The Ethical Standards of Our Times

A specific problem in the definition of global values of ethics lies in their formulation. Shall they be enforceable in court? This would lead to endless disputes of definitions and word content, the constitution, and prior law. Legal experts know such problems very well, and lawyers are ready to point out any weaknesses in formulation when called upon by wealthy clients.

A recurring theme in religious and ethical thought and teaching is to look at the meaning of rules rather than their wording. This is the essential meaning of the Sermon on the Mount and of some Muslim teachings. Will that be acceptable in defining global ethical values? How can meaning be expressed other than by words? Who will do the interpreting? Where there not enough examples of dangerous interpretations in the past, including the medieval inquisition?

There is some common ground regarding acceptance of universal ethical standards between

• the common teachings of the major religions (but not between all in all points)
• the actual ideals of most people (to the extent that they are informed)
• the present teachings of secular normative ethics (not counting aberrations, but who decides?)

This common ground can result in the formulation of the following goals for universal ethical standards:

• The establishment of some human protection against abuse (physical security and fairness in all dealings, where fairness has to be better defined)
• A degree of support for the unfortunate (compassion, social thinking and social action), provided that adequate effort for self-help is forthcoming from those concerned
• A degree of respect, civility, and dignity allowing retention of self-esteem in all dealings between all people
• Opportunities to improve one’s life for all (including some equality of opportunities if equality of skills, intellectual capabilities, and character qualifications are given)
• A degree of freedom to pursue one’s own preferences in life (without becoming a nuisance to others or abusive of the environment)
• The formulation of some “human rights” in the system of the official laws of society and the abiding by those laws (their enforcement)
• The resolution of conflicts by peaceful means (in fairness, with compassion, in dignity/civility).
• An environment that is ecologically safe and aesthetically attractive, if not beautiful.

Is there a specifically American set of ethical values? How about the famous John D. Rockefeller Jr. statements on the marble table in the center of Rockefeller Center?

"I BELIEVE
IN THE SUPREME WORTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND IN HIS RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

I BELIEVE
THAT EVERY RIGHT IMPLIES A RESPONSIBILITY; EVERY OPPORTUNITY, AN OBLIGATION; EVERY POSSESSION, A DUTY

I BELIEVE
THAT LAW WAS MADE FOR MAN AND NOT MAN FOR THE LAW; THAT GOVERNMENT IS THE SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE AND NOT THEIR MASTER

I BELIEVE
IN THE DIGNITY OF LABOR, WHETHER WITH HEAD OR HAND; THAT THE WORLD OWES NO MAN A LIVING BUT THAT IT OWES EVERY MAN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LIVING

I BELIEVE
THAT THRIFT IS ESSENTIAL TO WELL ORDERED LIVING AND THAT ECONOMY IS A PRIME REQUISITE OF A SOUND FINANCIAL STRUCTURE, WHETHER IN GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS OR PERSONAL AFFAIRS

I BELIEVE
THAT TRUTH AND JUSTICE ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO AN ENDURING SOCIAL ORDER

I BELIEVE
IN THE SACREDNESS OF A PROMISE, THAT A MAN’S WORD SHOULD BE AS GOOD AS HIS BOND; THAT CHARACTER - NOT WEALTH OR POWER OR POSITION - IS OF SUPREME WORTH

I BELIEVE
THAT THE RENDERING OF USEFUL SERVICE IS THE COMMON DUTY OF MANKIND AND THAT ONLY IN THE PURIFYING FIRE OF SACRIFICE IS THE DROSS OF SELFISHNESS CONSUMED AND THE GREATNESS OF THE HUMAN SOUL SET FREE

I BELIEVE
IN AN ALL-WISE AND ALL-LOVING GOD, NAMED BY WHATEVER NAME, AND THAT THE INDIVIDUAL’S HIGHEST FULFILLMENT, GREATEST HAPPINESS, AND WIDEST USEFULNESS ARE TO BE FOUND IN LIVING IN HARMONY WITH HIS WILL

I BELIEVE
THAT LOVE IS THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD; THAT IT ALONE CAN OVERCOME HATE; THAT RIGHT CAN AND WILL TRIUMPH OVER MIGHT."

John D. Rockefeller, Jr.