Is betterment the end?
What is the end goal when we act? We need a philosophy of betterment. Motives must be evaluated based on how our decisions and actions better those who are unlike us. Our conversations need to focus on what we are trying to achieve based on a moral and ethical standard.
When determining justice, Aristotle said we need to consider the telos – the end, purpose, goal. Essentially, what is the end goal of policy or action? A question we need to engage fully.
If we engage this question thoroughly, then we can decipher the motives. A philosophy of betterment should be a central purpose in most actions or policies. However, who is the target of betterment? Is it a narrowly defined group or a diverse slice of society? With betterment as the purpose, the answer should be that latter and include those unlike us.
Examining motives with betterment as the test is necessary.
When considering Facebook's actions (and inactions) on fake or divisive news, is there telos of betterment for our citizens and democracy, or is it to increase profits?
When considering a party's position on supporting voting rights, is it for the betterment of our democracy, or is it to make it difficult for specific segments to vote?
We need to evaluate motives more closely. Yet this is not enough. We need to assess motives within a context of a philosophy of betterment. We need to explore the ethical considerations of society and business, including the direction and reasons underlying our decisions, actions, and policies.
Betterment places virtues at the center.
Isn't it time to engage in meaningful conversations on what end we want to experience from actions and policies?
Isn't it time to host discussions on the reasons behind proposals?
Isn't it time to determine how betterment fits for those unlike us?
Maybe it is time to raise our standards.
References
Sandel, M. J. (2009). Justice: What’s the right thing to do? Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Snider, M. B. and M. (n.d.). Facebook whistleblower’s explosive testimony: Company makes “disastrous” choices, prioritizes profit. USA TODAY.
Summers, J. (2021, October 6). The top DOJ civil rights official urged senators to restore the Voting Rights Act. NPR.