Defense Mechanisms, Moral Philosophy, and Ethical Responsibility

Personal Significance of Core Concepts

Learning about defense mechanisms was significant because these psychological tools are used in daily life. Understanding them has helped me cope with difficult life lessons. Having healthy defense mechanisms is important because they help us tackle difficult issues in life. Conversely, I learned that unhealthy defense mechanisms only slow us down and put us at a disadvantage. This is why it is important to develop the habit of using healthy defense mechanisms so that we can handle difficult situations better.

The second topic important to me was moral dilemmas. Understanding what constitutes a moral dilemma is essential because one may face it at any moment. I learned that using healthy defense mechanisms to develop a solution is important. Since thinking is necessary to resolve a moral dilemma, one must arrive at the best possible solution. Prior to this lesson, I would not have known the right methods to use to resolve a dilemma. It is quite significant to have learned this. Now, if I face a moral dilemma, I know exactly how to develop a solution. Moreover, I can educate and help my friends resolve moral dilemmas.

Civil disobedience was another significant topic I learned in this class. I agree completely with this act because it is the ideal way to approach an unjust law. Great leaders in the past have used civil disobedience to reform unjust laws. This approach has been key to initiating legal change. Furthermore, it is significant because now I understand how to take this approach and tackle an unjust law. The more people are aware of civil disobedience, the better they will accomplish their initial goal regarding an unjust law.

Learning about Ayn Rand was significant because her theories are worth exploring. Her ideas made me think about how people can approach their lives according to such a philosophy. Rand held narrow, strongly held beliefs about her theories. Prior to learning about Rand, I did not think a person would embody the beliefs she created. However, I learned that there are people like Rand who continue life according to her beliefs. It is strange to consider what our world would be like if the majority of the population followed her theories. Having said that, I believe her theories would not satisfy the majority of society.

Lastly, learning about rule and act utilitarianism was very significant. These are two different theories with opposing views. Before taking this course, I was not aware of these two theories. After learning both, I can identify people who align with rule or act utilitarianism. It is essential to know how people's views relate to the type of person they are. It also helps me realize which type of utilitarianism I embody. All that I learned has definitely made me aware of how these theories relate to who we are as individuals.

Immanuel Kant's Theory of Moral Duty

Everyone has responsibility and duties to fulfill in their lifetime. We know this by reason. People know the right things to do, but at times they choose to disregard that fact. They choose to disobey when they know they should not. However, morality obligates us to recognize this and submit to it.

Immanuel Kant believes that the source of morality is reason and that moral duties are absolute and never in conflict. Kant argues that human reason brings the moral law. Therefore, scientific knowledge, morality, and religious belief are equally secure because they all rest on the same foundation of human reason. Kant followed the principle "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He supported the view that moral duty is possible because our reason constitutes the universe.

For Kant, the categorical imperative was the moral law. It explained the imperative as a command to do something regardless of consequences. The categorical imperative was viewed as moral law and as how we, as rational beings, would follow it as a universal law and obligation.

W.D. Ross and Prima Facie Duties

W.D. Ross believed that the source of morality is self-evident. He also believed that duties and obligation are the foundation of morality. Moreover, morality is associated with time and circumstance. Ross believed that wisdom is what you acquire on your own; it cannot be given to you.

Ross held that happiness comes when you do not harm others and perform good actions. Wisdom is gained by choosing your own path, and this is what builds one's character. Therefore, walking your own path will improve your character and bring excellence. Ross also emphasized justice, which gives each person equal consideration as members of the community. Ross believed that the consequences of an action could make that action the right thing to do.