Ethics as a Learning Experience (Weston)
IDFM 321
Based on your reading of Ethics as a Learning Experience (Weston), respond to the following.
- It takes an ________open_______ _______mind________ to learn and to grow.
- ______Feeling ____________ ___________________ right does not guarantee rightness.
Under the subheading “Three Easy Routes to A Closed Mind”, Weston provided the following descriptions. Describe each route to a closed mind and list a minimum of two ways to avoid being close-minded.
Dogmatism
People who are unshakably committed to one answer
To avoid being close-minded:
Seek out arguments for the other side
Avoid the bumper sticker mentality
Offhand Self-Justification
An automatic excuse-making defensiveness which may be referred to as rationalizing an opinion
to avoid offhand self-justification:
- Requires self-confidence, honesty and maturity
- Must be able to admit you are wrong
Relativism
- Believe that no one single standard is right
avoid relativism:
- Adopt a community-minded approach
- Realize that some issues cannot stand as “live and let live”
WESTON, cont.
After examining the life of C.P. Ellis, please respond to the following.
- Identify the origin of the values of C.F. Ellis.
The origin of the values of C. F. Ellis is the keen evaluation of his father’s life struggles and tribulations. His father was an active member of the Klan which he made Ellis believe was the savior of the while people.
- Apply the concepts of dogmatism, offhand-self justification, and relativism to specific events in the life of C.P. Ellis
The concepts of dogmatism, offhand-self justification, and relativism have conspicuously been demonstrated in the life of C. P. Ellis. The concept of dogmatism that requires an individual to hold to his stand unshakably is drawn by the act of C. P. Ellis holding strong to the beliefs of the Klan. Ellis goes ahead to take vows that dictate that he will tirelessly and relentlessly defend the Klan activities that seek to ensure purity of the white face, promote capitalism and safeguard white womanhood. Secondly, offhand-self justification is exemplified in the life of C. P. Ellis. He goes ahead to formulate a perception about the people who are against Klan. He justifies the claim that the people who are against Klansmen are those who are less educated and low-income earners. He seems to justify his thoughts that the supporters of the Klan are well-educated people and with a good income. Lastly, relativism is reflected in his experience when he is keen only to associate with the supporters of the clan. His mind is inclined to the activities of Klansmen and embrases their social perceptions.
- What events in the life of C.P. Ellis were occasions for ethical learning? What made the learning possible? Discuss his progression of closed-mindedness to becoming open-minded.
Two events were critical occasions in ethical learning by Ellis. Ellis once had the opportunity to interact with black people, the Jewish and liberals from which he realized they were just normal people. Secondly, Ellis unwilling attended a meeting called by the people he had social differences with which made him have a different opinion in life. The learning was made possible because Ellis was open to it and listen. Ellis, a Klan conservative, opened up for the challenge of equity. He accepted the offer of co-chair the meeting with Ann. He was open-minded by the fact that he started speaking for the people he openly despised, lay aside the personal differences he had with Ann and accepted to work with the low-income earners to discuss racism, sex education and qualifications of teachers.
- Now it is your turn. About what issues to you become dogmatic? About what do you get defensive? What do you have trouble hearing? Why? On what topics are you truly open-minded? Why?
On my side, I am dogmatic about the need to fight racism unitedly to level the interaction playground. I am always defensive about the importance and significance of getting the basic education for the sake of civilization. I have trouble hearing a person racially abusing another. I do believe in all fairness we are the same regardless of the skin color. I am open-minded about cultures. My curious nature makes me wish to sample different cultures and get an understanding of how other people live and what is their take about life.