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.

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."

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


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