Ethics and Social Justice

How are ethics and social justice related?

Ethics and social justice are related through the fact that the majority of social justice issues are ethical issues at their core. Whoever is involved in the issues usually claims right over the other party, but then, as Kidder explained that tough choices revolve around right vs right. If these issues were not tough choices to resolve, then they would not be issues. Social justice seeks to create equity and achieve the fairest and 'best' outcome for everyone, and that requires ethical decisions. Weighing choices with unbiased and impersonal conduct will always be a tightrope walk between whoever or whatever is disputed. Using ethical reasoning should allow for less criticism by all and a greater understanding of how and why a decision is made.

What ethical considerations do you think are most important?

I think that the consideration of Truth vs. Loyalty is one of the most important ones, because if used as an explanation, it can most easily offend and bias others. Friendships, employment, and positions of authority for example, can all be infringed upon by the difference of the fairness of the truth versus the alleigance of a judge or mediator to one of the actors. Similar to that, the consideration of Individual vs. Community often rears its head in lawmaking or in court. A judge or government has to choose between making an example of someone regardless of their position or role and perpetuating the status quo they would like to see, and giving a person or organization a break based on the values of whoever is making the decision.

How often do you consider ethics in your own actions and decisions? Is this a conscious or unconscious process?

Most of the time when I am faced with a decision I dont focus on the ethical reasoning for my choice. Consciously at least. Being 17, the majority of the choices I have don't require a challenging ethical conundrum because I am either interacting with my other school age peers, or inanimate objects. Rarely am I asked by anyone to mediate or judge something that is serious enough to warrant an in depth analyzation of an issue, so I don't think I have enough experience or opportunities to do so.