The hallmark of human existence has been the ability to communicate and interact with one another effectively. Over the years, societies have managed to achieve significant progress through collaboration and synergetic efforts. These transformations have been made possible through the reliance of elaborate and clear-cut value systems that allow for mutual respect and seamless co-existence across society. Advancements in society, have resulted in significant changes within the structure of society, allowing for reinventions of existing moral codes and value systems. In contemporary society, for instance, it is imperative for individuals to operate within personal ethical and moral frameworks as compared to the traditional approaches in which such elements were determined within the broader cultural or ethnic system.
Establishing a personal ethical framework is vital for successful and functional interactivity in everyday life. From a personal point of view, I tend to resonate with the duty aspect that is espoused within the deontological ethical perspective. While I had been previously maintained an eclectic stand in matters morality and ethics, a lot of my decision-making processes aligned within my experiences and faith as a Christian. At the very core of my worldly view lays the belief that like God’s commandments, all laws are designed to create an accommodating environment for all members of society. In this case, therefore, it is imperative to adhere to these rules in avoiding conflict with authority, but most importantly, as a means of living a righteous life.
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This perspective affects every aspect of my life, including my commitments and the nature of my relationships. While it may seem absurd or grueling to live up to the principles of deontology, commit to this view of life with the awareness that I all of my actions add up to my testimony as a Christian (May, 2012). In a recent event, for instance, I was faced with a rather challenging experience. Having been assigned several readings by our instructor, I found myself short of sufficient time to go through all of them since I was organizing an event at a local church. During the class, it so happened that I was asked to explain a concept which I had not read about. While it would have been more comfortable to lie, I explained my experience to the instructor and made a pledge to explain other concepts in the next class. For my classmates, this was an odd approach to dealing with such matter; however, from my point of view, I had a far much more profound conviction compelling my actions.
While it is possible to argue that my decision was influenced by the awareness of the minute consequences associated with my actions, I would like to assert that I would maintain a similar stand regardless of the gravity of the consequences. This is because I hold the view that we are spiritual beings first before humans. In this case, therefore, the primary goal is the protection and preservation of the soul through righteousness as well as honoring my duties and obligations. The fact that behind every obligation lies a cost or consequence further emboldens my deontological ethical framework, since it also means that in observing by obligations I am setting myself up to the subsequent rewards as well (Lippert-Rasmussen, 2005). Based on this ethical framework, I am driven by the fundamental principle that as human beings we share basic physical, emotional and psychological processes regardless of our life experiences and situations.
In this light, therefore, it is important to treat other people with respect to how we expect them to treat us. This principle is largely informed by the scriptures as is captured in the book of Luke 6: 36-37 (KJV) where Christians are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and a non-judgmental approach to fellow people. At face value, one might assume it is easy to live in accordance with this principle, in reality, it can prove highly tasking. From time to time, individuals must be willing to review their actions and decisions relative to their underlying ethical and moral frameworks. On paper, it is easier to argue and assert an ethical, framework; however, when confronted with the vagaries of everyday existence, sticking to one’s ethical standards can prove challenging.
In my case, this has also happened during one of the lectures in which the instructor was discussing the origins of the universe following a question from one of the students that forced the lecture to digress for a moment. Speaking with a deep sense of conviction the instructor, he went on to argue that the onset of the universe and its subsequent development had nothing to do with a supernatural force. He went on to give various examples as proof of his point of view by citing the works of various scientists who had proven that indeed the universe and all life in it was all but a matter of chance and time. While he was a professor and well-versed in his field, I could not help but writhe with anger even as I contemplated the level of ignorance and blasphemy he was espousing. In a period lasting close to half-an-hour, I was momentarily thrown into a fit even as I watched my fellow students seemingly engrossed in the ongoing tale.
Deep in my mind, I could only condemn and pity the instructor while I contemplated the damnation that he had brought on himself. This raging trance was only to leave when I received a text from a Bible study group member reminding me of the hospital visit we had scheduled for that evening. It was this interruption that reminded me of the fact that I held no mandate or authority of determining the fate of my fellow human beings. Ethical matters remain instrumental in the maintenance of human life. In this light, therefore, I believe the considerable effort is needed to develop a comprehensive and effective framework. In my view, this means evaluating one’s mental, spiritual and emotional faculties with the goal of understanding underlying values, thoughts and ideals that underpin the core of their being. In this case, it is important, to acknowledge the fact that with changing experiences and encounters, a person’s ethical framework is bound to change, and mostly for the better.
In my case, for instance, I grew up with a terrifying fear of the consequences of wrongdoing. In my mind and heart, I was strived to avoid situations and places that would compromise my ability to please God, my parents and my peers. Over time, however, I opened up to the wonders of the spiritual life even as my emotional and cognitive intelligence expanded. With these changes, it became abundantly clear to me that as a human being, I was bound to the duty of service. My gratitude for life given freely became the driving force in the search of an ethical framework that would define my life. It is with this mindset that I stumbled upon the concept of duty and obligation as captured within the deontological view. Its core precept deeply resonated with my world view and values system and has since become a guiding post in my life now and way into the future. In essence, a person must be willing to endure the challenges and opportunities that arise from assuming any given ethical framework.
References
Lippert-Rasmussen, K. (2005). Deontology, responsibility, and equality . Museum Tusculanum Press.
May, Roy. H. Jr. (2012). Ethics and spirituality: An activity book . Eugene: Wipf & Stock Publishers.
