Understanding Ethics, Discrimination, and Social Issues
Origins of Consciousness
There are three primary positions regarding the origin of consciousness:
- Naturalistic Approach: This perspective posits that everything has within itself its own nature, which dictates what is good and bad. Consciousness, therefore, is a natural human attribute.
- Supernatural Position: This view suggests that conscience is placed in our minds by God, perhaps at fertilization.
- Environmental Stance: This position argues that moral conscience is not innate but rather developed through societal teachings and upbringing. It’s something learned, not something inherent.
‘Is’ and ‘Ought To’
The distinction between “is” and “ought to” is fundamental to ethics. “Is” refers to factual statements about what is happening or has happened, which are objective and studied by science. “Ought to” refers to how things *should* be, representing future aspirations and solutions. Ethics exists to bridge the gap between what *is* and what *ought to be*.
Discrimination
Discrimination manifests in various forms, based on:
- Skin color
- Physical attributes
- Religion
- Ideology
- Gender
- Disabilities
- Sexual orientation
- Immigrant status
Discrimination Against Women
Historically, women have been considered the weaker sex, relegated to roles focused on childcare and household chores. Men were typically assigned important roles in society. The Enlightenment brought some progress, integrating women into culture. The Industrial Revolution saw women as cheap labor. From the 19th century, some women began advocating for their rights. Through the 20th century, advancements in education and the fight for liberation have gradually reduced inequality.
Zionism
Zionism is an international political movement that promoted and established the foundation of the modern state of Israel.
Racism
Racism is the belief in the existence of a “pure race” and the subsequent discrimination and disdain for other human beings. It’s important to note that there are not many races, but many ethnicities. All individuals possess the same rights.
Machismo
Machismo is the belief in the superiority of men over women. It considers women as lesser beings with fewer rights, whose primary functions are childbearing and maintaining the home.
Feminism
Feminism advocates for the rights of women. *Extreme feminism* can even lead to the contempt of men, with some advocating for a complete reversal of power dynamics. While general feminism seeks to secure all rights for women, extreme feminism is considered immoral by some.
Inequalities
Contemporary society faces significant economic disparities. A small percentage (around 5%) of the population controls a vast majority (around 95%) of the wealth. Within major cities, there are often impoverished suburbs (sometimes referred to as the “4th world”). Some countries enjoy high disposable incomes, while others have populations struggling to survive on minimal income (e.g., €30 per month).
Causes of Inequalities
The colonization of South America, Africa, and Asia created substantial cultural and economic dependence on the colonizing countries. While these countries gained political independence, economic dependence often persisted due to reliance on capitalist enterprises. These large economic disparities can contribute to conflict.
War
War is a large-scale armed conflict between two or more countries or groups.
Types of War
- Traditional War: Two armies clash in a direct confrontation.
- Guerrilla War: One group uses surprise attacks against a traditional army.
- Nuclear War: (Has not yet occurred on a large scale; only two atomic bombs have been used in warfare).
- World War: Affects a large portion of the world (e.g., 1914-1918, 1939-1945).
- Terrorism: A form of revolutionary warfare designed to instill fear and destabilize a state.
Causes of War
- The contradictory nature of human beings.
- Overpopulation.
- Colonization (powerful countries invading others for natural resources).
- Extreme poverty.
- Political and economic factors.
- Religion.
- The arms trade.
Human Rights
Human rights are a set of principles and norms that define the rights inherent to every human being, regardless of skin color, culture, or any other characteristic.
Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.