EthicsLesson 3 of 3 in the course Statutory interpretation

The Golden Rule: Forms, Traditions, and Practical Limits

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The Golden Rule is a principle of reciprocity: consider how you would want to be treated, and use that reflection to guide how you treat other people. This lesson introduces its meaning, its different formulations, and the origin of its name.

The Golden Rule asks people to take another person’s position into account when deciding how to act. Its central idea is reciprocity: treat another person in a way consistent with how you would want to be treated in a comparable situation.

All flashcards

Empathetic form of the Golden Rule
Consider what you wish for yourself and recognize that others may want comparable consideration.
Mencius on reciprocity
Mencius connected serious practice of reciprocity with progress toward virtue.
Leviticus 19:34
It extends concern to the stranger residing among the people, recalling the Israelites’ experience in Egypt.
Humanist approach to the Golden Rule
It can ground conduct in empathy and concern for suffering without requiring belief in God.
Careful application of reciprocity
Ask about preferences when possible and consider differences in needs, circumstances, and responsibilities.

Quiz questions

  1. Which idea is associated with Confucius’s formulation of reciprocity?Answer: Avoid imposing on others what one would not want for oneself.
  2. How does the Mahābhārata characterize reciprocity?Answer: As a concise expression of Dharma, or righteous duty.
  3. How does the Platinum Rule differ from the Golden Rule?Answer: It asks people to act as others would have them act toward them.
  4. What concern does Kant’s imprisoned-prisoner example raise about simple role reversal?Answer: It may overlook relevant facts and responsibilities in a situation.
  5. How did John Stuart Mill relate the Golden Rule to utilitarian ethics?Answer: He described it as expressing the spirit of utilitarian ethics.

Based on the Wikipedia article Golden Rule, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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