more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 6701
[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / h. Right feelings
]
Full Idea
If more lives are to be saved in natural disasters, what is needed is spontaneity on the part of the rescuers, a willingness not to stop and think but to act spontaneously.
Gist of Idea
Rescue operations need spontaneous benevolence, not careful thought
Source
Gordon Graham (Eight Theories of Ethics [2004], Ch.7)
Book Ref
Graham,Gordon: 'Eight Theories of Ethics' [Routledge 2004], p.144
A Reaction
This seems right, but must obviously be applied with caution, as when people are drowned attempting hopeless rescues. The most valuable person in an earthquake may be the thinker, not the digger.
The
14 ideas
from Gordon Graham
|
6685
|
'Subjectivism' is an extension of relativism from the social group to the individual
[Graham]
|
|
6691
|
It is more plausible to say people can choose between values, than that they can create them
[Graham]
|
|
6688
|
Life is only absurd if you expected an explanation and none turns up
[Graham]
|
|
6690
|
A standard problem for existentialism is the 'sincere Nazi'
[Graham]
|
|
6689
|
The key to existentialism: the way you make choices is more important than what you choose
[Graham]
|
|
6693
|
'What if everybody did that?' rather misses the point as an objection to cheating
[Graham]
|
|
6700
|
We can't criticise people because of unforeseeable consequences
[Graham]
|
|
6701
|
Rescue operations need spontaneous benevolence, not careful thought
[Graham]
|
|
6699
|
The chain of consequences may not be the same as the chain of responsibility
[Graham]
|
|
6698
|
Negative consequences are very hard (and possibly impossible) to assess
[Graham]
|
|
6704
|
Egoism submits to desires, but cannot help form them
[Graham]
|
|
6705
|
Existentialism may transcend our nature, unlike eudaimonism
[Graham]
|
|
6706
|
The great religions are much more concerned with the religious life than with ethics
[Graham]
|
|
6709
|
Western religion saves us from death; Eastern religion saves us from immortality
[Graham]
|