Moral Considerations Research Articles

Nonanthropocentric climate ethics

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change poses increasingly severe long‐term threats to living things worldwide. It may even contribute to a mass extinction that would leave biodiversity depleted for millions of years—quite possibly longer than the duration of the human species. Such effects are obviously of ethical concern, but because traditional ethical theories have focused on the relatively short‐term interests of human beings, they offer little guidance. In the late 20th century, a growing number of ethical activists and theorists sought to expand moral consideration to nonhuman animals and to the diverse life forms and habitats of wild nature. Simultaneously and at first independently, others began to develop long‐term (sometimes called “intergenerational”) ethics, which extends moral consideration into the distant future. Concerns about future climate change quickly became a central focus of this work. But only in this century have there been concerted efforts to integrate these lines of thought into far‐sighted nonanthropocentric climate ethics. These efforts are the subject of this review.This article is categorized under: Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Assessing Climate Change in the Context of Other Issues Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Comparative Environmental Values

Morality vs. Politics as a Framing Problem: How (Not) to Misunderstand the Fight Against Climate Change

AbstractThis paper is guided by two research hypotheses: (1) In contemporary public discourse, many of the most urgent political problems are predominantly framed and understood in moral terms; (2) this shift in framing has far-reaching consequences, impeding our understanding of the underlying problems and their eventual solution. The two hypotheses are demonstrated using multiple examples, with the fight against climate change serving as the main case study. The moral framing (thinking in terms of individual actions, duties and obligations, blame and personal responsibility) is shown to crowd out political considerations (focused on institutions and policy), even when such moral considerations are either out of place or immaterial. Consequently, individual actions and responsibility are shown to be overemphasized in contemporary public discourse to such an extent that the viable political solutions are often discounted or overlooked.The context of the argument offered here is provided by the realism-moralism debate on the distinction between morality and politics. The ambition of the paper is to show that, regardless of their possible deeper distinction (the “distinctively political normativity”), there is a strong pragmatic case for carefully distinguishing between ethical and political theorizing. Morality and politics provide different frames, distinct interpretive frameworks that consequently give rise to contrasting solutions. Therefore, they need to be kept apart.

‘Point and Kill’ vs Animal Rights: A Moral Examination

This study critically examines the ethical implications of the practice known as "point and kill," wherein nonhuman animals are selected and immediately killed for food, a practice that has become commonplace in many African cultures. While food is essential for the survival and growth of both human and nonhuman animals, the manner in which nonhuman animals are often treated as mere commodities raises significant ethical concerns. Despite extensive debates in contemporary animal ethics, the focus has predominantly been on issues such as biomedical research, animal confinement, and entertainment, with relatively little attention given to the ethical ramifications of using animals for food, particularly in the context of practices like "point and kill." This paper addresses the gap in the literature by interrogating the moral worth of nonhuman animals and questioning the justification for their wanton killing for human consumption. Employing critical and conceptual analysis, the study draws on the Igbo philosophy of ‘ugwu anu’ (animal integrity) to argue against speciesism and advocate for the moral consideration of nonhuman animals. It contends that nonhuman animals deserve care, respect, and fair treatment, and that the practice of "point and kill" reflects a speciesist attitude that undermines the inherent value of animal life. By bringing this issue to the forefront, the study contributes to the broader discourse on animal ethics and calls for a reevaluation of culturally ingrained practices that perpetuate animal suffering.

Reactive guardianship: Who intervenes? How? And why?

AbstractGuardianship is a core tenet of routine activity theory and collective efficacy. At its outset, routine activity research assumed that the mere presence of a guardian was sufficient to disrupt many forms of crime. More recent research, however, has taken as a starting point that would‐be‐guardians must take on an active role for a reduction in crime to occur. Integrating research on bystander intervention and guardianship‐in‐action, the current study elaborates the individual‐level motivations and decision processes of guardianship to answer the following questions: Who serves as a reactive guardian? How do they do so? And why? We tasked young adults (N = 1,032) included in the recent waves of the Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z‐proso) to assess a 70‐second video depicting a sexual harassment event. We examined participants’ willingness to engage in a range of intervention options as a function of their prosocial attitudes, safety considerations, socioemotional motivations, and moral considerations. Results show a complex decision process leading to whether and how a would‐be guardian decides to intervene to disrupt sexual harassment, such that prosocial motivations and emotional reactions are weighed against perceptions of danger when deciding on a specific course of action.

Penetapan Kuasa Asuh Terhadap Anak di Bawah Umur Pasca Perceraian: Analisis Putusan Pengadilan Agama Lubuk Pakam Nomor 0197/Pdt.G/2021/PA.Lpk

This article aims to investigate how the process of determining custody of children who have not yet reached the age of majority or who are not mumayyiz after divorce is in accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations, as well as how the law is applied in handling disputes related to this issue. This article applies a normative juridical research approach as an analytical tool to examine and interpret legal data contained in legislation, especially Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage and the Compilation of Islamic Law and Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 1991. The results of the article show that firstly, although the Law on Marriage does not specifically regulate the process of determining custody of children under the custody of children who have not reached the age of majority after divorce, this issue is regulated in detail in Article 105 and Article 156 Compilation of Islamic Law. Determination of child custody is based on considerations of morality, health, and the parents' ability to educate children, which aims to ensure the child's primary interests. Second, law enforcement in resolving disputes related to determining child custody is still not fully in line with current needs, so it is necessary to revise Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage and KHI to better meet current demands. The judge's considerations in determining custody are not only based on formal legal aspects of written legal rules, but can also be based on moral considerations, social values, including paying attention to environmental conditions, exploring the track records of both parents and the psychology of the children in the family at that time.

Pluralism and the Design of Autonomous Vehicles

This paper advocates for an ethical analysis of autonomous vehicle systems (AVSs) based on a moral epistemic pluralism. This paper contends that approaching the design of intricate social technologies, such as AVSs, is most effective when acknowledging a diverse range of values. Additionally, a comprehensive ethical framework for autonomous vehicles should be applied across two interconnected layers. The first layer centers on the individual level, where each autonomous vehicle becomes a unit of moral consideration. The second layer focuses on the system level, directing moral attention toward the intricate autonomous vehicle system as a whole. Distinguishing the approach from metaphysical pluralism, the paper responds to counterarguments from a moral relativist and value monist perspectives. It concludes by emphasizing the necessity of embracing epistemic pluralism to navigate the complex ethical landscape of AVSs, urging a holistic understanding that transcends individual events and integrates system-level considerations.

SPEEDING UP JUSTICE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PRINCIPLE OF SPEEDY, SIMPLE, AND LOW-COST TRIALS IN INDONESIAN CORRUPTION CASES

This article investigates the issue of delays in law enforcement's implementation of criminal law in corruption cases, particularly in relation to the principles of speedy, simple, and low-cost trials. Utilizing a normative legal method and statutory approach, alongside case studies, the study explores the persistent delays in the Indonesian criminal justice system despite the emphasis on these principles. Delays in the reading of indictments have raised suspicions and potential discrimination in the enforcement of corruption cases. The right of a defendant to a prompt resolution, as outlined in the Criminal Procedure Code aligning with the shift from an inquisitorial to accusatorial principle and human rights development, is highlighted. However, the findings reveal that these principles are not consistently and effectively applied in Indonesia's criminal justice system. Key issues identified include prolonged, complex, and costly law enforcement processes in corruption cases, as well as obstacles hindering the swift and cost-effective resolution of state losses. Discriminatory practices, though not overt, manifest in various stages of the legal process, impeding the realization of fast, simple, and low-cost justice. To address these challenges and ensure fair trials, law enforcement must prioritize ethical and moral considerations in their practices

CHATGPT IN TEACHING PHYSICS HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

This study explores the incorporation of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance the teaching of physics to primary school students. Using AI-driven simulations and interactive learning activities, the research demonstrates how these tools can convert abstract physics concepts into concrete educational experiences. The results suggest that ChatGPT promotes student involvement, inquisitiveness, and analytical thinking by offering personalized feedback and encouraging practical learning tasks. ChatGPT also significantly contributes to nurturing a positive attitude towards learning physics. ChatGPT helps students overcome the perceived challenges of the subject by providing instant feedback and clarification on physics principles, fostering a more enjoyable learning experience. The investigation underscores the importance of connecting theoretical understanding with real-world application through AI-supported experiments, reinforcing comprehension and nurturing a deeper understanding of the natural world. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the necessity for continuous evaluation of student engagement and academic achievements to gauge the impact of AI in the educational field. This ongoing assessment is crucial for understanding AI's effectiveness in education and making informed decisions about its future use. The study also addresses moral considerations related to data privacy and algorithm biases, highlighting the crucial need for ethical AI deployment in educational contexts. By stressing the importance of ethical AI deployment, the study aims to reassure the audience about the responsible use of technology in education. In conclusion, the study asserts that when integrated thoughtfully, ChatGPT can greatly enhance the educational environment, making physics more accessible and enjoyable for young students while preparing them for future scientific pursuits.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

How different opinions in Black Lives Matter (BLM) regarding the notion of ally shed light on social movement and ally studies

ABSTRACT ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) is a conflict about central societal norms, embodied by activities and social actors . Those actors share a common vision but differ on some points. Combining several kinds of data (digital ethnography, interviews, and observation), this article argues that one of those dissension points is the activists’ valorization of the notion of allyship, particularly white allyship. Critical Race Studies and Ally Studies assume that working towards allyship is inherently desirable. However, three ideal-typical positions exist within BLM regarding this statement: adhesion, partial adhesion, and rejection. Analysing those positions puts light on moral and strategic considerations that contribute to structuring BLM into several complementary trends.

Different neural correlates of deception: Crafting high and low creative scams

Deception is a complex social behavior that manifests in various forms, including scams. To successfully deceive victims, liars have to continually devise novel scams. This ability to create novel scams represents one kind of malevolent creativity, referred to as lying. This study aimed to explore different neural substrates involved in the generation of high and low creative scams. A total of 40 participants were required to design several creative scams, and their cortical activity was recorded by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the right frontopolar cortex (FPC) was significantly active in scam generation. This region associated with theory of mind may be a key region for creating novel and complex scams. Moreover, creativity-related regions were positively involved in creative scams, while morality-related areas showed negative involvement. This suggests that individuals might attempt to use malevolent creativity while simultaneously minimizing the influence of moral considerations. The right FPC exhibited increased coupling with the right precentral gyrus during the design of high-harmfulness scams, suggesting a diminished control over immoral thoughts in the generation of harmful scams. Additionally, the perception of the victim’s emotions (related to right pre-motor cortex) might diminish the quality of highly original scams. Furthermore, an efficient and cohesive neural coupling state appears to be a key factor in generating high-creativity scams. These findings suggest that the right FPC was crucial in scam creation, highlighting a neural basis for balancing malevolent creativity against moral considerations in high-creativity deception.

The ethics of enhancement among image and performance enhancing drug coaches

ABSTRACT This research examines image and performance-enhancing drug (IPED) use, specifically focusing on the emerging role of IPED coaches. Situating drug use within broader assemblage theory, we investigated how these coaches, often operating in an online context, function as enabling environments, influencing practices, and contributing to harm reduction in a broader social context within and for IPED communities. Ten IPED coaches were interviewed, with this work focusing on their legal, ethical, and moral considerations, risk assessment, and harm reduction strategies of their practices. We employed a critical realist approach, following flexible coding to identify and develop themes which were further framed an enabling environments framework. Coaches operated along an ethical tightrope, emphasising the conscious regulation of conduct within established norms and the nuanced assessment of risks aligned with individual goals and motivations. Power dynamics and responsibility concerns unfolded through the lens of collaborative decision-making, where trust emerged as an essential element of these relations within contextual risk assessments. IPED coaches play a role in harm reduction by fostering trust and informed decision-making, balancing clients’ goals with health considerations. These findings emphasise the potential for collaboration between IPED coaches and the health workforce to enhance health promotion and support within IPED communities.

Problem of Animal Rights in Selected Works by Dorota Probucka

This article presents the idea of animal rights as perceived by a Polish philosopher and ethicist, Dorota Probucka. It is divided into three sections that delve into the development and significance of animal rights from the perspectives of both proponents and critics of the idea. The first section provides an overview of the turning points in the history and evolution of animal rights, referring to the main thinkers who had the fundamental impact on their development. The second part defines the concept of animal rights and explains why extending fundamental rights to at least some non-human beings is important from both moral and legal perspectives. The third part compares the arguments of the proponents and opponents of the idea of granting basic rights to animals. The philosophers’ positions presented by Probucka prove that beings capable of suffering, regardless of their intellectual abilities, deserve moral consideration. This stance is supported by numerous arguments from various fields of science, demonstrating the degree of awareness and emotional complexity of animals. These arguments should contribute to the recognition of animal rights within a moral and legal context. The article also emphasizes the need for legal reforms, including the need to introduce formal legal structures, such as the appointment of the so-called Animal Rights Ombudsman, who could represent animals at an institutional level. Considering the growing bioethical and biocentric awareness, the article emphasizes the need to redefine our attitude towards animals. It also postulates the necessity of implementing legal reforms that will make animals full participants of the moral community, which is of key importance for the future of both people and animals on our planet.

Jurisprudence islamique en matière de prélèvement et de transplantation d’organes

The emergence of organ transplantation as a medical revolution has sparked profound reflection, imbued with moral and religious considerations regarding its compatibility with various spiritual traditions. This medical advancement has engendered significant debate among the ulema, the eminent Islamic jurists, both within each Muslim country and among inter-Islamic institutions. Driven by the duty to interpret Islamic teachings in light of this new medical reality, they have undertaken a rigorous analysis of the religion's doctrinal sources. And after scrutinizing the doctrinal sources of Islam, these ulema - or at least most of them - have converged on a unanimous conclusion: organ donation and transplantation, whether involving corpses or living individuals, are not only justifiable but also in perfect accordance with the fundamental principles of Islam. This conclusion underscores the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence to medical advancements, thereby demonstrating the religion's capacity to evolve while preserving its core values.

Crafting the modern Prometheus: navigating morality and identity in the age of cyborg enhancements

ABSTRACT Across three vignette-based experiments (N = 697) primarily involving young adults from China, our research systematically examines the moral judgments and perceived identity changes associated with technological implants, unveiling “naturalness bias” as a pivotal psychological mechanism influencing these judgments. Study 1 scrutinized the effects of physical enhancements via body implants, revealing a significant link between perceived low naturalness, negative moral judgment, and a reduced intention to adopt such technologies. Moreover, individuals who receive technological implants were perceived as more inclined toward immoral behavior, resulting in a considerable shift in identity perception. Study 2 confirmed these findings and introduced a control group of plastic surgery vignette to refine comparisons and enhance methodological rigor. Study 3 broadened the scope to include both emotional and cognitive enhancements via implants. It found that emotional enhancements were judged more critically regarding morality and naturalness, leading to greater perceived identity changes and higher expectations of immoral behavior compared to cognitive enhancements. Collectively, the current research provides essential insights into the ethical dimensions of transhumanist technologies, highlighting the profound moral considerations and identity implications of adopting such enhancements.

Bilingual Signboards on Lombok: Approaches to Acquiring the Translation Equivalence

It is particularly intriguing to analyze the application of Baker's theory of translation equivalence through research on such brief texts as on signboard because it reveals a lot of interesting patterns. In order to make a signboard read in the least amount of time feasible and to get the word across to the reader in a more expedient manner, short phrases are frequently used. Texts taken from Lombok's newly emerging market for multilingual signboard served as the basis for this research's collection of data. This descriptive qualitative research aims to investigate the compatibility and applicability of the extended levels of Baker’s translation equivalence in the context of the collected data found on bilingual signboards at religious tourism sites on Lombok Island, particularly in relation to ethical, moral, and semiotic considerations. The study reveals the complex nature of translation equivalence in signboard, highlighting different levels such as word-level, grammatical, text-level, pragmatic, semiotic, and ethical equivalence. It offers practical insights for signboard designers, translators, and the tourism industry worldwide, providing essential information to unfamiliar tourists, contributing to their navigation and exploration of destinations. Additionally, the study underscores the significant role of signboard in tourism development, effective communication of information, intercultural understanding, and the growth of tourism in various destinations beyond Lombok.

Closing the cell door: where are the Histories of Care-leavers at the old Melbourne Gaol?

ABSTRACT The Old Melbourne Gaol maintains a crucial place in social histories of the city. The Gaol ceased operation in 1924 and, as a heritage site, locates its history firmly in the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. While the exhibition invites a moral consideration of modes of punishment implemented in the gaol, its critique suggests resolution: these are not practices that we engage in now. By presenting these kinds of closed or finished narratives, the site turns visitors firmly towards the past rather than creating a site which invites reflection on the harms that carceral institutions continue to inflict in the present day. This, we argue, has a particular significance for Care-leavers, who are a significant demographic to have passed through the Gaol’s walls. While recognising that a site like the Old Melbourne Gaol has innumerable memory communities invested in it, and that no presentation of the site might fully satisfy them all, this article argues for present-looking public histories that place the gaol’s history in conversation with weighty social justice issues of today, including acknowledging the gaol’s role as part of the foundations of the ‘care’-to-prison pipeline observed by many activists as a pressing social issue in the twenty-first century.

Organizational Partiality and Relational Equality

Abstract If you are a member of an organization, how should you be committed to its aims and values? I argue that relational equality requires organizational superiors – those endowed with higher authority within organizations – generally to make decisions on the basis of pertinent organizational aims and values, even when there are competing extra-organizational moral considerations. I start with cases of objectionable managerial moral activism, in which superiors take the moral law into their own hands, shirking organizational aims and values for the sake of extra-organizational moral considerations. Since these managerial decisions enforce moral norms on subordinates, and since the moral norms that superiors enforce do not correspond to reasonably expected organizational aims and values (at least those that are compatible with relational equality), the superiors thereby treat subordinates as moral inferiors. This implies that relational equality requires an important form of organizational partiality of organizational superiors.

Ethical Emergency Planning in Animal Research Facilities: Lessons from the Pandemic

Abstract In this article, we discuss the ethics of research suspensions in animal research facilities and the consequent (mis)treatment of laboratory animals during emergencies. Through a case study from Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic, we articulate ethical principles and moral considerations that ought to guide the treatment and care of laboratory animals within animal research facilities during emergencies. They include a principle of preparedness, the importance of recognizing animal laboratory personnel as essential workers and conducting a Harm-Benefit Analysis in the case of an emergency, assigning responsibilities in a clear way, and providing psychological support in the aftermath of an emergency. More generally, we suggest that the pandemic should be taken as a learning opportunity for critically re-evaluating and improving emergency planning within animal research institutions worldwide, in view of mitigating risks to both human and animal well-being in future emergencies.

Moral Responsibility of Curators in the Liquidation of State-Owned Legal Entity Companies

This study aims to investigate the ethical responsibilities of curators in managing the liquidation process of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The method used is a literature review, examining various relevant sources to gain a deep understanding of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by curators during the SOE liquidation process. The study's findings indicate that the moral responsibilities of curators encompass several critical aspects: protecting public interests by ensuring the continuity of essential services provided by SOEs tao the community, considering the welfare of affected employees by providing fair compensation and support in finding new employment, ensuring fairness for all stakeholders involved in the liquidation process through high transparency to support accountability, upholding integrity and high business ethics to avoid conflicts of interest and ensuring decisions are based on mature moral considerations, and considering the social and environmental impacts of SOE liquidation and seeking solutions that minimize negative consequences. This research provides important insights for curatorial practices and the ethical and responsible management of SOE liquidations. Curators are also advised to continuously enhance their skills and expertise through ongoing training and education to ensure the liquidation process is conducted fairly, transparently, and responsibly.

Heading for the better future with my company: Work‐related prosocial intentions as a function of moral foundations and consideration of future consequences

AbstractIn the current study, we aimed to investigate whether moral foundations and consideration of future consequences are related to prosocial intentions at work (corporate volunteering intention and pro‐environmental behaviours and practices). Four hundred forty participants, employees from medium‐ and large‐sized organisations, participated in the study. The results showed that most of the assumptions were confirmed. Individualising moral foundations were positively linked to corporate volunteering intentions and pro‐environmental behaviours and practices. Binding moral foundations were positively related to corporate volunteering intentions and general pro‐environmental behaviours at work but negatively to pro‐environmental individual practices. Consideration of future consequences related positively to corporate volunteering intentions and pro‐environmental behaviours at work only when individualising moral foundations were high. This relationship was also observed when binding moral foundations were low or average. The present findings are of interest to employers, corporate psychologists, business executives, and educators raising awareness about social and environmental responsibility.