Ethics Archives

Helping Those in Need—Do it For the Right Reasons

Do you look for recognition after helping those in need? Why should you always act with grace even if it comes at a cost to you? In his book Everybody, Always, Bob Goff says that if you’re trying to become love, then you need to make helping those in need a part of your life. Goff shares an example of a time his grace was very costly but he never regretted helping someone in need, even a convict. Keep reading to learn why you should always help those in need.

American Fascism: Trump as an Authoritarian

Was fascism a part of Trump’s presidency? What were the signs of fascism and authoritarianism? Trump was accused of fascism throughout his presidency by those in opposing political parties. Trump and his administration had clear and dangerous signs of authoritarianism. Read more about fascism, Trump, and authoritarian decisions in his presidency.

Legality vs Ethics: Which Is More Fragile?

Is there a difference between legality vs ethics? Is one more fragile than the other? It’s entirely possible for a legal or ethical system to be fragile. Especially when stakes are low, both legality and ethics are easy to look past. But this can cause systems to collapse. Read more about legality vs ethics and what they mean for an antifragile system.

Clinton’s Impeachment: Abuse of Power in Government?

Was the Clinton impeachment an example of abuse of power in the government? Why should we take abuses of power like this seriously? In the 1990s, the rise of pundit-like political figures like Newt Gingrich changed the political landscape. This paved the way for further party polarization, and abuse of power in government wherein one party uses government systems to harm another, such as the Clinton impeachment. Keep reading to find out why the Clinton impeachment was an abuse of power in government.

Public Shaming: Effective But Unacceptable

Do you think public shaming is an effective form of punishment? What are the potential consequences of public shaming for the victimized? Although the methods have changed, public humiliation is still used as a way to inflict punishment for contemptuous behavior, and for a reason—it works. However, public shaming can have serious consequences for the victim because people who’ve been publicly shamed may lose their friends, family, and career, potentially forever. Keep reading to learn about public shaming, its history, and the consequences for the victimized.

Restoration of Democracy: Key Factors and Priorities

Is the restoration of democracy possible? Does American democracy need to be restored, and what steps are required to make it happen? After years of authoritarianism and testing democratic norms, the U.S. faces challenges to our democracy like never before. In the Trump era and beyond, restoration of democracy needs to take center stage. Read more about restoration of democracy below.

Dismantling Democracy: How Authoritarians Rule

What is the process for dismantling democracy? How do authoritarians dismantle democracy to gain more power? Dismantling democracy is something that most authoritarians do at some point. It involves removing democratic safeguards and centralizing power to one person, the authoritarian. Read more about dismantling democracy and tools authoritarians use.

Political Issues in America: Politicizing Voting Access

What are some of the biggest political issues in America? Are any of these issues a direct threat to the principles of democracy? One of the biggest political issues in America is voting rights and voting access. Republicans have worked to make it more difficult for marginalized people and communities to vote since they believe it will help weaken political opponents. Not only is this a major political issue, but threatens the very fundamentals of democracy. Read more about one of the biggest political issues in America.

Identity Politics: Meaning, Examples, and Effects

What is the meaning of identity politics? How do identity politics shape our political landscape today? Identity politics have shaped everything about modern politics. Identity politics, meaning you affiliate politically with those you identify with racially, culturally, or otherwise, can increase polarization both in political parties and in our culture. Read more about the identity politics meaning and how it affects us today.

The Case of Lindsey Stone’s Online Shaming

What was Lindsey Stone shamed for? And what happened to her after the incident? In October 2012, Lindsey Stone was publicly shamed for posting a disrespectful photo on Facebook, where she posed behind the cemetery sign that read “Silence and Respect.” The photo became the centerpiece of Stone’s online presence for two years until an online reputation agent agreed to take her case pro bono to create her a new online identity. Keep reading for the story of Lindsey Stone’s public shaming.