s opinions as valuable. I think that the possibility of an ethical relativism should be fine, even if to some extent. Different perspectives allow for confrontation, which results in thinking and evaluating our own beliefs. We learn not to behave mechanically, but to have a mind that actively evaluates our ideas. The fact of having a fixed mindset should not be considered a positive attribute, because it does not allow people to consider the possibility of the existence of other “truths”. Learning comes from experiences, challenges and facing something different from what we already know. In this way we are able to analyse the reasons behind our own beliefs and ameliorate ourselves. By analysing ethical dilemmas during Tok classes, I started to think about what opinions I truly hold regarding different topics, such as same-sex legal marriage. Hearing what other class mates had to say made me think about the value I give to my own opinions, since it gave me an opportunity to look at things from different perspectives. The simple interaction with other people makes us reflect on different ethical issues and about our role in society. Ethical relativism makes us have an open mind and learn what choices we want to make in our lives and the kind of persons we want to become. The question is, does ethical relativism mean that there is no way to objectively establish some general ethical rules? Talking about ethics brings me inevitably to think about religion. In the world there is a variety of different religions, each having its own rites, beliefs and precepts to follow. Some religions differ a lot from each other, but can anyone say that a religion is “wrong”? I do not think that such a statement could be made. Hindus believe in reincarnation, Christians believe in heaven and hell, but, belonging to anyone of these two, I could still not declare the other one as wrong. Still, there are some common beliefs shared between all religions, such as the belief that that murder is wrong, or the belief in the existence of a superior being, sometimes called “God”. These same characteristics could be applied to the concept of ethical relativism. Having different views in ethics, which could, at times, all be considered to be true, it is not something that should be discarded. Despite this, I believe that there are some general “ethical rules” that should be shared, and often, are shared, between all cultures. I also believe that the fact of not having fixed general rules shared by all people has its positive aspects. Ethical relativism could be very useful for us. Without ethical relativism, would we be able to profoundly understand the value of our ethical choices and beliefs? Or would we simply accept the precepts given to us as true, not trying to explore our personal view? We are all different, not only because of our cultures or religions but because of our identity and personality. It therefore results as natural and normal the fact of having different opinions. This, however, does not mean that we have to accept our first instinctual ethical response to life events as the more righteous and valuable one. We should instead try to think carefully about our choices and find a balance between other people’s interests and our own. We have to focus on how we want to relate to other people and what kind of person we want to become, because our actions are what define who we are.
ReplyDeleteThe last paragraph of the IB mission statement highlights the fact that the students who are studying for the IB diploma come from all over the world. Many international schools are into the IB and this means that there is a great variety of different cultural and social backgrounds that are being mixed. One of the most simplest rules which are set in class discussions is that other people’s opinions must always be heard and respected. It is therefore since we are little that teachers try to teach us what is tolerance and respect, towards everyone, without excluding those who are different from us regarding their background and point of views.
ReplyDeleteIn the last paragraph of the statement a distinction is being made. It says that “other people can be right”; using the word “can” determines the fact that there is a possibility that different opinions are right. Everybody is diverse which means that it is impossible to agree worldwide on an issue. Many are the dilemmas which nowadays still haven’t got an answer, such as the death penalty, there are people who think it is right and others who oppose to it. The fact that one believes in something and the other in something else doesn’t mean that both arguments can’t be right. Therefore, to a certain extent the statement opens to ethical relativism which isn’t a negative aspect. One can’t declare that all the different opinions of other people are ethically right but can state that one should reflect and be able to face issues also from a different perspective; which in certain cases could also help.
Vittoria de Castiglione
The beauty of our world relies in its uniqness. Each person is different, we all have our ideas and opinions and we all make choices. Sometimes these choices or opinions aren't sustained and agreed by everyone but sometimes they are. The point is that our world is so special because it varies. The IB as a program in a certain way is able to broaden our mind, through different subjects, on the diversity in which we live. For example in Art, when we finish a project we present it to the class and receive criticism or approvals. My painting may not be appreciated but what I have understood in Art is that it is not important the painting itself but rather the message you are trying to convey, the process behind it and most importantly what other people convey from it. In each subject there is, in a way, a debate, sharing ideas or simply discussing an argument. We are fortunate in being in an international school where a variety of cultures are present and thus, in classes such as religion or Tok these cultural differences emerge. In Tok we have seen how people react and respond to situations in different ways but mostly we have seen how all these different paths have pros and cons, and thus, there isn't a right answer. Therefore the IB program has given us the possibility to develop many skills, one of them is communication. A skill that in its irony also develops in you the art of listening and respecting other people's ideas, whether you are in favour or not, because by listening and being open to new views you continue developing and growing. I therefore think that the IB fundamentally teaches us how to think, evaluate and thus interact in a constructive way with other students. I also think that it is very open to new ideas when these are justified, also seen by its continuous improving after a number of years, its programs.
ReplyDeleteTo conclude, I believe that in all classes we have learned to respect other people's ideas, and whether they are ethical or not, we can express our opinions, but we certainly can't force people to change their mind.
Ginevra Bolla
Our values are determined by our religions, our culture and our past. With experience we find ourselves with certain obstacles and have to take certain decisions and in those situations either we build values or rely on our basic values determined by our predecessors. We accept these values because of our culture and therefore religion or because of the influence of society which builds us to believe in what is right from what is wrong. Also sometimes we determine our values from the situation because there can’t always be a right or a wrong, there are different cases. Through the IB mission statement the distinction between other people can be right and not, other people are right shows how there isn’t always a right answer and the program is open-minded towards different mind sets. There is an ethical relativism because the program doesn’t impose upon the students what is right from what is wrong but it creates doubts, so that we aren’t spoon fed by society and realize by ourselves what is right from what is wrong. The problem is that the door isn’t completely open to ethical relativism because we do have a background to lean upon and the program cannot change what we already have imposed through our culture. Humans always need a background to feel safe and secure and the IB program is partially open to ethical relativism to not bring away all our securities in life which might as well not be true.
ReplyDeleteDistinguishing what is right from what is wrong has troubled world ethics for years. The truth is, in my opinion, that mankind will never be able to arrive at a conclusive decision. The failure is not because of man’s inability to distinguish ethical actions, or his inability to cooperate with others. The world consists in 7 continents and 196 countries with over 6 billions people inhabiting every piece of land, individuals are bound to disagree with one another. Ethical relativism states that there are no absolute truths in ethics, what is morally right or wrong can vary between people and societies. It is a very correct philosophy, equal in everyone’s regards, and it does not provoke any form of ethnocentrism (belief that your own way of life is somehow better than another person’s) and it accepts worldwide opinions. The IB mission statement does attempt to underline this aspect. It praises how “other people can be right” thus, one narrow point of view is not necessarily the only correct one. The IB leaves a door open for its individuals to be free to interpret matters for themselves. It does not want to encourage to forget one’s cultural background, and religious beliefs (which determine an individual’s ethical values) but to not exclude any one else’s as well. Conflicts will exist eternally; it is difficult to have almost 7 billion people mutually arrive at the same conclusion. In a world where ethical issues are dominant in every corner, one can only be understanding of the other, and respect another’s cultural, religious, and ethical justifications. The IB encourages us to be respectful and to listen to a variety of perspectives, in order to broaden and escape one narrow opinion. One must never forget that other people “can be” right, hence not necessarily. Consequently, in ethics there can never be an absolute truth, but many truths; however, one must pay attention to distinguish these truths from fallacy. Only in doing so will one learn to be understanding of what is right, in order to make this world, even if slightly, a little bit better.
ReplyDeleteEthics is a subject area that is always full of unanswered questions. What is right and what is wrong, is a very general question in the field of ethics and can never be answered fully and correctly. Ethically correct and incorrect answers are based on the person who is answering the question. Such questions are very open- ended and will definitely differ from person to person. In the IB program the statement that “other people can be right” is a very valid statement. It is more appropriate that “other people are right”. The reason for this is that everyone is unique. It is what makes this world a lot more interesting. Everyone is subject to his or her opinion. The IB program enables students from all over the world to understand each other and present their opinion on various subjects. For instance I know for a fact that in my TOK class there are atleast 7 different nationalities. Many of our ethics classes ended in heated discussions over what was right and what was wrong. Everyone ws right in their own justified manner. There is never one correct answer when concerning ethics.
ReplyDeleteWe are all brought up in different homes, with different parents and in a different environment. It is this uniqueness that allows us to draw conclusions in situations that require ethical opinions. Since I am an Indian, certain things maybe ethically incorrect in my opinion, but it may be ethically correct in the eyes of another person who is of a different origin. Through the IB we are taught that not everyone will have the same opinion on a certain subject matter. The door in the IB is open to ethical relativism as it allows us to bring in our cultural opinion into many discussions. Since the IB is an international program and there are students from all over the world who bring their ideas to the table, which could often lead to conflicts in ideas. As students from different cultures will argue on ethically correct and incorrect answers and where the line must be drawn. This is one of the main reasons why often times ethical issues result in highly heated debates and not everyone in this world will have the same solution to the problems. Therefore through the IB program we are taught to be respectful of all people and accept the fact that there are always different views to an ethical problem and they could also be right.
This is actually an issue that I deal with in my daily life. I am always trying to understand why someone doesn’t have my same point of view and my frustration grows when something that seems so logical to me, isn’t logical for someone else. I like to be right, yet for someone else I might be wrong and vice versa. This being said, I do believe that others can be right because they are perfectly entitled to their beliefs and reasons. Everyone has a different past, has witnessed things from varying dimensions, and felt diverse emotions to others therefore our reasons can’t be the same as ours. I think that the IB Mission Statement cares to say ‘can’ instead of ‘is’ because it goes to show exactly what they previously state about intercultural understanding and respect. Every individual has a different mindset and if with a comprehensive back-up of reasons can introduce it to a discussion. Ethics has been a particularly touchy subject these past months and I am still confused about some things but I have learnt very much that my conviction is not everyone else’s and that respect is important in order to have a proper debate. I do not want to definitely say that ethical relativism should be an open door because I am still not entirely sure, but I believe that everyone has right to do what it is that they like without obstructing the beliefs of others. I think that ethical relativism can be an open door only if the one who enters it is branded with respect.
ReplyDeleteThe ability to collectively learn, share and collaborate with other cultures without the presence of discrimination is one of the main aims in the last lines of the IB’s Mission Statement. It strives to push our ways of thinking in many directions, and not just believing that there is one single answer to solve every dilemma. TOK class in particular is a way in which us students from all different backgrounds and beliefs have an opportunity to express what they feel is right – whether is be ethically or religiously ect. The IB believes that sharing knowledge leads to a greater ability to perceive the world around us, because in reality, when we are out of high school we will come into contact with many people who have strongly varied believes and we will have the ability to understand and discuss these. In my opinion, distinguishing a ‘norm’ in terms of ethics is impossible because everybody’s believes can be right to a certain degree. We couldn’t say that ones beliefs are simply wrong, without considering every angle of their approach. Therefore I believe that the IB leaves the door open in terms of ‘ethical relativism,’ it does not want people to believe the way they have been brought up is ‘wrong.’ Every culture holds truth in what is right – and the IB is open to this and accepts this idea. The differences present in the program are what make is such a unique and valuable community to learn in.
ReplyDeleteRylie Arnell
"Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the more often and steadily reflection is occupied with them: the starry heaven above me and the moral law within me. Neither of them need I seek and merely suspect as if shrouded in obscurity or rapture beyond my own horizon; I see them before me and connect them immediately with my existence."
ReplyDeleteClosing the door would be going against one individual's own freedom. The moral law comes from within the individual, as a product and proof of it's own freedom. There can't be any limits set on the moral law. If there were, first they would compromise one's freedom, second it couldn't be defined anymore as a moral law and would become and imperative: something which is not dictated by freedom, something which is not moral, thus making it an objective law, a law imposed to everyone.
C.
Ethics is a difficult topic to discuss, for some people look at moral values differently. Some say that certain actions are acceptable in certain situations and others say that a moral value must be respected at all times, no matter how tragic the circumstances. This creates conflict with the distinction of right and wrong. How can something be considered right or wrong? Who decides what is best to be considered correct and incorrect? Can anything be acceptable at any time? These answers vary from person to person and depending on the personality of a person the distinction of right and wrong may be lenient.
ReplyDeleteThe IB Mission Statement strives to unite cultures and make each and every one of its participants aware of the diversity in the world. By saying that other people can be right and not that other people are right, it is trying to make you more open minded. By meeting new cultures, one expands his/her knowledge of the world, and so can then better judge what is wrong and what is right. This would lead to maybe thinking that what you knew beforehand is not the only thing that exists. With new aspects of life being presented to you, you might discover that there is more.
The IB program tries to bring up students with a more respectful attitude, a desire to learn and a desire to make changes in the world. Furthermore, it teaches students to listen one another's opinions and to not argue among each other to find out who is right and who is wrong but it teaches to accept that the same answer can have two different answers that are both correct; hence to be open minded. Nevertheless, throughout our studying life we will learn that teachers accept only one correct answer but it doesn't matter until you know that life always has more than one right answer.
ReplyDeleteThe statement "other people can be right" said by the IB can be considered, in my opinion, an open door onto the ethic relativism, which means that nothing is objectively right or wrong and this distinction depends on the single individual; therefore, that statement belongs to the ethic relativism since it depends on each individual to determine whether a thing is right or wrong. In addition, an open door towards ethic relativism would be a good thing to have since it will show that you as a student have absorbed the teachings of the IB Diploma and are now ready to share them with the rest of the people around you and to make the world a better place.
As we are reaching the end of this intricate journey in the IB diploma we are continuously urged to develop a set of personal ideologies and understanding of the world that surrounds us. Living in a materialistic society, characterized by a complete free-for all in the conquest of economic wealth fare, has definitely been one of the most determining factors in this long process of maturation. More importantly however, this new era of technological progression, has to some extent revolutionized, the ethical values of the past. One of the most evident examples of this gradual transformation may be epitomized by the work environment in a situation of international economical crisis. In such environment, work has assumed such an integral role in the individual’s life that it is the cause of numerous ethical dismissals. The human desire for more than what he already has, has characterized the human condition for centuries; however it now has assumed a value so high that choosing what is right or wrong is complementary to what is personally profitable. Let us take for example those industries that discard their industrial wastes regardless of the ecological consequences. In their set of ethical beliefs, negative environmental externalities are morally justifiable for economical profit. Distinguishing oneself from this collective mind set may reveal itself to be a challenging task. In a time where ethical righteousness is hanging unbalanced on a thread, choosing what is right or wrong depends strictly on our own capability of evaluating our environment. Creating a set of ethical values is a process that involves a close analysis of a variety of different point of views and I believe that it is only by mastering one’s own capability of observing the world panoramically that a firm set of personal ethical values may be shaped.
ReplyDeleteALESSIO FAVALLI
We are all different, we all come from different backgrounds, and we all have different point of views. Throughout our lives we will find many people who do not agree with our point of views and what we shouldn't do is think we are the only ones who can be right. We all have our own ideas and reasons to believe certain things. What we have to accomplish is that no thoughts are wrong , we are all right in our own way. We come from different backgrounds and our beliefs are based on our past experiences and on what our parents taught us. We have to respect others beliefs and ideas. This is what I think the IB Mission Statement wants to say by using the word “can” instead of “is”. It wants us to understand the importance of intercultural understanding and respect. I have a really complicated and strong character and I usually get really mad when people don't agree with what I say. I usually don't really listen to what other people believe if I do not agree with them. Although, the debates and conversations we have in our ToK classes really helped me understand the importance of listening to and respecting other peoples beliefs.
ReplyDeleteWhat we believe is right is influenced by who we are. Every human being has its culture family and past events, which surely influence his/her mentality and points of view. For this reason you can't denigrate other people opinions, you can only listen and reflect on them. It happens many times that people change side. In our classes discussions, usually happened that if someone did not agree with another person the two would start having a very intense discussion. This is because usually human can't accept what goes against them. The IB teaches us to do so. Even if we have different opinions it does not mean that the one, which do not correspond to ours, are wrong. What the IB statement says is that we need to respect one another and reflect on others believes. I believe that in a debate people need to control emotions and do not shout. You can prove to be right only when people will listen to you, and in order to do so you can't let your emotions overrule. If I use rationality I believe that the door must always be open to new opinions, but if I try to imagine my self in an extreme situation where the other person opinion is totally wrong from my perspective, it is difficult to leave the door open.
ReplyDeleteGinDag
Luckily the IB program is based on a complete formation of the young adults, caring about all the aspects of the students. These last are taught academic subjects throughout the school years, but not only: also respect, honesty, altruism, sharing, goodness but most of all acceptance of people with different culture backgrounds. I don't think that the ethical values of an adolescent like me (or of any other aged mature person) are 100% based on the teachings of school or relatives, because DNA, personality and personal past experiences lead to different perspectives, and therefore play significant roles in one's moral choices. I mean: how you interpret life's sense and what to do consider to be the God (if you believe in Him or not) is the main factor that affects your behavior. But still, teachings, culture and religion are very important factors of one's values, and the IB explains this fact with the expression: others "with their differences", which means oother with different stoty from ours. The particular choice of using the words: (other students...) "can also be right" and not "are right" is the key of the IB's preparation for the morality of the students. Because culture and religion, as I already said, are determining elements for a person's values, different people have different opinions about ethics and therefore have different values. Let me make an example: the topic is abortion. If a young woman is wealthy and had a rich spiritual guidance, maybe in a Christian country, she would probably be against abortion and see it as an homicide, therefore she would never do it if she found herself in that situation even though she was not planning to have a baby. If a same-aged woman lives in a poor country as Iran, for example, and she lives in difficult conditions such as poverty, sexual abuses, prostitution and drug abuse, then she could see abortion as the right thing to do in order to safe a creature from a life built on sufferings. In this particular case, the living conditions are very important in the choice of what to do, but also ethics and previous culture teach them how to act in those situations. Therefore yes, the IB is referring to ethical relativism because saying that other people "can also be right" means that one situation can be seen in different perspectives: so a moral dilemma just like abortion can be seen from the points of view of both women and considered to be right: this is what the IB program strikes to do. When I studied Pirandello at the middle school I remained particularly fascinated by his theory of relativism while I was reading "Il treno ha fischiato", because he supported the idea that everything is relative and nothing is 100% absolutely true. But when we are talking about ethics, can this opinion be considered still right? Acceptance and respect of others' perspectives of ethical values are good virtues, but I think there is also a limit to this. I mean, huge moral dilemmas such as woman rights and death penalty can be determined by one's culture, therefore we should accept that Islam treats women as objects because their religion says so? No, I don't think so. We should then try to understand why others support their ideas about ethics, and maybe reach to the conclusion that he\she is also right and we should accept the ethical relativism, but into human limits.
ReplyDeleteEthics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour. There is no a main rule what is ethically right or wrong, that depends on individual point of view and understanding of things. Those kinds of questions don’t have a one, simple and correct answer. People argue and give their own explanations and opinions. Since we are all different this is a normal thing, that every person understands and sees things in a different way and we shouldn’t argue about that.
ReplyDeleteThe IB program is a very challenging high school program which prepares students all over the world for their future. According to the last paragraph of the IB Mission Statement this program among the all other things is trying to encourage other people to be open and gain as much information and knowledge as they can and also to understand diversity of the world and accept all people and their opinions and thoughts. This paragraph has a very strong message, which says that we shouldn’t judge anyone’s opinion or mark it as ethical or unethical because there is no such a thing. Every person finds its own believes ethical. Right thing to do is to learn from the people around you and accept them as they are.
Marija
I personally think that many things cannot be taught at school by teachers. The IB Mission is to give us students a base to our knowledge and to have a clear idea of the things we are going to encouter in life. By saying that other people can be right, they are presuming that other people come after you. Everyone that wants to be right, needs a prove or an example in order to make others belive in what he is saying. The values that each individual has are things that are not taught in school, but are acquired though experience. During the life, people find values that are more appropriate to their characters. Moreover the door should always be open, because an open door shows hope, a new direction and so a positive attitude towards life. A closed door has no hope, but limitations, and life is too short to have limitations.I believe that the IB programme is a very complete program, that is a good start for the long journey of life. I even think that it is very demanding and challenging, so stretches every students ability. Unfortunately the IB cannot teach us what is the importance of the values we are going to have. Experience is the only perfect teacher.
ReplyDeleteThe IB mission statement says "other people can be right" meaning there is also a possibily to be wrong and that not necessarily 'other people' are always right. The distinction made between the what the statement says and "other people are right" is that there may be clashing opinions or multiple perspectives. These differences in ideas may be the result of different culture, different religions, different nationalities and different knowledge. This so justifies, to a certain extent, whether something might be right to us but not right to another person, or viceversa. I think that this statement leaves a door open to ethical relativism as the IB is obviously international so is meant to 'unite' different cultures and to help IB students understand these differnces in order to accept them to create a better and more peaceful world. I also think that this is 'fine' because although cultures may be very contrasting it allows us to create a better society and to fully understand that other people can also be right in what they say or do and that there are individuals who are different from us so nothing is generally right or wrong but each individual will provide an answer for himself. There should always be a door open do ethical relativism in order to ensure the fulfillment of the IB mission statement and to guarantee that the student has full knowledge of what he has been taught and will apply it later on in life.
ReplyDeleteChiara De A.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI consider the IBO to be successful in many ways, but what I admire the most is its "internationality" , and the efficient education it provides young adults with. In fact, I think the IB program gives a solid education to us teenagers, and prepares us not only to university, but to the world of adults. The IB keeps all the students involved in it, really close together. From my experience, I can say I have acquired knowledge about many different cultures, ideas, and values . My courses have taught me that "diversity is the spice to life" : I have read so many books, poems, thoughts, essays, completed so many experiments, interacted with so many different people, and have realized that yes " other people can be right ". I think this statement leaves an open door to ehtical relativism. It makes one think about the world around us, and invites to open the eyes to appreciate what others have to offer, and to avoid egoism. At least this is my opinion, and the message that the IBO is sending out to us students.
ReplyDeleteOur culture, values, and beliefs shape what we consider right and wrong. This may differ from what others have been raised to believe is right and wrong. The IBO Mission statement addresses this by acknowledging that different people with different beliefs can also be right. This introduces the issue of whether or not this ethical relativism should be encouraged, or whether only one right and wrong should be adopted by all. Many ethical matters are agreed upon by most societies, such as the wrongness of murder or stealing, and the rightness of helping others. However, there are many issues that are not ethically agreed upon by societies. With these issues, it is difficult to decide what is the ultimate right and wrong ethical decision. Law often attempts to intervene to provide this answer, yet even then many may not agree. I believe that a person's belief or opinion about an issue should be considered. If they can provide a coherent justification for their belief, then their approach to a problem should be at least respected by others, even if they themselves do not agree. As the world becomes a more global community, it is extremely important for us to understand the cultural and religious influences on the ethical beliefs of others. Only then can we accept one another’s beliefs, and possibly come to agreements upon the approach to issues. The IB recognizes the importance of this, and through classes such as TOK is able to put that belief into practice. IB students are able to broaden and sophisticate their beliefs, to understand the motivations for their beliefs and to learn to accept those of others. Right and wrong are relative terms. It is not up to one person to decide what they mean, for everyone differs in their ethical values.
ReplyDeleteCaroline
When the ib is referring to the people who "can also be right". It is talking about all the people in our community, when they say this they are also dealing with all the different cultures which face the ib and who deal with it. However it is mainly saying and mainly trying to convey that multiple people with different backgrounds can be right. It is not saying that people are right; the distinction here is that in one phrase one can have the choice of being right whilst in the other he/she just is. The ib says “can also be right” because they believe that not everyone is right, the fact that they are doing this program is to teach people their messages their techniques. The simple reason that the ib exists is to help people with their diploma, if everyone were right there would be no need to implement the ib. knowing that many people have different backgrounds and experiences that conclude their opinions on something or someone, the ib leaves open a option for those who can be right and for those who are wrong. I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion it’s just that some are unreasonable, again this is my opinion. However the ib explores many aspects and different subjects which I think is great. I also think it is great how they want to improve the world with this program and they have a right to, I also think that when they say one “can also be right” they are saying the correct thing.
ReplyDeletefbremer
"These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right." Is the closing statement to our school's IB mission statement. It is a conclusion to the previous paragraphs. It identifies the typical IB student and allows us to understand the openness and tolerance of the program itself.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to notice the last few words that state that IB students realize that there is more than one opinion/perspective in life. As IB students we are taught that many people are correct in their own way, even if they are different from us.
The wording of the sentence also allows those who read the statement to feel as though the IB program does not outweigh a certain "perspective" on issues and subjects. By saying that IB students are able to understand that others can be right as well portrays that we are not following ONE specific and correct path; instead, we are taking many into consideration. The wording also makes it understood that through the diverse cultures present in the program, we can also be right. The IB statement DOES NOT state that all others are 100% correct, but that we should take into consideration their ideas to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding of others.
This statement does not create any unethical dilemmas, instead it is relative because it acknowledges the differences we all encounter in life. Through it we learn to be accepting as well.
I believe that the distinction made by the IBO, when saying that "other people can be right" is coherent with what the program offers in its study courses. The classes held in the schools around the world, all aim at developing collaboration between students and teachers of different nationality. Being international the IB does provide a study program offering only one right point of view, but instead it offers many and of diverse. taking for example my History class, I am able to see that the program does not focus on Italy's history, or American history, but rather on the events that have been of particular effect world wide, and that will provide the student with knowledge on issues of great importance. Giving the possibility of listening to different points of view, helps students change opinions and acquire a greater knowledge. However, by making this distinction the IB is not saying that the ideas made by people of different nationalities are always right, but it demonstrates that each one of us thinks in its own way and sharing our ideas, and thoughts is a way of understanding better what is right and what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteIn the IBO mission statement; it says: “other people, with their differences can also be right”. The IBO works to widen the view of students so that they except people of different cultures, and know that others can also be right. Different cultures have different interpretations of what is right and wrong which is why we can never say that other people are right but that they can be. The aim is not to know what is right and what is wrong but to see many views and not discard the possibility of an idea different from yours to be right. The IB teaches students to accept others, and in my opinion the mission statement does not open doors to ethical relativism. The mission is simply to encourage young adults to integrate and mix. Countries have their own culture and there are certain aspects that one country might think is wrong while another country thinks it is right. I do not think this is ethical relativism since the goal is not for students to compare the ethical morals of each country but just to know that they are out there. The IB emphasizes acceptance of cultural differences and is not talking about the basic morals of human life. We do not need to agree with some of the morals of other cultures but we need to accept that this aspect is part of their country and of how they were brought up. We are all different people with different morals, some are right and some are wrong, but some could also be both.
ReplyDeleteThe ib mission statement shows that all though one may believe they are right, there are other people that have opposite beliefs and yet believe they are right too. This is because of there differences, cultural background, and up bringing. These things don’t make either of them wrong it just shows how human can have opposing beliefs, which they hold important. All one can do in this situation is try to explain their reasons for believing their argument and be willing to listen to the other persons reasons. Having justified our beliefs and questioned the opposing beliefs we are educated on the topic to make a valuable answer. Even having gone through this, it is very possible that neither will give in to agreeing with the other, but through this process many questions have been asked that might remain and stimulate your own mind to question if your views are right. Many of the view of an individual come from their up bringing, and I can say personally you share many of the views that your parents have. If this is because that is what your exposed and therefore you just believe or because you truly believe what they stand for one doesn’t know. As humans we like to believe we have a brain of our own, and yet we are very influenced by what is around us, which constantly affects our moods, view and character. The ib doesn’t follow the concepts of open door ethical relativism but encourages the ib students to be willing and open to different view of the world. As they encourage the students to be open to other cultures.
ReplyDeleteI believe that when people say "other people can be right" they aren't being completely honest, however I believe it is necessary to accept this white lie for the progress of society. After discussing the case of the veil ban on Friday after lunch, I think I may have changed my decision regarding which side to agree with. Although I think the veil should be banned, I realize that by making such a decision, governments will not obtain the result they are striving for. When someone is strongly convinced of the correctness of a certain practice, banning it will not change their mind, in fact it might as well fuel their convictions with anger and indignation. In order to obtain change, one must first concede that the other side might be right, in order to allow discourse and potentially persuade. If those holding certain views see their opposition as "the enemy" it will be impossible for them to relate and empathize, greatly decreasing the chances of them seeing the validity of the points being made.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this does seem somewhat of a devious scheme, I think it is fair, as, in turn, it allows those attempting to convince to be convinced themselves.
Being in an International school and taking the IBO as a diploma permitted me to look at world’s issues or relationships in many different perspectives. In my opinion accepting the different cultures, religions, traditions that I have been confronted with since I was little helped me throughout my life. Sometimes accepting a counter argument to our believes can be difficult. What the Ib statement is trying to sustain is the fact that being right doesn’t mean that others are wrong. This seems to be a great issue in today’s world. Taking into consideration other opinions is fundamental for us humans to live positively in society. TOK is a course that allows us as individuals to think, question and confront ourselves continuously which sometimes can result in a great big discussion but in the end it can be very stimulating for our mind.
ReplyDeleteIf I were asked to choose three verbs to synthesize ethical education, I would pick listening, understanding, and respecting. Basic words as they may be, perceiving their intrinsic significance would be overfilling for any human being. We experience, in fact, just an aspect of their overall value, and repeatedly apply our small fragment of knowledge in our everyday lives. Enriched by more than six billion daily “difficult” decisions, and colored by considerable socio-cultural diversities, the complexity of a so-called ethical mosaic is anthropologically extremely fascinating.
ReplyDeleteTo fully analyze the three concepts related to ethics an entire book would not be enough. For this reason, I’ll just discuss the first concept, listening, as fully as possible.
I experienced the epitome of listening two years ago at a summer camp. Two students, Chinese and Greek respectively, were arguing over some cultural matter in English, common language for both. As the argument was intensifying passionately, the Chinese student burst exclaiming a proverb in his own language. The Greek boy silenced. He then softly whispered to his friend that he admitted his personal fault, since such profound intensity must derive from an extraordinary conviction in one’s own principles. All this without having understood one word of what the Chinese boy said.
Listening ties to acceptance. Voltaire famously affirmed: “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it”. Decide to listen to another person’s thoughts means challenging one’s own personal opinion and trying to find faults and flaws into our own arguments. Listening often involves risking and sacrifice: venturing into areas of the knowledge realm our mind holds yet unexplored, and possibly sacrificing our pride, our reputation, our prejudices. Just like the Greek student, who surpassed the limits of language and communication when confronted with a pure demonstration of emotional conviction, one has to transcend human boundaries, getting one step closer to what theologians call “soul” of an individual.
The values of listening are clearly present when, in the IB mission statement, it is said that “other people, with their differences, can also be right”. No moral relativism is implied in the statement: rather, the phrase highlights how socio-cultural differences may act as knowledge prism which outpours various interpretations of the world.
Truthfully listening to others clearly doesn’t relate to ethical egoism; on the other hand it does not imply ethical altruism(giving up what one believes being a right idea devalues our own self) ; also, even though it may lead to utilitarian advantages in some rare cases (possibly a prime minister gathering perspectives for some political purpose which benefits the nation) it’s generally not aimed to this purpose. In the end, listening is determined by our curiosity and our desire of personal enrichment.
Mattia