1. As our book states on page 351, "Our personal value system encompasses our values of right and wrong, good and evil. Society collectively forms expectations for behavior." Philosophically, I am wondering if society's expectations for behavior are always correct. After a Thanksgiving discussion this last weekend, I brought up numerous instances when majority rule in the past is definitely looked down upon today (ie. slavery). Therefore, would you agree or disagree that society's collective expectations for behavior are always "right"? And if not, how does that change the theme of the chapter?
2. On p. 352, the authors state,"The moral authority of government originates form the collective beliefs, attitudes, and values of citizens- the obligations and duties derived from shared community values and ideals." I think this is a problematic statement considering the controversies that surround any person, idea, or bill that expresses a certain belief. No one ever agrees on morality, moral authority, or beliefs. There have and always will be dissenters to any movement or idea. Therefore, how can a DEMOCRATIC government ever truly have moral authority? If all parties must be represented, wouldn't it be immoral to take a side of any event?
3. And finally, relating back to the theme I have addressed above, I wonder how it is possible that any one can truly be democratically ethical? If you must listen to all voices, and none of those voices agree, how do you choose what is truly right or wrong? On page 358, the authors wrote that "our beliefs, attitudes, and values form the basis of our character as individuals and as a society." Because everyone has a different upbringing, background, and cultural perspectives, it seems like it would be impossible to form society's values. "They also define what behavior and conduct we will judge as ethical in our daily interaction." But how will there ever be a consensus, when as mentioned earlier in the book, everyone has different opinions and values?
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