Traditional Ethics Research Articles

Gambling on unknown unknowns: Risk ethics for a climate change technofix

In this article, we critically engage with the risk ethics of attempting to mitigate climate change via a technofix, namely Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) utilizing Synthetic Biology. Now that the IPCC has (belatedly) acknowledged climate overshoot as being inevitable, our dependency on NETs to avert runaway climate change has become critical. Given the scale of unknown unknowns at play when utilizing any such technofix, we present gambling as the most apt analogy to communicate the unprecedented realms of risk and uncertainty occasioned by any such action. Hence, we critique traditional normative ethics in order to illustrate how a germane climate ethics must face the largely uncertain and unpredictable risk that any climate change technofix would inevitably represent instead of advocating for outdated risk-averse positions. We conclude by showing that this approach is fundamental to developing impactful future ethics research on climate mitigation, and is required to mark a much-needed new direction for risk ethics in the Anthropocene.

Teaching the Russian literary language to foreign master and postgraduate students within the special course “Modern Russian literature”: key problems and prospects

The article puts insight into current issues of teaching the Russian literary language to foreign under-graduates and postgraduates, specializing in “Linguistics and Intercultural Communication”, in the course of studying “Modern Russian Literature”. We use a broad historical and cultural context to substantiate the fundamental role of Russian literature in the formation of world culture and the global literary canon, and highlight the great influence that such Russian classical writers as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev and Chekhov had on the development of foreign literature in the East and West. We observe and trace continuity in classical and modern literary eras and the best long-lasting spiritual, moral and linguistic traditions of the Russian people. We assume that the key problems the teacher should focus on are: Russian literature as a significant phenomenon of world culture, the development of classical traditions in the history of Russian literature at present, the dialogue among cultures and the translation of modern writers’ works into foreign languages, historical and philosophical problems in literature, and historical heritage of the Russian language. The article comprehensively studies the Russian language value dimensions and linguistic axiological directions. The data show the presence, stability and preservation of the fundamental values (life, love, truth, good, beauty, hope, grace, honour, etc.) in the Russian literary language. These values form the spiritual conceptual sphere in Russian culture and constitute its main moral foundations. Serious attention is paid to the aesthetics of the language. We show the aesthetic potential, artistic expressiveness and stylistic richness of the modern Russian literary language, based on the works of E. Vodolazkin, L. Ulitskaya, M. Shishkin, M. Kucherskaya, M. Stepnova, D. Rubina and others. We focus on the problem of preserving the Russian literary language and the high status of Russian in general, revealing complex realities of modern multinational and multicultural world. We recommend such modern masterpieces as “Laurel” by E. Vodolazkin, “The God of Rain” by M. Kucherskaya, “The Garden” by M. Stepnova, “The Writer” by M. Shishkin, “Yakov’s Staircase” by L. Ulitskaya as sources to improve literacy and general cultural competence of foreign students.

How Black Lives Matter: Alice Walker, Alasdair Macintyre, and the Moral Significance of Enacted Narrative

Abstract: What does it mean to claim that "lives" should be the cornerstone of ethical analysis and reflection? This question has been raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. However, public discussions of the movement have often devolved into rhetorical battles that elide the movement's central moral claims. This paper investigates the question by examining the role of "lives" in the Black womanist ethical tradition and in neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics. I argue that these two traditions, despite their differences, can illuminate one another, and I explain and defend my position through a reading of Alice Walker's The Color Purple .

Effects of TV Dramas on Pakistani Culture: A Case Study of Bahria University Islamabad

The study was conducted to explore the influencing role of media in Pakistan because if the media of any nation is fascinated by the evolution of the multinational media, then the watchers are willing to embrace those transformations. The main goals of the analysis were to investigate the effects of TV dramas on clothing, food, language and living style, customs, traditions, social norms and values of Pakistani society by applying cultivation theory as a model for this research. For this purpose, a survey method was utilized. The sample population of the analysis consisted of 190 members including students and faculty members from Bahria University Islamabad. A questionnaire consisting of closed ended questions was utilized as a research tool. The outcomes show that Multinational media deeply affect youths in a negative direction. The expected results of the investigation prove a negative impact on Pakistani lifestyle and individuality. Some recommendations are being mentioned to highlight and deliver the TV media that nurture our moral values, customs, and traditions in civilization.

THE INNOVATION OF IVAN FRANK'S NOVEL "JAY’S WING": GENDER-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT

The article reveals the modernism of the prominent Ukrainian writer Ivan Yakovych Franko regarding the depiction of gender-psychological aspects of the interpersonal relationships of the characters of the novel "Jay’s Wing", which are organically connected with the national features of the social life of Ukrainians. The goal was achieved thanks to the solution of the main tasks regarding the features of the genre and the essence of the title of the novel, highlighting the difficult life circumstances that the heroes of the work had to overcome in order to find their own purpose. The genre features of the work are reflected, its innovative character due to the pronounced conflict between the feelings of a man and a woman. The paper analyses the actions determined by life circumstances and peculiarities of the inner world of the main characters. The article focuses on stereotypical ideas about the role of representatives of different sexes in society, where the leading role in various situations was assigned to men. The article claims that the culture of a person's personal life is closely related to the mentality of a particular people, moral and ethical traditions and customs. It has been proven that a woman can be biologically and emotionally stronger than a man in solving complex life problems. Deep psychologism is traced in the disclosure of the motives that prompted the heroine of the work to seek to punish Khoma for his arrogance, insincerity in relationships, and flamboyance in behavior. The reasons that led to the complete renunciation of the public life of the once active public figure have been clarified. The deep mental experiences of the characters on the way to realizing the impossibility of artificially directing life in accordance with established stereotypes, the need to be in harmony with one's own nature, are revealed. The aptness of the author's artistic techniques is analyzed – he interweaving of a letter and a diary, dramatic situations and tender, lyrical and at the same time skeptical memories of them; the role of artistic detail as one of the components of revealing the inner world of the characters is reflected. Characteristic signs of early Ukrainian modernism were revealed, which refers to the unusual form of presentation of the combination of everyday real life and romantic relationships.

Гражданственность будущего учителя: сущность и структурные компоненты

The article is intended to raise the issue of the development of civic consciousness among the students of ped-agogical universities. The patterns of civic behavior offered by the Internet contradict the traditional system of values and civic guidelines. The aim of the article is to clarify the concept of pedagogical university student's civic consciousness, its component composition as a quality of personality. The authors ascertain that civic consciousness, as a quality of a future teacher, consists in a respectful attitude to the Fatherland, society and its culture, manifested in pedagogical interaction in the process of pedagogical activity on the basis of reproduc-tion of civic qualities. Therefore, the study allowed to characterize the components of civic consciousness. The results of the study can be used in the process of professional training of future foreign language teachers in higher education.

Toward Consent in Molecular HIV Surveillance?: Perspectives of Critical Stakeholders

Background The emergence of molecular HIV surveillance (MHS) and cluster detection and response (CDR) programs as key features of the United States (US) HIV strategy since 2018 has caused major controversies. HIV surveillance programs that re-use individuals’ routinely collected clinical HIV data do not require consent on the basis that the public benefit of these programs outweighs individuals’ rights to opt out. However, criticisms of MHS/CDR have questioned whether expanded uses of HIV genetic sequence data for prevention reach beyond traditional public health ethics frameworks. This study aimed to explore views on consent within MHS/CDR among critical stakeholders. Methods In 2021 we interviewed 26 US HIV stakeholders who identified as being critical or concerned about the rollout of MHS/CDR. Stakeholders included participants belonging to networks of people living with HIV, other advocates, academics, and public health professionals. This analysis focused on identifying the range of positions among critical and concerned stakeholders on consent affordances, opt-outs, how to best inform people living with HIV about how data about them are used in public health programs, and related ethical issues. Results Participants were broadly supportive of introducing some forms of consent into MHS/CDR. However, they differed on the specifics of implementing consent. While some participants did not support introducing consent affordances, all supported the idea that people living with HIV should be informed about how HIV surveillance and prevention is conducted and how individuals’ data are used. Conclusions MHS/CDR has caused sustained controversy. Among critical stakeholders, consent is generally desirable but contested, although the right for people living with HIV to be informed was centrally supported. In an era of big data-driven public health interventions and routine uses of HIV genetic sequence data in surveillance and prevention, CDC and other agencies should revisit public health ethics frameworks and consider the possibility of consent processes.

Value-Ethical System in Sub-Saharan Africa. From the Past to the Future

The article is devoted to the analysis of the value-ethical system in Sub-Saharan Africa in historical retrospect with the transition to modernity. The concept of “value-ethical system” reflects the specifics of the African worldview, in which all values have a moral meaning. The article analyzes the value foundation on which Africans want to build “the Africa they dream of” (as stated in the program document of the African Union “Agenda 2063”). The author examines African traditional values based on the research of modern African scientists, on her own African archives, on memories and personal impressions collected by the author during her stay in the countries of the African continent. In traditional Africa, there exist value-ethical complexes in which ancient folk wisdom is concentrated. This is, for example, Ubuntu of the Bantu peoples – humanity, equality of people, regardless of race, nationality, religion. It is also a community solidarity associated with the importance of family ties. The author proves that the culture of Sub-Saharan Africa belongs to the collectivist type. Collectivism in combination with Ubuntu serves as a barrier to the adoption by Africans of a Protestant work ethic that welcomes individual success, competition, and profit orientation (outside of the principle of fairness). “Western” values are the opposite of traditional African ethics and values. Currently, the countries of sub-Saharan Africa are looking for their own way of development within the framework of capitalism. African scientists want to develop a system of economic philosophy that includes traditional African values in order to make capitalism relevant to African countries and acceptable to the African mentality. Special attention is paid to the issues of dialogue, traditional democracy and African organizational and managerial principles.

Individualization, self-actualization of a personality and appeal to religious and moral values as a response of society to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

The article analyzes the main issues of individualization, self-actualization of personality and return to moral and religious foundations. The process of self-awareness and return to moral traditions in the key of basic beliefs is considered as a way out of a difficult situation caused by a pandemic. The transition from individualization through self-actualization of the personality to the basic basic moral principles and to religion, which historically acts as one of the main guardians of traditional human values. Particular attention is paid to the external challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the processes of isolation, disunity of society, increased fears, anxiety, growing distrust and negative thinking associated with it. The response to such realities was the increased interest of a certain part of society in religious topics. At the same time, religious life and practice itself has also undergone significant changes under the influence of covid restrictions and global political, economic and psy­chological transformations of society. Such an experience of turning to the religious sphere in difficult periods of life is of great importance for us to preserve the basic foundations of historical, cultural and ethnic identity.

Hmong Spirituality, Nature, and Place

In this article, I show how the Hmong religion can provide the basis of a novel version of non-human-centered environmentalism. I do this by outlining some of the core doctrines in the Hmong religion and showing what they imply about the value of nature. I then situate the view that is implied by these doctrines into the traditional Western environmental ethics literature on the value of nature. In particular, I argue that the Hmong religion provides a view in environmental ethics that is non-anthropocentric, individualistic, non-egalitarian, and non-biocentric.

The Struggle for Meaningful Work

Abstract: This conflict over the proper treatment of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest battle in a three-century struggle over the political implications of the country’s traditional work ethic.

Community Participation Model And The Role Of Local Wisdom In The Prevention Of Corruption Of Village Funds

The study of anti-corruption literature may not be new, however, most anti-corruption literature studies in Indonesia focus on anti-corruption education. Meanwhile, when discussing anti-corruption villages, religion is often used as a method of anti-corruption hand-cutting. Unlike these studies, this study will focus on finding models of community participation and the role of local wisdom with Max Weber's social action theory and Mayer N. Zald-John D. Mc Carthy's resource mobilization theory as its analysis knife. Using qualitative research methods and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach this study, finally found that "Taqdim political-economic empowerment based on traditional ethics and religion" is a model of community participation that includes the local wisdom of Sentang village. This model then also carried out five resource mobilizations to achieve corruption prevention of village funds. The realization of this model can then be grouped into types of social action consisting of actions based on goals, values, affections, and traditions. Based on the conclusion of the thesis, this study has succeeded in finding a model of community participation and the role of local wisdom in preventing corruption of village funds. Thus, this study has provided new insights into preventing corruption of village funds through the integration of participation models and the role of local wisdom. In practical terms, this insight can automatically be used as a consideration for policymakers in determining the prevention of corruption in village funds.

The Prohibition of Suicide and Its Theological Rationale in Catholic Moral and Canonical Tradition: Origins and Development

This paper analyzes the nuances of the Roman Catholic Church’s opposition to suicide. First, we analyze biblical suicide cases, showing that these were not usually met with clear condemnation. Next, we show the development of the Roman Catholic Church’s moral teachings, with special attention to Augustine. The canon law of the Middle Ages still made some distinctions regarding motivation, but at this point, Roman Catholic funerals started to be refused to those having committed suicide as discouragement to others. This was maintained by the Council of Trent. In the twentieth century, the Roman Catholic Church followed modern psychiatry in attributing suicide to mental illness, and the ban on Roman Catholic funerals was lifted. Currently, the Roman Catholic Church tries to discourage suicide while accompanying people in need.

Traditional Ethics of "HO" Tribe of Saranda Forest Division, Jharkhand

Traditional Ethics of "HO" Tribe of Saranda Forest Division, Jharkhand

Comparative Study of Islamic and International Humanitarian Law

The human community has always been characterized by conflict, governed by ethical and legal standards that have evolved with human civilization. This widely accepted standard was eventually defined as contemporary International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This study aims to analyze from two legal perspectives: Islamic and international humanitarian law. The method used in this research is comparative, including qualitative analysis. The results of this study suggest that regulation has developed mainly due to modern European activities, diminishing the potential contributions of other cultural and ethical traditions to its development and codification. However, it should be noted that the principles jus ad bellum (laws governing the use of force) and jus in Bello (the content of the laws of war) are evident in Islamic literature centuries before modern international law was codified, with little attention paid to them. This paper argues that Islamic humanitarian law, which regulates the treatment of prisoners of war, is comprehensive and comparable to the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention. In addition, the concept of Siyar's Islamic literature is very similar to the Geneva Conventions. This research augments international relations by examining the degree of concordance between the requirements of Islamic Humanitarian Law and Modern IHL concerning issues of immediate practical relevance in an era when several regions of the world are experiencing armed conflict.

Conceptualizing "positive attributes" across psychological perspectives.

The growth of positive psychology has birthed debate on the nature of what "positive" really means. Conceptualizations of positive attributes vary across psychological perspectives, and it appears these definitional differences stem from standards for "positive" espoused by three normative ethical frameworks: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. When definitions of "positive" do not align with one of these ethical schools, it appears researchers rely on preference to distinguish positive attributes. In either case, issues arise when researchers do not make their theoretical alignment explicit, leading to value-laden, often subjective criteria being smuggled into science as a description of what is positive. To foster a deeper critical understanding of the different approaches, we examine how these conceptual definitions of positive attributes (mis)align with their ethical traditions or fail to align with an ethical school. We review several positive attribute theories across psychological disciplines that serve as examples of the ethical and non-ethical sources of "positivity." Through this, we assess the conceptual criteria for what each approach considers "positive," note the degree of alignment between definition and ethical school, and draw attention to potential issues. We advance the conceptual assessment of positive attributes by considering the implications of failing to explicitly address the theoretical foundation from which a construct is defined.

Educational potential of Russia as a guarantee of preservation of socio-cultural identity

Introduction. The article examines the education system as a basis for understanding socio-cultural identity. The authors show that globalization levels the socio-cultural identity of people, so its revival should begin with the educational system. The way out of the crisis of the modern educational system is directly related to the preservation of the socio-cultural identity of a particular society. Purpose setting. The chaotization of the social space of recent decades has caused serious problems in the relationship between various social institutions, including education. The authors highlight the ways of preserving the identity not only of an individual, but also of the whole society. They also show the problems faced by the subjects of the educational process under the influence of the digitalization of the social space. Methodology and methods of the study. The authors investigate the factors that create the appropriate basis for structural changes in the educational sphere. According to the authors, in the information society, the conditions for the preservation of sociocultural identity should be formed at the level of a specific educational system. Results. As shown in the article, modern education is not always able to fulfill its ideological function. The lack of a holistic worldview among students does not contribute to the awareness of their socio-cultural identity. Education is a social institution, so it is actively involved in the socio-cultural movements of our time. Building a new social system on the European model involves the complete destruction of the traditional system of values, including education. Of particular importance is the humanitarian aspect of the problem of continuity of generations, which lies in the urgent need to preserve in Russian society its traditional spiritual values, patriotism and a sense of responsibility for the fate of the country. The system of education and upbringing can ensure the transfer of the value system to the younger generation of Russian citizens, using the best examples of Russian culture. Conclusion. According to the authors, the loss of identity is perceived as a crisis of the values of Russian spiritual culture, which can be seen at the level of the educational system. The system of «universal values» carries with it the destruction of the socio-cultural identity of individual peoples, therefore, the preservation of socio-cultural identity in a multipolar world is possible only through the revival of local and regional values.

Local Wisdom of the Begalan Tradition in Traditional Weddings: Insights from Banyumas-Central Java Indonesia

This study delves into the Begalan performing arts, a cultural tradition in Banyumas Regency associated with weddings. It aims to identify the forms of begalan performing arts in Karangsari Village, Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, unravel the symbolic meanings of the began tradition in traditional marriages and establish the values of traditional ethics education Begalan. The research employed qualitative methods with case studies involving data collection through observations, interviews, and documentation. It interviewed community leaders, brides and grooms as well as Begalan actors and was carried out in Karangsari Village, Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The findings reveal performance time, sequence, and Begalan accompaniment as well as symbolic meanings of the properties, such as dian (Javanese traditional light), ilir (wind source useful for cooling rice), kukusan (tool for steaming rice), pedaringan (crate for storing rice), layah, muthu, irus, siwur (dipper), beras (rice), wangkring (a carrying device made of bamboo called a bamboo rope.), sapu sada (lidi broom), suket (java grass), cething (Javanese utensil), daun salam (Indonesian bay-leaf), and tampah (winnowing tray) and in the song lyrics which contain advice for the wedding couple. The Begalan tradition is steeped in intricate symbolism and multifaceted meanings, contributing to the realm of community ethics education. The Begalan tradition, embedded in Javanese ethics and customs, imparts several local wisdom values, including community ethics, harmony, self-control, saving, and respect. These values are essential for a harmonious marital life and broader social interactions.

How to program autonomous vehicle (AV) crash algorithms: an Islamic ethical perspective

PurposeFully autonomous self-driving cars not only hold the potential for significant economic and environmental advantages but also introduce complex ethical dilemmas. One of the highly debated issues, known as the “trolley problems,” revolves around determining the appropriate actions for a self-driving car when faced with an unavoidable crash. Currently, the discourse on autonomous vehicle (AV) crash algorithms is primarily shaped by Western ethical traditions, resulting in a Eurocentric bias due to the dominant economic and political influence of the West. However, considering that AV technology will be deployed across diverse cultural and religious contexts, this paper aims to contribute to the discourse by providing an Islamic perspective on programming the response of AVs in the event of an imminent crash.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a novel methodology based on the Islamic concept of maṣlaḥa for the normative assessment of ethical decisions related to AV programming.FindingsDrawing upon the works of classic Islamic jurists, this study highlights two distinct normative visions within Islamic traditions (akin to deontology and consequentialism) concerning the preservation of human lives in the context of AVs. This study explores the shared and divergent elements between Islamic and Western ethical approaches proposed for AVs.Originality/valueThis pioneering work examines AV crash algorithms from an Islamic perspective, filling a void in the global ethical discourse. This work will also serve an important role to bridge the gap between the theoretical Islamic ethical principles and their practical application in the realm of AVs.

The Production of Human Reproduction: Impacts of Transhumanism’s Inconsistent Reproductive Policy on Classical Ethical Principles

The transhumanist movement is characterized by a shift from the traditional understanding of the “created” and “born” human to a “produced” and potentially “immortal” human. This article argues that the reproductive policy of transhumanism is inconsistent. Firstly, it underestimates the implications of reproduction, especially those related to women, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing, which is considered a source of pain at every stage. Additionally, it prioritizes adult enhancement in pursuit of immortality, which is why it discards producing a new life. On the other hand, the movement utilizes new reproductive technologies to enhance human beings, thereby promising and providing unlimited individual reproductive freedom in a wide range of contexts. Furthermore, this article argues that transhumanism, which moves away from the concept of sexual human nature, not only excludes femininity and its associated nature but also converges towards a sexless human nature biologically. It also discharges sexuality from the purpose of reproduction and reduces it to the purpose of pleasure substantially. The overall attitude of the transhumanist context raises significant ethical problems, undermining traditional medical ethics and bioethics principles such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice, and human dignity. Moreover, it forces ethical principles to be redefined on a new basis with its indifferent attitude that ignores the threat of authoritarian eugenics, neglects reproductive responsibility while emphasizing reproductive freedom, and fails to consider the nature of the contrast-dependency of human values. As a result, new ethical principles must be developed to address the implications of this attitude.