Ethics Polls: Register Your Opinion on Ethical Questions and Issues
Ethics is a difficult subject - everyone tends to have opinions on different ethical and moral questions, but rarely can they agree with on another. There are ethical dilemmas in politics, science, medicine, religion - everywhere that more than one human being interacts with another. Moral questions come up in a lot of different issues - you can make your opinion known by voting in some of the polls.
What Should Doctors Do with People who Want to Amputate a Limb?
If a person wants to have a healthy limb amputated, should that medical procedure be performed? This sounds like a bizarre question - after all, who would want such a thing? As a matter of fact, doctors and psychologists are beginning to acknowledge that there is a surprisingly significant number of people who suffer from something called apotemnophilia...
If a person wants to have a healthy limb amputated, should that medical procedure be performed? This sounds like a bizarre question - after all, who would want such a thing? As a matter of fact, doctors and psychologists are beginning to acknowledge that there is a surprisingly significant number of people who suffer from something called apotemnophilia...
Should The Catholic Church Keep Hiding Records of Abuse?
It is thought that Catholic diocese around the country have records and evidence of how they have covered up the large numbers of criminal priests who have sexual abused children. In many cases, bishops moved predator priests around to unsuspecting parishes, allowing them to continue molesting at will. Catholic leaders want to keep these damning records hidden.
It is thought that Catholic diocese around the country have records and evidence of how they have covered up the large numbers of criminal priests who have sexual abused children. In many cases, bishops moved predator priests around to unsuspecting parishes, allowing them to continue molesting at will. Catholic leaders want to keep these damning records hidden.
Should Abstinence Programs That Lie Be Used?
Abstinence programs are popular with Christian Right: if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Abstinence programs are popular with Christian Right: if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Do Corporations Have Ethical Responsibilities?
It is said sometimes that the primary or even the only responsibility that a corporation has is to make a profit for owners and/or investors. It is an error to expect absolutely anything else out of such organizations. Is this, however, a responsible position to adopt?
It is said sometimes that the primary or even the only responsibility that a corporation has is to make a profit for owners and/or investors. It is an error to expect absolutely anything else out of such organizations. Is this, however, a responsible position to adopt?
Does Pornography Liberate or Degrade Society?
Some have argued that pornography is a liberating force that helps undermine repressive religious and political systems. Others say that pornography degrades and undermines civilization itself. Who is right?
Some have argued that pornography is a liberating force that helps undermine repressive religious and political systems. Others say that pornography degrades and undermines civilization itself. Who is right?
Does it Matter if Prisoners are Regularly Raped?
The prison industry itself estimates that there are probably 12,000 rapes of prisoners per year. This number is higher than the number of reported rapes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York combined. But when was the last time that this was addressed in the media? Should anyone even care?
The prison industry itself estimates that there are probably 12,000 rapes of prisoners per year. This number is higher than the number of reported rapes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York combined. But when was the last time that this was addressed in the media? Should anyone even care?
Should Government Spend As Much on Defense as Prosecution?
It's long been thought that the difference in resources between prosecutors and public defenders has distorted justices, especially where death penalty cases are concerned. Shouldn't the government be just as generous with defending a person who is presumed innocent as they are with prosecuting them?
It's long been thought that the difference in resources between prosecutors and public defenders has distorted justices, especially where death penalty cases are concerned. Shouldn't the government be just as generous with defending a person who is presumed innocent as they are with prosecuting them?
Would You Torture a Baby to Bring Peace to Humanity?
A character in Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov said "Imagine that you are creating a fabric of human destiny with the object of making men happy in the end, giving them peace and rest at last, but that it was essential and inevitable to torture to death only one tiny creature... and to found that edifice on its unavenged tears, would you consent...? Tell me, and tell the truth?"
A character in Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov said "Imagine that you are creating a fabric of human destiny with the object of making men happy in the end, giving them peace and rest at last, but that it was essential and inevitable to torture to death only one tiny creature... and to found that edifice on its unavenged tears, would you consent...? Tell me, and tell the truth?"
Should the Elgin Marbles Go Back to Greece?
The Olympics are over and the Greeks are sorry about one particular absence: the Elgin Marbles. Removed from the Acropolis at the beginning of the 19th century, the are priceless examples of ancient Greek religious art and the British Museum doesn't want to give them back. Should they?
The Olympics are over and the Greeks are sorry about one particular absence: the Elgin Marbles. Removed from the Acropolis at the beginning of the 19th century, the are priceless examples of ancient Greek religious art and the British Museum doesn't want to give them back. Should they?
Why Should Capital Punishment Exist?
Defenders of capital punishment have offered many different arguments for why it should continue to be used: it deters crime, it's the only way to deal with certain crimes, it's a just punishment for evil, etc. Which, if any, of the arguments on behalf of the death penalty do you agree with?
Defenders of capital punishment have offered many different arguments for why it should continue to be used: it deters crime, it's the only way to deal with certain crimes, it's a just punishment for evil, etc. Which, if any, of the arguments on behalf of the death penalty do you agree with?
Does Preference Satisfaction Map to Well-Being?
There is a common presumption, especially in economics, that people are better off when they can satisfy their preferences and desires. Thus, it is concluded that it is possible to measure people's well-being by measuring how well they satisfy their preferences and what they are willing to pay in order to do so. But is this reasonable?
There is a common presumption, especially in economics, that people are better off when they can satisfy their preferences and desires. Thus, it is concluded that it is possible to measure people's well-being by measuring how well they satisfy their preferences and what they are willing to pay in order to do so. But is this reasonable?
Should Public Humiliation Be Used As A Form Of Punishment?
Embarrassment seems to play an important role in people's moral sense - more often than not, they "do the right thing" so as not to experience shame in front of people they know. In today's society, however, it is easier to remain anonymous and to "do the wrong thing" without having to experience shame. Is humiliating someone a fair response to this or counterproductive?
Embarrassment seems to play an important role in people's moral sense - more often than not, they "do the right thing" so as not to experience shame in front of people they know. In today's society, however, it is easier to remain anonymous and to "do the wrong thing" without having to experience shame. Is humiliating someone a fair response to this or counterproductive?
Does Morality Evolve?
Many Christians seem to need to believe in a moral order that is safe, secure, and definitely doesn't change over time. It's as if the very prospect of shifting moral standards is a serious threat to their existence. Do you agree with them that morality is absolute and unchanging?
Many Christians seem to need to believe in a moral order that is safe, secure, and definitely doesn't change over time. It's as if the very prospect of shifting moral standards is a serious threat to their existence. Do you agree with them that morality is absolute and unchanging?
Should Torture-Doctors Lose Medical Licenses?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. It seems likely, for example, that medical professionals were involved in Abu Ghraib. Should such people lose the right to ever work in medicine again?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. It seems likely, for example, that medical professionals were involved in Abu Ghraib. Should such people lose the right to ever work in medicine again?
Are Mothers Criminals for not Obeying Doctors?
There is a growing trend towards criminalizing mothers' decisions when they conflict with doctors' advice. One woman, for example, was charged with murder because she refused to let doctors perform a Caesarean section on her and one of her twins died. Should pregnant women be legally obligated to follow doctors' instructions?
There is a growing trend towards criminalizing mothers' decisions when they conflict with doctors' advice. One woman, for example, was charged with murder because she refused to let doctors perform a Caesarean section on her and one of her twins died. Should pregnant women be legally obligated to follow doctors' instructions?
Is Masturbation a Sin?
Masturbation has been condemned in many religions. Even doctors and medical professionals in America once advised against it on 'scientific' grounds, selling devices designed to keep children from masturbating. Did any of them ever have a valid point? Is masturbation in any way wrong or sinful?
Masturbation has been condemned in many religions. Even doctors and medical professionals in America once advised against it on 'scientific' grounds, selling devices designed to keep children from masturbating. Did any of them ever have a valid point? Is masturbation in any way wrong or sinful?
Was it Fair to Put Japanese in Concentration Camps?
Thousands of American citizens of Japanese ancestry and Japanese immigrants were rounded up and placed in concentration camps in America during World War II. Evidence from that era makes it clear that racism was the primary cause, but some have argued that the government was justified. What do you think?
Thousands of American citizens of Japanese ancestry and Japanese immigrants were rounded up and placed in concentration camps in America during World War II. Evidence from that era makes it clear that racism was the primary cause, but some have argued that the government was justified. What do you think?
Should Laws Against Price Gouging Exist?
In the wake of disasters like Hurricane Charley some businesses jack up prices of essential goods and services, something typically illegal under anti-price gouging laws. Should such laws exist? Prohibiting price gouging seems like the moral course of action, but doesn't it violate basic capitalist principles?
In the wake of disasters like Hurricane Charley some businesses jack up prices of essential goods and services, something typically illegal under anti-price gouging laws. Should such laws exist? Prohibiting price gouging seems like the moral course of action, but doesn't it violate basic capitalist principles?
Should Teens Get Abortions Without Parents' Permission?
One of the many methods used to restrict abortions is to make it illegal for teens to get an abortion without parental permission. This isn't unreasonable because teens can't get other major medical procedures done without their parents' permission. On the other hand, most procedures don't cause as much conflict at home.
One of the many methods used to restrict abortions is to make it illegal for teens to get an abortion without parental permission. This isn't unreasonable because teens can't get other major medical procedures done without their parents' permission. On the other hand, most procedures don't cause as much conflict at home.
Is Conservation Merely a Personal Virtue?
According to vice-president Dick Cheney, "Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, ut it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy." Many disagree and argue that a good energy policy should include an emphasis on conservation and careful use of energy supplies. What do you think?
According to vice-president Dick Cheney, "Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, ut it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy." Many disagree and argue that a good energy policy should include an emphasis on conservation and careful use of energy supplies. What do you think?
Are Reality TV Shows Ethical?
So-called 'reality' TV shows have grown in popularity in recent years. Although not all are successful, many do achieve significant popularity and cultural prominence. That does not mean, however, that they are good for society or that they should be aired.
So-called 'reality' TV shows have grown in popularity in recent years. Although not all are successful, many do achieve significant popularity and cultural prominence. That does not mean, however, that they are good for society or that they should be aired.
Should Parents Choose the Sex of their Child?
Many people who want a child have a preference for a boy or a girl. That's always been the case and there are many folk methods that supposedly influence the sex of the child people will have. The technological ability to do this reliably is growing, but should it be used? Might we upset the balance between males and females?
Many people who want a child have a preference for a boy or a girl. That's always been the case and there are many folk methods that supposedly influence the sex of the child people will have. The technological ability to do this reliably is growing, but should it be used? Might we upset the balance between males and females?
Do You Support Nuclear Power?
Many believe that nuclear energy would help free us from dependency on foreign oil imports and that it should play an important role in the nation's energy policy. Others say that nuclear reactors are too dangerous and produce too much deadly waste. Should there be more research and development of nuclear power?
Many believe that nuclear energy would help free us from dependency on foreign oil imports and that it should play an important role in the nation's energy policy. Others say that nuclear reactors are too dangerous and produce too much deadly waste. Should there be more research and development of nuclear power?
Affirmative Action: Racial Discrimination or Needed Remedy?
Affirmative Action is a moral and political question that divides Americans more than it unites them. On one side are those who regard it as a program designed to rectify racism and reverse the effects of both past and present discrimination; on the other side are those who simply see it as another form of discrimination, giving one group extra advantages based on skin color.
Affirmative Action is a moral and political question that divides Americans more than it unites them. On one side are those who regard it as a program designed to rectify racism and reverse the effects of both past and present discrimination; on the other side are those who simply see it as another form of discrimination, giving one group extra advantages based on skin color.
Public Financing vs. Private Patent Protection
When private universities develop some new product or method for doing things, they common file for patent protection and thereby make a lot of money. Much of their research, however, is paid for with public financing from the government. Is this an unethical situation?
When private universities develop some new product or method for doing things, they common file for patent protection and thereby make a lot of money. Much of their research, however, is paid for with public financing from the government. Is this an unethical situation?
Should Condemned Prisoners be Kept Alive Before Execution?
Sometimes condemned prisoners waiting on death row to be executed suffer from injury or illness. Some even try suicide. Usually the prison stops this and tries to save them - but why, if they are only going to be executed later anyway? Is it really that important that the state do the killing, not cancer or suicide?
Sometimes condemned prisoners waiting on death row to be executed suffer from injury or illness. Some even try suicide. Usually the prison stops this and tries to save them - but why, if they are only going to be executed later anyway? Is it really that important that the state do the killing, not cancer or suicide?
Can Television Shows or Movies Promote Stereotypes?
Some have complained about television shows like 'The Sopranos' because it portrays Italians as mobsters. This, people argue, only perpetuates negative stereotypes about Italians. Others have made similar claims about other shows and movies. Are such complaints valid? Should stereotypes be avoided?
Some have complained about television shows like 'The Sopranos' because it portrays Italians as mobsters. This, people argue, only perpetuates negative stereotypes about Italians. Others have made similar claims about other shows and movies. Are such complaints valid? Should stereotypes be avoided?
Can People be Trusted to Know what the Want?
Do you really know what you want? Most probably assume that one knows one's desires and that one's desires are always 'true' - but that is arguably false. If desires are dependent upon what we know, and if what we know can be mistaken, then perhaps our desires can also be mistaken and be corrected.
Do you really know what you want? Most probably assume that one knows one's desires and that one's desires are always 'true' - but that is arguably false. If desires are dependent upon what we know, and if what we know can be mistaken, then perhaps our desires can also be mistaken and be corrected.
Should the Death Penalty Exist?
Capital punishment has been a type of criminal punishment in probably every human society that has ever existed. Some, however, have argued that the death penalty cannot be applied fairly and is immoral. Should criminals be executed for certain crimes or not?
Capital punishment has been a type of criminal punishment in probably every human society that has ever existed. Some, however, have argued that the death penalty cannot be applied fairly and is immoral. Should criminals be executed for certain crimes or not?
What's the Best Method of Capital Punishment?
There are a lot of different ways that a person can be executed: electrocution, hanging, firing squad, and lethal injection are a few common methods. Assuming that capital punishment is legal and moral, what is the best means for carrying out a death sentence?
There are a lot of different ways that a person can be executed: electrocution, hanging, firing squad, and lethal injection are a few common methods. Assuming that capital punishment is legal and moral, what is the best means for carrying out a death sentence?
Should the Mentally Retarded be Executed?
Some of those who commit heinous crimes suffer from mental retardation or other mental disabilities. Almost by definition, they suffer from a diminished capacity to understand what they have done. Some states, however, allow them to be executed - but is capital punishment appropriate for someone who is mentally retarded?
Some of those who commit heinous crimes suffer from mental retardation or other mental disabilities. Almost by definition, they suffer from a diminished capacity to understand what they have done. Some states, however, allow them to be executed - but is capital punishment appropriate for someone who is mentally retarded?
Should Prostitution be Legal?
Prostitution has been called the oldest profession in the world and it seems likely that humans have always traded whatever they had in exchange for something they needed - and the one thing that a human always has is their own body. Everyone trades something about their body, so why not sexual activity as well?
Prostitution has been called the oldest profession in the world and it seems likely that humans have always traded whatever they had in exchange for something they needed - and the one thing that a human always has is their own body. Everyone trades something about their body, so why not sexual activity as well?