Ethics and Authenticity Discussion Notes

Ends Justify the Means?

• The outcome shouldn't justify actions, especially if it involves violating moral principles.

Trolley Problem & Organ Donation

• Choosing to sacrifice one person to save others can be viewed as maximizing overall well-being (utilitarianism).
• Using a person's body, even in death, to benefit others is seen as a necessary and potentially valuable act.

Authenticity and Conformity

• Explored whether authentic conformity to peer pressure is possible.
• Discussed the nature of the "self" and what it means to be true to oneself.
  • Rational vs. emotional self.
  • Internal vs. relational self.
• Addressed the compatibility of authenticity with long-term commitments.
  • People change, and commitments may need to be broken to stay authentic.
  • People may have multiple "selves" (e.g., feeling, thinking, choosing).