“Ethic” is a word that is not easy to describe. Although one may find the definition of the word from the dictionary, that definition is quite confusing. It is hard to understand the difference between the words “unlawful”, “honesty” and “ethical”. I will make a few examples on why I said so. Because “unlawful” means not conforming to the law while “honesty” refers to the telling of the truth. As for “ethical”, it is defined as conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior.
Prior to arriving in the United States of America, I did some research on what America is like, how things are done here, and the “survival skills” required to survive. So, I already knew that downloading movies online is a serious issue. However, the amount of the fines that are issued on violators did not stop me. Instead, I learned how to download movies and without getting caught. Until one day, a friend of mine requested if he could copy all my homework without doing the work himself. I felt rather unfairly treated. I then realized that this is the same situation as when I download any movies without paying for them. The filmmakers and producers would feel exactly the same way. Putting aside the fact that, on a global scale, the demand and supply curves of the economy is affected by this act of unrighteousness, it is the sense that to get something done through other’s hard work and earning the benefits all by your own.
Another ethical dilemma that I constantly face is that it is not always ethical to tell the truth all the time. In certain situations it is more ethical to use white lies instead of telling the truth. For example, when your girlfriend asks you whether you think she is fat, she doesn’t expect an answer from you, because they only like to ask but do not want to know what you actually think. In fact, they might already know, because they spend more time in front of the mirror than with you. Although I know about this, I always tell the truth and ruin her day. By doing so, I believe it is not a wise or ethical thing to do. Through these past experiences, I learned that by telling white lies, it is less offensive to other people and in some cases it helps to avoid harmful events that result from the truth. I think most of the time, when people ask questions like “am I fat”, “am I an ugly person”, or “ am I a lazy person”, they usually know what the truth is and just want to receive condolence from you. By giving them the appropriate replies and wise words, it is possible to motivate them to be a better person and not always be living in the dark on their own.
Many times people think that being ethical is about doing the right thing at the right time. Obviously, it is. However, the word “right” is a very subjective expression, which highly depends on each person’s subjective experience and opinion and not on what actually is. This always ends up with selfish thought like doing something that only they thought that it is right but doesn’t agree by others. This always results in a person who does only what he thinks is right although it may not be so in reality and to others. We know that the word “ethical” and “unlawful” has a big difference. It is just like a married man going to a strip club. It is unethical but not unlawful. Undeniably, the worse situation is when it is unethical and unlawful. Under the law of Iowa, you have to be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol. During my first semester in Drake University, I stayed in the dorms with two American roommates. I learn that it is not “cool” to say, “I don’t drink” here, even if you are underage. It is because the demand and supply curve of the fake ID is always in an equilibrium situation, and the market for fake ID is always efficient. Low transaction cost (no intermediary’s fee) and with door-to-door delivery service. For me, there is no difference in being underage or having a fake ID. It is still unlawful and unethical. But when most of the people are doing the same thing, you will not feel bad or think that it is a highly unethical act.
So, what I think about ethic? It should not be just the summation of all individual moral values, but learn how to apply those moral values in our real life. Think it as a portfolio of stock. A good portfolio doesn’t mean you have to pick all the blue chips or good company’s (moral values), but looking at the bigger picture (real life), and treat the portfolio as a whole with considering all economics factors (Dilemma). We will constantly encounter situations that will require us to make a decision that is either ethical or unethical. The question is not what each of our definitions of “ethical” is, but whether or not we live by that “ethical” definition. That is what makes it meaningful.
Professor replied:
Shu Yuan, I laughed out loud when I read about your girlfriend!! Although you may be lying, are you being unethical? I don't think so. This was really a nice essay!
