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On Ethics and Ethical Dilemma
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We are taught since young to conduct our life based on ethical principles, whether is Confusian, Christian, or Islamic. But ethics are seldom black and white which give rise to ethical dilemma. I mentioned in one of my very early blog articles http://www.sciencenet.cn/m/user_content.aspx?id=1888 that one of my favorite NY Time columnist, Randy Cohen, writes a weekly column on such ethical matters using real life example and queries from readers. These are enjoyable “must read” for me every Sunday morning. Though you may not always agree with what Cohen recommends for a given ethical dilemma, you cannot help but marvel at the clarity and thoroughness he analyzes the issues involved, as well as the humorous style he dispenses his advices. Here are three random and minor examples:
1. You were out-of-town and happen to see the husband of your best friend having an intimate dinner with another woman. Do you report this to your best friend?
2. You purchased a lower priced seat at a performance. When the performance starts, you see an empty seat in a more desirable higher price section. Do you move to occupy the higher priced seat?
3. The book you borrowed from the library is due and the library will not renew the book for you since others are waiting for it. Can you just agree to pay the overdue penalty and keep the book longer until you are finished with it?
Cohen’s earlier columns (before 2004) has already been published as a book The Good, the Bad & the Difference: How to Tell the Right From Wrong in Everyday Situations by Randy Cohen(Paperback - Mar. 25, 2003) . I am eagerly waiting for the next collection.
With the exception of ScienceNet, I am not familiar with the Chinese publication scene and wonder if there is a Chinese Randy Cohen in major newspaper or magazines. In fact, shouldn’t ScienceNet start one?
https://wap.sciencenet.cn/blog-1565-303017.html
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