Human Nature, Ethics, Morals, and the Law

Ethics Introduction

Defining Ethics

Human Nature and Ethics

Why do "good people" do "bad things"?


Video: "Personal Ethics And the Future of the World", narrated by Meg Ryan, produced by David Hoffman

Themes from the documentary:

Ethical Dilemma is never a choice of absolute right or wrong

"Ethical Fitness"

Respect for-

Self
Reality
Community
Life
Future


Are Ethical People Happier? A Study by Harvey S. James, Jr. and Athanasios G. Chymis of the University of Missouri
A study finds that doing the right thing pays tangible benefits.

Are ethical people happier? CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-ethical-people-happier/

The Pursuit of Happiness - The U.S. Declaration of Independence
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Happy 4th of July from Philadelphia (“Happy” Music Video by Pharrell Williams)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8MfjbI1OE8

“The Pursuit of Happiness” by Jeffrey Rosen, the president of the National Constitution Center.
The book describes how the founders envisioned the pursuit of happiness not as the pursuit of pleasure or wealth, but rather as “the pursuit of virtue — as being good, rather than feeling good.” Benjamin Franklin, for example, listed temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquillity, chastity and humility as indispensable elements of virtue.

Aristotle's 12 Virtues:
1. Courage
2. Temperance
3. Generosity
4. Magnificence 
5. Magnanimity
6. Ambition
7. Patience
8. Truth
9. Wit
10. Friendliness 
11. Modesty 
12. Justice

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

25 Definitions of Success from Very Accomplished People (Medium)
https://medium.com/thrive-global/25-definitions-of-success-from-very-accomplished-people-d3c43955e40e


Case Study: Lethal Autonomous Weapons

"Germany and Drones", by Lucian Kim, NY Times 2/5/2013
http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/germany-and-drones/
Are armed drones "ethically neutral?"

"Florence and the Drones", By David Brooks, NY Times 2/7/2013
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/08/opinion/brooks-florence-and-the-drones.html?_r=0
From a pragmatic viewpoint, do leaders have to be cruel to be kind?

"Drones for America", Op-ed cartoon By Drew Christie, NY Times 2/18/2013
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/opinion/drones-for-america.html?nl=opinion&emc=edit_ty_20130219

Ban Autonomous Weapons
https://autonomousweapons.org

Drone Signature Strikes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REgXpGKB2O8