Everyday Ethics

Most people agree that it is important to do what is right.  In fact, we somewhat take for granted that it takes time to be ethical.  Morality is not always a simple task, and we need time to contemplate possible scenarios in order to figure out what we ought to do in a particular situation.  Being morally good people is a time commitment.

In a previous article on our old site, Mindful Source, we talked about the ethical significance of being organized.  However, if we are to emphasize the importance of finding the time to be ethical, we ought to offer some more significant guidance than merely telling people to get organized.  Thus, the following are a few key tips to help you find the time to do what is morally right.

First and most importantly, finding the time to be ethical requires that we be mindful of what choices are properly ethical ones, as well as what aspects of our choices are morally relevant.  People spend a great deal of time applying moral reasoning to issues that are practical, social, or political, but not necessarily moral.  By separating the moral from the nonmoral, we can save a lot of wasted time spent thinking about issues that are not really moral ones.

Next, being ethical requires that we take our time and avoid being too hurried in our decision-making.  Good moral choices require careful deliberation and thoughtful reflection, and this cannot be done properly when one is rushed.  The connection between organization and good moral choices again becomes relevant here, as being organized will allow one more time for reflective thinking.

Finally, being ethical requires that we are firm in our decision-making.  Openness to changing our mind is an important part of the choice-making process, but once the time has come to make a choice, one should not spend an excess of time second-guessing a decision that has already been made.  If something leads you to specifically question whether a particular choice was ethical or not, that is one thing.  However, a good deal of time can be saved by eliminating the excessive self-doubt that plagues many of us.  Once a choice has been made, if it seems like it was the right choice, be confident that it probably was, and move on.

Being mindful, taking our time, and being firm in our decision-making are all interesting strategies, in that they do not necessarily lead to our having more time than we already do.  What these strategies do allow for is the reallocation of time that is not being used optimally, as well as orientating us in such a way that we maximize the productivity of time that we do have to think about morality.  By being more efficient, better focused, and avoiding time wasters, we can more readily find the time to be ethical.  

About the Author

Elijah Weber is a graduate student at Bowling Green State University. He holds a Master's degree in philosophy from Colorado State University, and Bachelor’s degrees in sociology and philosophy from Chapman Univerity. He currently lives in Bowling Green, Ohio with his wife Laura, his newborn son Brandon, and his feline life-partner Monte.