Which ethics code do you prefer,1 based on self-interests w/o rules or 1 based on community interests w rules?

Question

please explain your code-of-ethics choice with reasons.

compare the responses to my Q to a previously asked Q: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aoj9EEEiAl13d.93eBudl8fsy6IX?qid=20060803161539AAjgavC

Also compare with another Q: If ethical judgments occur within some cultural context,does that mean there are no universal ethical rules?

Ethics is about human conduct and what should be the basis of that conduct --that range over a spectrum from the extremes of satisfying ones private, personal interests and needs to willingly sacrificing the personal for the public, group interests of the society you live in. Obviously tradeoffs must occur when conflicts between the personal & the public interest occurs. The ethics needed take this diversity in personal ethical codes into account by setting minimum rules for the persons that want the benefits of living in a social group or community.

Remember the saying by John Donne: "No man is an island unto himself."

When we voluntarily live with others and depend on them in many ways, the ethics code we live by must acknowledge that fact and committment as much as it acknowledges the innate will to survive and the individual differences in self-interests. TWH 08172006

Answer 1

my code of ethics is based on self-preservation with a concern for community interests. I cannot be asked to give myself entirely to the interests of others, foregoing all my needs. I am not one of the 'from one's ability, to one's need' types. My needs are indeed important. However, in a functioning society, my needs can often be met by helping the needs of the community. A sum greater than its parts, if you will. There are rules. They are the immutable rules of nature. Rules that we all live by in order to be a peace with ourselves and the world at large. There are many rules out there, but the basic ones all stem from an innate understanding that we all have. I follow those rules. I am true to myself, so that I can serve truly. Society will judge me on their rules and terms, but if they violate the true essence of humanity, then I will not obey. I will be tried and found guilty, by societies rules. And then in two or three centuries, I'll be hailed a martyr of higher thinking (Galileo anyone?). If that is my lot in life, so be it. I will not change on the whim of a non-entity like Community.

Answer 2

Community interests with rules, in principle, are the better answer. But let's be honest; such a code never actually works unless enough people believe in it. Rules are only as good as the ability to enforce them. And community rules are NEVER enforced fairly.

Self-interest is a much better regulator. It's a rule that people can be counted on to follow. People are just like components on a circuit board; they behave predictably. So the trick to a system like this is to put up natural barriers that allow the system to self-regulate. This type of system is MUCH more practical and effective.

Answer 3

selfishly based on community interests without rules.
Be individually and distinctly moral and be good and kind in YOUR OWN WAY and then the world will be a better place. Contructive community anarchy to depose the corrupt systems which corporately run the globe for the benefit of a few from the pockets of the more on the backs of the many.

Answer 4

I think we are all guided by basic ethics - the ethics of conscience. Every man is born with it. That is what makes as human.
I do not believe in ethics based on self-interest with out rules. Ethics are social standards. They are moral actuations that permit a community to function orderly and in harmony with each other.
When you say -I move my own self-interest-, you move on your own laws. They apply only to you. You move independently accountable only to yourself. Whether your action affects the community or not, it does not matter. Because there is no law that binds you. Where there is no law, there is no crime, where ther is no crime, there is no punishment, where there is no punishment, there is no justice, where there is no justice, there is no order, only chaos.

Answer 5

I think it has to be based on the community interests for these reasons: (1) We should consider ourselves one large human family and do things in the interest of all rather than just the individual. (2) It's better to lose a finger (the individual) than the entire hand (community). (3) Look at history... when individuals garnered too much power, many suffered; example, Hitler.

Answer 6

Are they not the same?

All rules based on the ultimate rule of no rule.
Power to enforce is the ultimate rule by default.
Yet, those enforcers must listen to the voice with more support to make rules -- majority rules.

Different phases of social change.

Answer 7

Self interest without rules. There's no reason to equate self-interest with selfishness. By sorting out my own issues and getting to know my limits and my talents, I am of better use to the community.

Answer 8

Community based ethics, because you will be judged upon those ethics.

Answer 9

First off the 1st , self interest ...is not ethical.........so I would choose #2

Answer 10

part two because we humans are communal beings and also becuase even if u disagree on certain issues ,there are rules and u will get justice !