PDF Summary:How to Be Perfect, by Michael Schur

Have you ever struggled to make an ethical decision? In How to Be Perfect, Michael Schur walks through key ethical frameworks and explores how to apply them in challenging real-life scenarios. You'll learn about Aristotle's virtue ethics, Kant's deontological ethics focused on duty, and utilitarian philosophies like that of Bentham.

The book examines how privilege, circumstances, and luck shape our ability to act ethically. It discusses the importance of humility, aiming for constant improvement rather than unachievable perfection, and taking responsibility when you inevitably fall short.

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The dilemma known as the Trolley Problem highlights the inconsistencies and challenges that arise when people apply ethical concepts.

In the moral quandary often referred to as the Trolley Problem, utilitarianism supports the choice that reduces the total harm, even if it means one person must be sacrificed to save a larger group. But, the dilemma thickens when one's personal integrity or the individuality of those involved is considered. A perspective that focuses on the pursuit of the greatest happiness for the majority may disregard specific personal situations that are crucial when confronting moral choices on an individual level, such as the quandary of injuring one person to benefit a larger group, thereby underscoring an inherent discomfort with utilitarian decisions that require morally questionable acts.

The challenge becomes apparent when the hypothetical dilemma involving a trolley becomes relatable to individuals through more personal scenarios. In more personal and significant circumstances, the complexities involved in steadfastly adhering to Kantian deontological ethics underscore the challenge of upholding a uniform philosophical viewpoint.

The dilemma commonly known as the Trolley Problem also highlights wider inconsistencies in how we apply moral principles. Utilitarianism often aligns with various ethical principles regarding indirect actions, but it commonly diverges from them in scenarios that necessitate quick choices potentially causing harm.

The dialogue demonstrates that personal preferences can sometimes eclipse the dedication to unwavering values, especially in the context of a particular fast food establishment.

The case involving a Chick-fil-A executive who voiced opposition to same-sex marriage underscores the conflict between strongly held convictions and personal tendencies that frequently disturb our moral compass. During the heated debates, the innovative scriptwriters meticulously weighed the intricacies of not patronizing the restaurant against the allure of the chicken dishes, while also considering the potential impact on the employees.

This occurrence underscores the challenge of upholding ethical principles when they clash with personal desires and pragmatic outcomes, a frequent situation encountered when principles of morality guide our choices in daily life.

To ascertain the appropriate path to take, one must evaluate the motives, comprehend the outcomes, and recognize when actions fall short.

Ethical scenarios frequently lack clarity. Evaluating the correct path to take frequently requires a thorough analysis that encompasses grasping motivations, assessing outcomes, and acknowledging personal shortcomings.

Apologies and admitting mistakes are crucial steps in moral progression, even as they introduce discomfort. Acknowledging errors paves the way for educational growth and increases the chances of opting for improved decisions in the future.

Ethical behavior isn't innate; it requires ongoing effort, reflection, and an acceptance that one may not always meet the ideal standard. Ethical philosophy isn't a foolproof guide for every circumstance. Instead, it provides scaffolding upon which individuals must construct their own ethical understanding, continuously refining it based on real-world experiences.

The principles of ethical philosophy, while complex and sometimes conflicting, do not provide clear guidance for appropriate behavior within the intricate web of social interplay. Our ethical growth is perpetually shaped by the persistent endeavor to align our actions with our moral beliefs, despite the inevitability of errors and flaws.

The impact of societal privilege, individual circumstances, and luck on ethical behavior.

Individuals with greater privilege and financial resources bear a heightened obligation to act ethically.

The philosopher John Rawls proposes that societal rules should be determined without any awareness of one's personal place in that society. The book encourages the creation of a society where every individual begins on equal footing, fostering fairness and empathy.

Singer highlights the ethical responsibility of wealthy people to provide significant support to impoverished individuals worldwide.

The philosopher Peter Singer argues that individuals with significant wealth, especially billionaires, have a deep-seated duty to improve the lives of the underprivileged. In his article, Singer calls upon individuals with the greatest wealth to make substantial contributions toward diminishing global poverty.

The varied experiences and personal histories of people can occasionally complicate their efforts to consistently behave in an ethically correct way.

Annas highlights how difficult circumstances and poverty limit people's ability to reflect on and improve their behavior.

The writer, Julia Annas, highlights that difficult circumstances, particularly poverty and detrimental environments, may impede a person's capacity to reflect on and improve their ethical behavior. People in more favorable situations have the freedom and resources to focus on actions driven by ethical considerations, a choice which may be unavailable to those consumed with meeting basic needs.

Individuals with significant advantages and without pressing needs generally find adherence to moral principles more manageable.

People with greater freedom and privilege often find it easier to maintain moral conduct. People whose basic needs are met can engage in higher-level moral behaviors, unlike those who are focused on meeting their immediate needs for survival.

Exploring the wide scope of moral accountability.

The illustrations and materials presented demonstrate how a person's moral conduct and duties are profoundly influenced by their specific circumstances and the benefits they derive from the community. The idea that individuals with greater resources or advantages might carry a larger ethical burden and have increased chances to act morally is highlighted by a notion known as the Veil of Ignorance. Acknowledging that the moral behaviors of an individual are shaped by the benefits provided by society and elements of randomness, and that variations in starting circumstances lead to diverse abilities, highlights the complex interplay between an individual's unique circumstances and their ethical responsibilities.

Recognizing personal errors, fostering a sense of modesty, and continually aiming to improve oneself are essential in establishing an individual's moral base.

Navigating the complex terrain of proper behavior and personal growth involves understanding the fundamental elements of ethical development, which encompass acknowledging the significance of modesty, mastering the art of expressing regret, and dedicating oneself to continual improvement.

Overconfidence and unwillingness to acknowledge mistakes undermines moral growth

An exaggerated confidence can hinder ethical development by blocking the acknowledgment of personal mistakes. The concept of "bullshit," as Frankfurt characterizes it, underscores the common substitution of a heartfelt apology with ostentatious verbiage. Frankfurt posits that the essence of bullshit is less about its deviation from truth and more about its inherent insincerity. He elaborates on the concept that an individual who speaks nonsense does so mainly to engage or impress their audience, rather than to ensure the truthfulness of their statements. Expressing oneself in such a manner frequently impedes the ability to extend a sincere apology and to admit one's own errors, both of which are crucial for substantive moral progress.

The importance of genuine remorse in the evolution of ethical behavior.

A key component of moral development involves humbly acknowledging our own shortcomings and flaws. When individuals accept that errors are inevitable, they can perceive the unease and remorse linked to offering apologies as progressive strides, rather than avoiding them or giving unauthentic excuses. Pope John Paul II's demonstration of remorse for the Catholic Church's historical condemnation of Galileo highlights the importance of admitting to one's errors. Institutions that apologize demonstrate their openness and recognize their obligation to rectify the damage inflicted upon those affected.

Ethical behavior involves continuously striving and stumbling, followed by renewed commitment, rather than being a perpetual state of flawlessness.

The perspective of existentialism highlights that the path to moral behavior is an ongoing voyage characterized by trial and error, occasional obstacles, and a steadfast commitment to betterment. This viewpoint recognizes the deep discomfort and sense of duty associated with the immense freedom inherent in our being and proposes that our goal should be continuous striving and learning from our mistakes, rather than chasing an unattainable level of ethical perfection.

Apologies serve not only to rectify past mistakes but also are essential in the continuous journey towards moral betterment. The author underscores the importance of perseverance, highlighting that our ongoing dedication is what truly matters, even in the face of numerous setbacks. Persist in your efforts. This perspective maintains that expressing regret is not just an ethical duty but also represents a commitment to ongoing improvement and attentiveness to the welfare of others.

In summary, the narrative demonstrates that the path to ethical growth is gradual, requiring a sincere willingness to express remorse and uphold modesty, as well as an unwavering commitment to ongoing self-improvement. Individuals can foster a lifestyle centered on moral principles, where their own development and the prosperity of others are mutually reinforcing goals.