Ethical Perspectives Survey (EPS)

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Quiz Questions

1.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  There are many different individual perspectives about what is right, but none is any better than another.
- B.
  There are many different cultural perspectives about what is right, but none is any better than another.
- C.
  There is one correct perspective about what is right and it should be applied consistently.
- D.
  There are a few perspectives about what is right which each have a piece of the truth, and other perspectives that are clearly wrong.
2.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  We must not judge another culture's decisions about right and wrong.
- B.
  We must resolve differences about right and wrong at times, but should consider different ideas and cultures when doing so.
- C.
  We must not judge another individual's decisions about right and wrong.
- D.
  We must resolve differences about right and wrong at times, and there is one view of the truth that should apply.
3.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  There is one best way to address individual and cultural differences about good and bad.
- B.
  Different individuals should be left alone to carry out their own ideas about good and bad.
- C.
  There are a few ways to address individual and cultural differences about good and bad that are better than other ways.
- D.
  Different cultures should be left alone to carry out their own ideas about good and bad.
4.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on weighing out the possible results of the various alternatives for all who might be affected.
- B.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on following consistent principles that guide me across situations.
- C.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on consulting with others who can help me consider different beneficial perspectives.
- D.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on how it will affect me.
- E.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on treating others as I/they would want to be treated.
- F.
  When trying to decide what is right, I focus on what type of person I should be.
5.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  What is right is to behave towards others in ways that we would like them to behave towards us.
- B.
  What is right is doing what I want regardless of what others may want.
- C.
  What is right is focusing on the good personal characteristics that should guide each of us.
- D.
  What is right is whatever is best for the largest number of individuals affected.
- E.
  What is right is respecting everyone’s rights.
- F.
  What is right is to gather other reasonable viewpoints so we can avoid our harmful biases.
6.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  In this competitive world we just need to look out for ourselves.
- B.
  As long as someone is gathering a variety of reasonable opinions before making a decision they will make a more informed decision.
- C.
  We should each care about others as if they are ourselves.
- D.
  As long as someone is living in line with good values (e.g. compassion, responsibility, etc.) they are living well.
- E.
  If someone tries to do the right thing but it causes more harm than good, they still deserve moral credit for trying.
- F.
  Someone can try to do the right thing, but if it causes more harm than good, their intent does not really matter.
7.
Which of the following statements BEST represents your beliefs?
- A.
  We should not be unfair, dishonest or unkind.
- B.
  We should not do something that will cause more negative results than positive ones.
- C.
  We should not use others to accomplish our goals, no matter how positive our goals are.
- D.
  We should not just rely on our own thoughts and feelings about what we should do.
- E.
  We should not be concerned about others, but should just watch out for ourselves.
- F.
  We should not treat others in ways that we would not like to be treated.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Otter & Spectrum (Green)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on OTTER's CHARACTER (represented by Olly the Otter), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the type of person that you think you should be (e.g. compassionate, fair, honest, respectful, responsible, etc) (Otter's Character). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why an Otter? (Character Focus) Otters are known for being intelligent, sociable, adaptable and curious. You are curious about the various personal characteristics that make someone a good person. You are adaptable as you seek to exemplify theses traits. You are more interested in living in line with personal values than in set rules or calculating the results of specific actions. You care deeply about which personal characteristics you exhibit in order to be the type of person you think you should be. Like Olly, you may ask yourself: "What kind of person/otter should I be?" Otter's Strengths (Pros) By asking: "What type of otter/person should we each be?" Olly helps us focus on developing our potential to become the best version of ourselves. Olly is adaptable and takes into account personal relationships and situational differences when deciding what traits to exhibit since not all situations are the same. Olly helps us consider our personal motivation for being the people we should be (e.g. kind, honest). Otter's Challenges (Cons) Olly doesn't clarify which character traits are the most important or what to do when two important traits conflict. For example, Olly values both honesty and kindness. Olly sometimes feels stuck in situations where it's hard to be directly honest without hurting someone's feelings. Olly wonders: ".. should I be directly honest or say something that's not completely true to protect their feelings?" In these situations Olly asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Hawk's Code, Wolf's Consequences). Otter's Theoretical Background Virtue Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as Aristotle, Elizabeth Anscombe and others). Otter's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Olly the Otter represents a very important and respected focus area (CHARACTER). However, it does not include everything. To balance out its challenges, Otter's CHARACTER should be combined with other focus areas, like Hawk's CODE and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
2.
Otter & Fire (Green)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on OTTER's CHARACTER (represented by Olly the Otter), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the FIRE of RELATIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the type of person that you think you should be (e.g. compassionate, fair, honest, respectful, responsible, etc) (Otter's Character). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why an Otter? (Character Focus) Otters are known for being intelligent, sociable, adaptable and curious. You are curious about the various personal characteristics that make someone a good person. You are adaptable as you seek to exemplify theses traits. You are more interested in living in line with personal values than in set rules or calculating the results of specific actions. You care deeply about which personal characteristics you exhibit in order to be the type of person you think you should be. Like Olly, you may ask yourself: "What kind of person/otter should I be?" Otter's Strengths (Pros) By asking: "What type of otter/person should we each be?" Olly helps us focus on developing our potential to become the best version of ourselves. Olly is adaptable and takes into account personal relationships and situational differences when deciding what traits to exhibit since not all situations are the same. Olly helps us consider our personal motivation for being the people we should be (e.g. kind, honest). Otter's Challenges (Cons) Olly doesn't clarify which character traits are the most important or what to do when two important traits conflict. For example, Olly values both honesty and kindness. Olly sometimes feels stuck in situations where it's hard to be directly honest without hurting someone's feelings. Olly wonders: ".. should I be directly honest or say something that's not completely true to protect their feelings?" In these situations Olly asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Hawk's Code, Wolf's Consequences). Otter's Theoretical Background Virtue Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as Aristotle, Elizabeth Anscombe and others). Otter's Conclusion... and what do I do now?: Olly the Otter represents a very important and respected focus area (CHARACTER). However, it does not include everything. To balance out its challenges, Otter's CHARACTER should be combined with other focus areas, like Hawk's CODE and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are depend on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then, they decide that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is consistently right or wrong across cultures. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
3.
Otter & Sun (Green)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on OTTER's CHARACTER (represented by Olly the Otter), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SUN of ABSOLUTISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the type of person that you think you should be (e.g. compassionate, fair, honest, respectful, responsible, etc) (Otter's Character). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why an Otter? (Character Focus) Otters are known for being intelligent, sociable, adaptable and curious. You are curious about the various personal characteristics that make someone a good person. You are adaptable as you seek to exemplify theses traits. You are more interested in living in line with personal values than in set rules or calculating the results of specific actions. You care deeply about which personal characteristics you exhibit in order to be the type of person you think you should be. Like Olly, you may ask yourself: "What kind of person/otter should I be?" Otter's Strengths (Pros) By asking: "What type of otter/person should we each be?" Olly helps us focus on developing our potential to become the best version of ourselves. Olly is adaptable and takes into account personal relationships and situational differences when deciding what traits to exhibit since not all situations are the same. Olly helps us consider our personal motivation for being the people we should be (e.g. kind, honest). Otter's Challenges (Cons) Olly doesn't clarify which character traits are the most important or what to do when two important traits conflict. For example, Olly values both honesty and kindness. Olly sometimes feels stuck in situations where it's hard to be directly honest without hurting someone's feelings. Olly wonders: ".. should I be directly honest or say something that's not completely true to protect their feelings?" In these situations Olly asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Hawk's Code, Wolf's Consequences). Otter's Theoretical Background Virtue Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as Aristotle, Elizabeth Anscombe and others). Otter's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Olly the Otter represents a very important and respected focus area (CHARACTER). However, it does not include everything. To balance out its challenges, Otter's CHARACTER should be combined with other focus areas, like Hawk's CODE and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. For example, there are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other focus areas that may have a piece of the truth. For example “be honest” sounds like a good universal character trait to consistently apply. However, it may be right to lie if it could save a child from an abusive person (e.g. "I do not know where they went" when you actually do know, but you lie to protect the child). Therefore, considering other viewpoints and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one focus area often has at least part of the truth. Different focus areas can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile focus”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different focus areas. We suggest considering a few well-respected focus areas when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
4.
Otter & Candle (Green)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on OTTER's CHARACTER (represented by Olly the Otter), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the type of person that you think you should be (e.g. compassionate, fair, honest, respectful, responsible, etc) (Otter's Character). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why an Otter? (Character Focus) Otters are known for being intelligent, sociable, adaptable and curious. You are curious about the various personal characteristics that make someone a good person. You are adaptable as you seek to exemplify theses traits. You are more interested in living in line with personal values than in set rules or calculating the results of specific actions. You care deeply about which personal characteristics you exhibit in order to be the type of person you think you should be. Like Olly, you may ask yourself: "What kind of person/otter should I be?" Otter's Strengths (Pros) By asking: "What type of otter/person should we each be?" Olly helps us focus on developing our potential to become the best version of ourselves. Olly is adaptable and takes into account personal relationships and situational differences when deciding what traits to exhibit since not all situations are the same. Olly helps us consider our personal motivation for being the people we should be (e.g. kind, honest). Otter's Challenges (Cons) Olly doesn't clarify which character traits are the most important or what to do when two important traits conflict. For example, Olly values both honesty and kindness. Olly sometimes feels stuck in situations where it's hard to be directly honest without hurting someone's feelings. Olly wonders: ".. should I be directly honest or say something that's not completely true to protect their feelings?" In these situations Olly asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Hawk's Code, Wolf's Consequences). Otter's Theoretical Background Virtue Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as Aristotle, Elizabeth Anscombe and others). Otter's Conclusion... and what do I do now?: Olly the Otter represents a very important and respected focus area (CHARACTER). However, it does not include everything. To balance out its challenges, Otter's CHARACTER should be combined with other focus areas, like Hawk's CODE and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then, person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong beyond individual feelings. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators and even if others disagree (e.g. collaboratively standing up against the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when looking for the source of what is right. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
5.
Hawk & Spectrum (Red)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on HAWK's CODE (represented by Hadley the Hawk), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the question "What would happen if everyone did this?" You follow the principles that you would want everyone else to follow (Hawk's Code). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why a Hawk? (Code Focus) Hawks are known for their focus and for avoiding distractions. You focus on the consistent principles that should guide our actions. When deciding what's right you tend to believe that it's best to stick to consistent principles or CODEs that should apply across situations, as opposed to calculating the results of specific actions. Like Hadley, you may ask yourself: "Would I want this action made into a rule/code for everyone to follow?" You believe in the importance of protecting other's rights, especially individuals or small groups who might be left out by others. Hawk's Strengths (Pros) Hadley helps us consider the intent of our actions (e.g. "what are we trying to do?"), not just what happens as a result. By asking: "How can we protect others' rights?" Hadley helps us focus on not using others for what we, or our particular groups, want. Hawk's Challenges (Cons) Hadley doesn't clarify what to do when two important codes/principles conflict. For example, Hadley sometimes feels stuck in situations where some think it's best to break a promise to meet one friend because another friend has a crisis that needs quick attention. Hadley wonders: "... which code/principle should guide this time?". Hadley doesn't like breaking promises (Hawk Code) or ignoring a friend in crisis (also Hawk Code). In these situations Hadley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Wolf's Consequences). Hawk's Theoretical Background Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Hawk's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Hadley the Hawk represents a very important and respected focus area (CODE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Hawk's CODE should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
6.
Hawk & Fire (Red)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on HAWK's CODE (represented by Hadley the Hawk), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the FIRE of RELATIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the question "What would happen if everyone did this?" You follow the principles that you would want everyone else to follow (Hawk's Code). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why a Hawk? (Code Focus) Hawks are known for their focus and for avoiding distractions. You focus on the consistent principles that should guide our actions. When deciding what's right you tend to believe that it's best to stick to consistent principles or CODEs that should apply across situations, as opposed to calculating the results of specific actions. Like Hadley, you may ask yourself: "Would I want this action made into a rule/code for everyone to follow?" You believe in the importance of protecting other's rights, especially individuals or small groups who might be left out by others. Hawk's Strengths (Pros) Hadley helps us consider the intent of our actions (e.g. "what are we trying to do?"), not just what happens as a result. By asking: "How can we protect others' rights?" Hadley helps us focus on not using others for what we, or our particular groups, want. Hawk's Challenges (Cons) Hadley doesn't clarify what to do when two important codes/principles conflict. For example, Hadley sometimes feels stuck in situations where some think it's best to break a promise to meet one friend because another friend has a crisis that needs quick attention. Hadley wonders: "... which code/principle should guide this time?". Hadley doesn't like breaking promises (Hawk Code) or ignoring a friend in crisis (also Hawk Code). In these situations Hadley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Wolf's Consequences). Hawk's Theoretical Background Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Hawk's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Hadley the Hawk represents a very important and respected focus area (CODE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Hawk's CODE should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are depend on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then the parent decides that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is consistently right or wrong across cultures. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
7.
Hawk & Sun (Red)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on HAWK's CODE (represented by Hadley the Hawk), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SUN of ABSOLUTISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the question "What would happen if everyone did this?" You follow the principles that you would want everyone else to follow (Hawk's Code). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why a Hawk? (Code Focus) Hawks are known for their focus and for avoiding distractions. You focus on the consistent principles that should guide our actions. When deciding what's right you tend to believe that it's best to stick to consistent principles or CODEs that should apply across situations, as opposed to calculating the results of specific actions. Like Hadley, you may ask yourself: "Would I want this action made into a rule/code for everyone to follow?" You believe in the importance of protecting other's rights, especially individuals or small groups who might be left out by others. Hawk's Strengths (Pros) Hadley helps us consider the intent of our actions (e.g. "what are we trying to do?"), not just what happens as a result. By asking: "How can we protect others' rights?" Hadley helps us focus on not using others for what we, or our particular groups, want. Hawk's Challenges (Cons) Hadley doesn't clarify what to do when two important codes/principles conflict. For example, Hadley sometimes feels stuck in situations where some think it's best to break a promise to meet one friend because another friend has a crisis that needs quick attention. Hadley wonders: "... which code/principle should guide this time?". Hadley doesn't like breaking promises (Hawk Code) or ignoring a friend in crisis (also Hawk Code). In these situations Hadley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Wolf's Consequences). Hawk's Theoretical Background Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Hawk's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Hadley the Hawk represents a very important and respected focus area (CODE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Hawk's CODE should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. For example, there are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other focus areas that may have a piece of the truth. For example “Never Lie” sounds like a good universal standard to consistently apply. However, it may be right to lie if it could save a child from an abusive person (e.g. "I do not know where they went" when you actually do know, but you lie to protect the child). Therefore, considering other viewpoints and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one focus area often has at least part of the truth. Different focus areas can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile focus”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different focus areas. We suggest considering a few well-respected focus areas when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
8.
Hawk & Candle (Red)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on HAWK's CODE (represented by Hadley the Hawk), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on the question "What would happen if everyone did this?" You follow the principles that you would want everyone else to follow (Hawk's Code). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why a Hawk? (Code Focus) Hawks are known for their focus and for avoiding distractions. You focus on the consistent principles that should guide our actions. When deciding what's right you tend to believe that it's best to stick to consistent principles or CODEs that should apply across situations, as opposed to calculating the results of specific actions. Like Hadley, you may ask yourself: "Would I want this action made into a rule/code for everyone to follow?" You believe in the importance of protecting other's rights, especially individuals or small groups who might be left out by others. Hawk's Strengths (Pros) Hadley helps us consider the intent of our actions (e.g. "what are we trying to do?"), not just what happens as a result. By asking: "How can we protect others' rights?" Hadley helps us focus on not using others for what we, or our particular groups, want. Hawk's Challenges (Cons) Hadley doesn't clarify what to do when two important codes/principles conflict. For example, Hadley sometimes feels stuck in situations where some think it's best to break a promise to meet one friend because another friend has a crisis that needs quick attention. Hadley wonders: "... which code/principle should guide this time?". Hadley doesn't like breaking promises (Hawk Code) or ignoring a friend in crisis (also Hawk Code). In these situations Hadley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Wolf's Consequences). Hawk's Theoretical Background Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Hawk's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Hadley the Hawk represents a very important and respected focus area (CODE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Hawk's CODE should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER and Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then, person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong beyond individual feelings. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators and even if others disagree (e.g. collaboratively standing up against the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when looking for the source of what is right. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
9.
Wolf & Spectrum (Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on WOLF's CONSEQUENCES (represented by Whitley the Wolf) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on what will bring the best results and least harm for everyone who might be affected (Wolf's Consequences). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why a Wolf? (Consequences Focus) Wolves are known for their dedication to what's best for the larger group (or pack), as well as their adaptability to changing circumstances. You calculate how to adjust your actions in order to create the best results for the greatest number. You go even further than the average wolf in order to consider the impact on society as a whole (not just yourself or your pack/group). When deciding what's right you tend to focus on getting good results, or CONSEQUENCES, that benefit as many as possible. Like Whitley, you may ask yourself: "What will bring the best results and least harm for all affected?" Wolf's Strengths (Pros) Whitley helps us consider the results of our actions (e.g. "who will this affect and how?"), regardless of what someone was trying to do (their intent). By asking: "What will the consequences be?" Whitley is all about impartial results. Wolf's Challenges (Cons) Whitley can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict future results. Also, Whitley has been known to ignore individuals or smaller groups in order to help a larger group, since that brings "the greatest good for the greatest number". Whitley doesn't like guessing wrong or leaving out individuals or smaller groups. In these situations Whitley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Hawk's Code). Wolf's Theoretical Background Consequentialist Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham). Wolf's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Whitley the Wolf represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSEQUENCES). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, and Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
10.
Wolf & Fire (Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on WOLF's CONSEQUENCES (represented by Whitley the Wolf), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the FIRE of RELATIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on what will bring the best results and least harm for everyone who might be affected (Wolf's Consequences). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why a Wolf? (Consequences Focus) Wolves are known for their dedication to what's best for the larger group (or pack), as well as their adaptability to changing circumstances. You calculate how to adjust your actions in order to create the best results for the greatest number. You go even further than the average wolf in order to consider the impact on society as a whole (not just yourself or your pack/group). When deciding what's right you tend to focus on getting good results, or CONSEQUENCES, that benefit as many as possible. Like Whitley, you may ask yourself: "What will bring the best results and least harm for all affected?" Wolf's Strengths (Pros) Whitley helps us consider the results of our actions (e.g. "who will this affect and how?"), regardless of what someone was trying to do (their intent). By asking: "What will the consequences be?" Whitley is all about impartial results. Wolf's Challenges (Cons) Whitley can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict future results. Also, Whitley has been known to ignore individuals or smaller groups in order to help a larger group, since that brings "the greatest good for the greatest number". Whitley doesn't like guessing wrong or leaving out individuals or smaller groups. In these situations Whitley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Hawk's Code). Wolf's Theoretical Background Consequentialist Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham). Wolf's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Whitley the Wolf represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSEQUENCES). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, and Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are depend on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then the parent decides that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is consistently right or wrong across cultures. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
11.
Wolf & Sun (Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on WOLF's CONSEQUENCES (represented by Whitley the Wolf) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SUN of ABSOLUTISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on what will bring the best results and least harm for everyone who might be affected (Wolf's Consequences). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why a Wolf? (Consequences Focus) Wolves are known for their dedication to what's best for the larger group (or pack), as well as their adaptability to changing circumstances. You calculate how to adjust your actions in order to create the best results for the greatest number. You go even further than the average wolf in order to consider the impact on society as a whole (not just yourself or your pack/group). When deciding what's right you tend to focus on getting good results, or CONSEQUENCES, that benefit as many as possible. Like Whitley, you may ask yourself: "What will bring the best results and least harm for all affected?" Wolf's Strengths (Pros) Whitley helps us consider the results of our actions (e.g. "who will this affect and how?"), regardless of what someone was trying to do (their intent). By asking: "What will the consequences be?" Whitley is all about impartial results. Wolf's Challenges (Cons) Whitley can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict future results. Also, Whitley has been known to ignore individuals or smaller groups in order to help a larger group, since that brings "the greatest good for the greatest number". Whitley doesn't like guessing wrong or leaving out individuals or smaller groups. In these situations Whitley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Hawk's Code). Wolf's Theoretical Background Consequentialist Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham). Wolf's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Whitley the Wolf represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSEQUENCES). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, and Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. For example, there are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other focus areas that may have a piece of the truth. For example “Do what helps the greatest number” sounds like a good universal standard to consistently apply. However, many would say it's right to protect an individual from forced medical testing, even if performing tests on them would result in a cure for cancer for others. Therefore, considering other viewpoints and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one focus area often has at least part of the truth. Different focus areas can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile focus”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different focus areas. We suggest considering a few well-respected focus areas when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
12.
Wolf & Candle (Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on WOLF's CONSEQUENCES (represented by Whitley the Wolf), and that you believe that the source of what's right is the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on what will bring the best results and least harm for everyone who might be affected (Wolf's Consequences). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why a Wolf? (Consequences Focus) Wolves are known for their dedication to what's best for the larger group (or pack), as well as their adaptability to changing circumstances. You calculate how to adjust your actions in order to create the best results for the greatest number. You go even further than the average wolf in order to consider the impact on society as a whole (not just yourself or your pack/group). When deciding what's right you tend to focus on getting good results, or CONSEQUENCES, that benefit as many as possible. Like Whitley, you may ask yourself: "What will bring the best results and least harm for all affected?" Wolf's Strengths (Pros) Whitley helps us consider the results of our actions (e.g. "who will this affect and how?"), regardless of what someone was trying to do (their intent). By asking: "What will the consequences be?" Whitley is all about impartial results. Wolf's Challenges (Cons) Whitley can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict future results. Also, Whitley has been known to ignore individuals or smaller groups in order to help a larger group, since that brings "the greatest good for the greatest number". Whitley doesn't like guessing wrong or leaving out individuals or smaller groups. In these situations Whitley asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Otter's Character, Hawk's Code). Wolf's Theoretical Background Consequentialist Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham). Wolf's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Whitley the Wolf represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSEQUENCES). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES should be combined with other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, and Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then, person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong beyond individual feelings. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators and even if others disagree (e.g. collaboratively standing up against the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when looking for the source of what is right. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
13.
Bear & Spectrum (Yellow, Gold)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on BEAR's CARE (represented by Bailey the Bear) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on treating others how you would want to be treated (Bear's Care). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why a Bear? (Care Focus) Bears are known for being nurturing and protective. You care deeply about treating others well. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on treating others as you would like to be treated, you CARE enough to put yourself in other's shoes (or paws). Like Bailey you may ask yourself: "How can I treat others as I'd like to be treated?" You believe in the importance of trying to see things through someone else's viewpoint. Bear's Strengths (Pros) Bailey helps us focus on empathy and care for others. Bailey also helps us to practice self-restraint if someone hurts us since this focus area is about caring, not retaliation or revenge. Bear's Challenges (Cons) Bailey can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict how others would like to be treated. Also, Bailey cares so much about those who act irresponsibly that Bailey doesn't always hold them accountable for their bad behavior (Bailey often wouldn't want to be held accountable if the roles were reversed: "treat others as you'd like to be treated"). Bailey doesn't like guessing wrong or ignoring justice. In these situations Bailey asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Wolf's Consequences, Elephant Consultant). Bear's Theoretical Background Golden Rule or Care-based Ethics (based on the wisdom of Carol Gilligan, Confucius and others). Bear's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Bailey the Bear represents a very important and respected focus area (CARE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Bear's CARE should be combined with other focus areas, like Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
14.
Bear & Fire (Yellow, Gold)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on BEAR's CARE (represented by Bailey the Bear) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the FIRE of RELATIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on treating others how you would want to be treated (Bear's Care). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why a Bear? (Care Focus) Bears are known for being nurturing and protective. You care deeply about treating others well. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on treating others as you would like to be treated, you CARE enough to put yourself in other's shoes (or paws). Like Bailey you may ask yourself: "How can I treat others as I'd like to be treated?" You believe in the importance of trying to see things through someone else's viewpoint. Bear's Strengths (Pros) Bailey helps us focus on empathy and care for others. Bailey also helps us to practice self-restraint if someone hurts us since this focus area is about caring, not retaliation or revenge. Bear's Challenges (Cons) Bailey can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict how others would like to be treated. Also, Bailey cares so much about those who act irresponsibly that Bailey doesn't always hold them accountable for their bad behavior (Bailey often wouldn't want to be held accountable if the roles were reversed: "treat others as you'd like to be treated"). Bailey doesn't like guessing wrong or ignoring justice. In these situations Bailey asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Wolf's Consequences, Elephant Consultant). Bear's Theoretical Background Golden Rule or Care-based Ethics (based on the wisdom of Carol Gilligan, Confucius and others). Bear's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Bailey the Bear represents a very important and respected focus area (CARE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Bear's CARE should be combined with other focus areas, like Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are depend on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then the parent decides that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is consistently right or wrong across cultures. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
15.
Bear & Sun (Yellow, Gold)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on BEAR's CARE (represented by Bailey the Bear) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SUN of ABSOLUTISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on treating others how you would want to be treated (Bear's Care). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why a Bear? (Care Focus) Bears are known for being nurturing and protective. You care deeply about treating others well. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on treating others as you would like to be treated, you CARE enough to put yourself in other's shoes (or paws). Like Bailey you may ask yourself: "How can I treat others as I'd like to be treated?" You believe in the importance of trying to see things through someone else's viewpoint. Bear's Strengths (Pros) Bailey helps us focus on empathy and care for others. Bailey also helps us to practice self-restraint if someone hurts us since this focus area is about caring, not retaliation or revenge. Bear's Challenges (Cons) Bailey can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict how others would like to be treated. Also, Bailey cares so much about those who act irresponsibly that Bailey doesn't always hold them accountable for their bad behavior (Bailey often wouldn't want to be held accountable if the roles were reversed: "treat others as you'd like to be treated"). Bailey doesn't like guessing wrong or ignoring justice. In these situations Bailey asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Wolf's Consequences, Elephant Consultant). Bear's Theoretical Background Golden Rule or Care-based Ethics (based on the wisdom of Carol Gilligan, Confucius and others). Bear's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Bailey the Bear represents a very important and respected focus area (CARE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Bear's CARE should be combined with other focus areas, like Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. For example, there are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other focus areas that may have a piece of the truth. For example “treat others as you would like to be treated” sounds like a good universal standard to consistently apply. However, if you need to decide whether or not to discipline (or even dismiss) a very disruptive group member, only thinking “how would I want to be treated” may not lead to a fair decision for all involved (e.g. the disruptive person stays because you wouldn't want someone to kick you out if the roles were reversed). Therefore, considering other viewpoints and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one focus area often has at least part of the truth. Different focus areas can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile focus”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different focus areas. We suggest considering a few well-respected focus areas when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
16.
Bear & Candle (Yellow, Gold)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on BEAR's CARE (represented by Bailey the Bear) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on treating others how you would want to be treated (Bear's Care). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why a Bear? (Care Focus) Bears are known for being nurturing and protective. You care deeply about treating others well. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on treating others as you would like to be treated, you CARE enough to put yourself in other's shoes (or paws). Like Bailey you may ask yourself: "How can I treat others as I'd like to be treated?" You believe in the importance of trying to see things through someone else's viewpoint. Bear's Strengths (Pros) Bailey helps us focus on empathy and care for others. Bailey also helps us to practice self-restraint if someone hurts us since this focus area is about caring, not retaliation or revenge. Bear's Challenges (Cons) Bailey can make mistakes and doesn't always accurately predict how others would like to be treated. Also, Bailey cares so much about those who act irresponsibly that Bailey doesn't always hold them accountable for their bad behavior (Bailey often wouldn't want to be held accountable if the roles were reversed: "treat others as you'd like to be treated"). Bailey doesn't like guessing wrong or ignoring justice. In these situations Bailey asks for help from friends who sometimes see things in a different way (e.g. Wolf's Consequences, Elephant Consultant). Bear's Theoretical Background Golden Rule or Care-based Ethics (based on the wisdom of Carol Gilligan, Confucius and others). Bear's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Bailey the Bear represents a very important and respected focus area (CARE). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, Bear's CARE should be combined with other focus areas, like Wolf's CONSEQUENCES. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then, person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong beyond individual feelings. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators and even if others disagree (e.g. collaboratively standing up against the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when looking for the source of what is right. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
17.
Elephant & Spectrum (Grey, Silver)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on the ELEPHANT CONSULTANT (represented by Elly the Elephant) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on consulting with others who can help you to consider different opinions and avoid harmful biases (Elephant Consultant). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why an Elephant? (Consult Focus) Elephants are known for being intelligent and having a great memory. They also look out for one another. You value consulting with others to come to the best possible solution. The "elephant in the room" (i.e. obvious problem that we often do not want to talk about) is that we each need to consult with others in order to consider different perspectives and counteract our harmful biases. When deciding what's right you are willing to discuss the "elephant in the room" and focus on CONSULTing with others to get diverse perspectives in order to avoid harmful biases. Like Elly you may ask yourself: "Who will help me consider diverse perspectives?" You believe in recognizing and challenging your own biases. Elephant's Strengths (Pros) Elly reminds us to consult with others who are trustworthy. By understanding that we are all biased in some way and focusing on different viewpoints, Elly helps us see things from different angles. Elephant's Challenges (Cons) Elly doesn't clarify who we should consult or how many others we should consult. One time Elly consulted with someone who had their own biases and this led Elly down the wrong path. Another time Elly consulted with a few different friends who each suggested a different path. That made things a bit more confusing for Elly. Elephant's Theoretical Background Psychology of Decision Making, Behavioral Economics and Behavioral Ethics (based on the wisdom of Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman and others). Elephant's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Elly the Elephant represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSULT). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, the Elephant CONSULTant focus area should be combined with other focus areas, like Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
18.
Elephant & Fire (Grey, Silver)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you lean towards Elly the ELEPHANT's CONSULT approach and the FIRE of RELATIVISM perspective. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on consulting with others who can help you to consider different opinions and avoid harmful biases (Elephant Consultant Approach). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why an Elephant? (Consult Focus) Elephants are known for being intelligent and having a great memory. They also look out for one another. You value consulting with others to come to the best possible solution. The "elephant in the room" (i.e. obvious problem that we often do not want to talk about) is that we each need to consult with others in order to consider different perspectives and counteract our harmful biases. When deciding what's right you are willing to discuss the "elephant in the room" and focus on CONSULTing with others to get diverse perspectives in order to avoid harmful biases. Like Elly you may ask yourself: "Who will help me consider diverse perspectives?" You believe in recognizing and challenging your own biases. Elephant's Strengths (Pros) Elly reminds us to consult with others who are trustworthy. By understanding that we are all biased in some way and focusing on different viewpoints, Elly helps us see things from different angles. Elephant's Challenges (Cons) Elly doesn't clarify who we should consult or how many others we should consult. One time Elly consulted with someone who had their own biases and this led Elly down the wrong path. Another time Elly consulted with a few different friends who each suggested a different path. That made things a bit more confusing for Elly. Elephant's Theoretical Background Psychology of Decision Making, Behavioral Economics and Behavioral Ethics (based on the wisdom of Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman and others). Elephant's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Elly the Elephant represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSULT). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, the Elephant CONSULTant focus area should be combined with other focus areas, like Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are depend on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then the parent decides that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is consistently right or wrong across cultures. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
19.
Elephant & Sun (Grey, Silver)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on the ELEPHANT CONSULTANT (represented by Elly the Elephant) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SUN of ABSOLUTISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on consulting with others who can help you to consider different opinions and avoid harmful biases (Elephant Consultant). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why an Elephant? (Consult Focus) Elephants are known for being intelligent and having a great memory. They also look out for one another. You value consulting with others to come to the best possible solution. The "elephant in the room" (i.e. obvious problem that we often do not want to talk about) is that we each need to consult with others in order to consider different perspectives and counteract our harmful biases. When deciding what's right you are willing to discuss the "elephant in the room" and focus on CONSULTing with others to get diverse perspectives in order to avoid harmful biases. Like Elly you may ask yourself: "Who will help me consider diverse perspectives?" You believe in recognizing and challenging your own biases. Elephant's Strengths (Pros) Elly reminds us to consult with others who are trustworthy. By understanding that we are all biased in some way and focusing on different viewpoints, Elly helps us see things from different angles. Elephant's Challenges (Cons) Elly doesn't clarify who we should consult or how many others we should consult. One time Elly consulted with someone who had their own biases and this led Elly down the wrong path. Another time Elly consulted with a few different friends who each suggested a different path. That made things a bit more confusing for Elly. Elephant's Theoretical Background Psychology of Decision Making, Behavioral Economics and Behavioral Ethics (based on the wisdom of Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman and others). Elephant's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Elly the Elephant represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSULT). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, the Elephant CONSULTant focus area should be combined with other focus areas, like Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. For example, there are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other focus areas that may have a piece of the truth. For example “Never Lie” sounds like a good universal standard to consistently apply. However, it may be right to lie if it could save a child from an abusive person (e.g. "I do not know where they went" when you actually do know, but you lie to protect the child). Therefore, considering other viewpoints and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one focus area often has at least part of the truth. Different focus areas can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile focus”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different focus areas. We suggest considering a few well-respected focus areas when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
20.
Elephant & Candle (Grey, Silver)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on the ELEPHANT CONSULTANT (represented by Elly the Elephant) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM. When deciding what is right you tend to focus on consulting with others who can help you to consider different opinions and avoid harmful biases (Elephant Consultant). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why an Elephant? (Consult Focus) Elephants are known for being intelligent and having a great memory. They also look out for one another. You value consulting with others to come to the best possible solution. The "elephant in the room" (i.e. obvious problem that we often do not want to talk about) is that we each need to consult with others in order to consider different perspectives and counteract our harmful biases. When deciding what's right you are willing to discuss the "elephant in the room" and focus on CONSULTing with others to get diverse perspectives in order to avoid harmful biases. Like Elly you may ask yourself: "Who will help me consider diverse perspectives?" You believe in recognizing and challenging your own biases. Elephant's Strengths (Pros) Elly reminds us to consult with others who are trustworthy. By understanding that we are all biased in some way and focusing on different viewpoints, Elly helps us see things from different angles. Elephant's Challenges (Cons) Elly doesn't clarify who we should consult or how many others we should consult. One time Elly consulted with someone who had their own biases and this led Elly down the wrong path. Another time Elly consulted with a few different friends who each suggested a different path. That made things a bit more confusing for Elly. Elephant's Theoretical Background Psychology of Decision Making, Behavioral Economics and Behavioral Ethics (based on the wisdom of Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman and others). Elephant's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Elly the Elephant represents a very important and respected focus area (CONSULT). However, it does not include everything. To balance out the challenges above, the Elephant CONSULTant focus area should be combined with other focus areas, like Bear's CARE. Combining focus areas is called PLURALISM and can be very beneficial. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more about Pluralism and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then, person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong beyond individual feelings. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators and even if others disagree (e.g. collaboratively standing up against the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when looking for the source of what is right. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
21.
Mirror & Spectrum (Dark Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you focus on EGOISM (represented by a Mirror) and that you believe that the source of what's right is the SPECTRUM of PLURALISM perspective. When deciding what is right you focus on what's best for you (Egoism'S Mirror). You believe that evidence supports this approach, but that evidence also supports some other reasonable approaches (Spectrum of Pluralism). Why a Mirror? (Egoism Focus) A mirror represents a focus on the self. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on an EGOISM approach that is most concerned with how things affect you. You may ask yourself, represented by the mirror: "How will this benefit me?" You believe in the importance of doing what you want. Mirror's Strengths (Pros) Egoism can remind us that we do have some responsibility to look out for ourselves and we may know what will benefit us better than others will. We may need to stand up for ourselves or even protect our own lives sometimes. Mirror's Challenges (Cons) Egoism seems to support doing some terrible things (e.g. cheating, stealing) as long as they benefit the self. Also, why is one of us any more important than others of us? Don't we all have the capacity to experience happiness as well as suffering? Egoism doesn't provide solutions for conflicts between people so we must look to other lenses for help (e.g. Bear's Care Lens). Mirror's Theoretical Background A criticized philosophy called Ethical Egoism. Mirror's Conclusion... and What do I do now? EGOISM is NOT a highly respect focus area. It can be seen as a type of CONSEQUENCES focus area that only narrows in on results for the self. It has some important lessons (see above), but to be ethical we must look beyond ourselves and consider other focus areas, like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES, and Bear's CARE. Click on the "More Info" link below to learn more and see the descriptions of the animals that represent the different focus areas. Why a Spectrum? (Pluralism) A Spectrum (i.e. multiple perspectives) shows different colors of light, in this case from the sun or a star. When combined, these different colors can provide the full spectrum of natural light (i.e. white light). This represents the Pluralist's idea that there are truths about what's right to be discovered (e.g. through rational deliberation, spirituality/religion, etc), and that several perspectives (i.e. colors) can help in our search for truth. You likely believe that there are a few ways to address differences about what is right that are better than other ways. You tend to think that there are truths about what's right, but that we must be open to a few approaches, not just one. You tend to believe that although opinions may differ, there are several, sometimes conflicting, principles that should guide all of us. You believe that these principles need to be balanced. You may live by sayings like: “Balance the truths of perspectives”, “Bend, but don’t break." Spectrum's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. Pluralism allows us to have the conviction that there are some real truths about right and wrong. It also encourages us to be humble and seek out different viewpoints that we may not have considered since no one approach has been shown to be flawless. It helps us pursue a middle ground between being too open to any random viewpoint and too closed to different, but reasonable, ways of approaching what's right. Spectrum's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to find some truths about what's right, you may consider too many or too few focus areas. Pluralism, as a concept, provides no guidance for which perspectives to consider, beyond “multiple”. How many different focus areas have a piece of the truth? Also, pluralism provides no guidance for what to do when focus areas conflict (e.g. some focus areas advocate stealing to save a life, others do not). Sometimes different perspectives point to the same answer, but how do we “balance” perspectives when they point to different answers? Spectrum's Theoretical Background Moral Pluralism Spectrum's Conclusion... and what do I do now? Pluralism highlights a valuable lesson: There seem to be some truths about right and wrong and multiple focus areas may each illuminate a piece of those truths. Pluralism can help us find a middle ground between being too rigid and too permissive. We believe that the evidence favors a pluralistic approach to ethics. When deciding what is right, we suggest considering five well-respected focus areas which come from over 2,000 years of moral philosophy (see the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). We can look to these individual focus areas to address the Cons of Pluralism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals (Focus Areas) and potential sources of what's right (Sources).
22.
Mirror & Fire (Dark Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you lean towards a EGOISM approach and the FIRE of RELATIVISM perspective. When deciding what is right you focus on what's best for you (Egoism Approach: Mirror). However, you believe that this is just your opinion and that there's no way to prove that one culture or group's opinion is more right than another culture or group's opinion (Fire of Relativism). Why a Mirror? (Egoism Focus) A mirror represents a focus on the self. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on an EGOISM approach that is most concerned with how things affect you. You may ask yourself, represented by the mirror: "How will this benefit me?" You believe in the importance of doing what you want. Mirror's Strengths (Pros) Egoism can remind us that we do have some responsibility to look out for ourselves and we may know what will benefit us better than others will. We may need to stand up for ourselves or even protect our own lives sometimes. Mirror's Challenges (Cons) Egoism seems to support doing some terrible things (e.g. cheating, stealing) as long as they benefit the self. Also, why is one of us any more important than others of us? Don't we all have the capacity to experience happiness as well as suffering? Egoism doesn't provide solutions for conflicts between people so we must look to other approaches for help... Mirror's Theoretical Background A criticized philosophy called Ethical Egoism. Mirror's Conclusion... and What do I do now? EGOISM is NOT a highly respect approach. It can be seen as a type of CONSEQUENCES approach that only focuses on results for the self. It has some important lessons (see above), but to be ethical we must look beyond ourselves and consider other approaches like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES, and Bear's CARE. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the animals that represent the other approaches! Why a Fire? (Relativism) Fires (e.g. bonfires, campfires) are often created by and for groups. The Fire represents the Relativist's idea that each group/culture decides what is right for them (their own fire), and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (different fires). You likely believe that right and wrong are dependent on culture. You tend to think that there are no universal truths about what's right, just cultural customs and opinions. You tend to believe that the morals of a culture cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “It's all relative”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, or “When is Rome, do as the Romans do.” Fire's Strengths (Pros) Some cultural practices are customs and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. the best way to perform a wedding or a funeral). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are culturally dependent. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing on other groups. You avoid the assumption that one cultural perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another culture's perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on culture. Fire's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one viewpoint is more right than another. There are things that many would agree are clearly wrong regardless of a culture's customs (e.g. food waste, not recycling, sexism, homophobia, slavery). For example, a person may be accepting of another culture discriminating against people who are gay (“Who am I to judge their cultural practices?”), but this person changes their mind when their own child shares that they are gay and wants to visit that other culture. Then they decide that it is clearly wrong to discriminate against people who are gay. Fire's Theoretical Background Moral Relativism, Cultural Relativism Fire's Conclusion... and What do I do now? Cultural Relativism highlights a valuable lesson: that many practices and attitudes are culturally created and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that is right or wrong. Most of us would agree that slavery is wrong regardless of where it occurs, therefore we must look to other perspectives (e.g. Pluralism) when deciding what is right. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals/objects.
23.
Mirror & Sun (Dark Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you lean towards a EGOISM approach and the SUN of ABSOLUTISM perspective. When deciding what is right you focus on what's best for you (Egoism Approach: Mirror). You believe that this is the best way to be ethical and that we should all follow it (Sun of Absolutism). Why a Mirror? (Egoism Focus) A mirror represents a focus on the self. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on an EGOISM approach that is most concerned with how things affect you. You may ask yourself, represented by the mirror: "How will this benefit me?" You believe in the importance of doing what you want. Mirror's Strengths (Pros) Egoism can remind us that we do have some responsibility to look out for ourselves and we may know what will benefit us better than others will. We may need to stand up for ourselves or even protect our own lives sometimes. Mirror's Challenges (Cons) Egoism seems to support doing some terrible things (e.g. cheating, stealing) as long as they benefit the self. Also, why is one of us any more important than others of us? Don't we all have the capacity to experience happiness as well as suffering? Egoism doesn't provide solutions for conflicts between people so we must look to other approaches for help... Mirror's Theoretical Background A criticized philosophy called Ethical Egoism. Mirror's Conclusion... and What do I do now? EGOISM is NOT a highly respect approach. It can be seen as a type of CONSEQUENCES approach that only focuses on results for the self. It has some important lessons (see above), but to be ethical we must look beyond ourselves and consider other approaches like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES, and Bear's CARE. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the animals that represent the other approaches! Why a Sun? (Absolutism) A Sun provides the source of natural light that many seek out. The Sun represents the Absolutist's idea that what's right is to be discovered (e.g. through human reason, spirituality/religion, etc), and that there is one universal standard of what's right. You likely believe that this one correct standard should be applied consistently across people and situations. You tend to think that there is a universal truth about what's right, regardless of different customs and opinions. You tend to believe that morals may differ, but there is one truth that should guide us all. You may live by some of these sayings: “One path to the truth”, “The truth is out there”, or “There is one right way.” Sun's Strengths (Pros) Some things seem to be clearly right or wrong regardless of preference, culture or context. These are things that many feel we should not be open to or tolerate (e.g. child abuse, sexism, slavery). Consistent measures of right or wrong allow us to have concrete ways to critique ourselves, critique others and resolve differences. These consistent measures also allow us to assess our moral progress (e.g. women now have the right to vote in many places). Sun's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to consistently apply one standard of truth about what's right, you may not be as open to other approaches which may have a piece of the truth. For example “Never Lie” sounds like a good universal standard to consistently apply, but it may be right to lie if it could save a child from an abusive parent. Considering other opinions and questioning our standards can be helpful. We can become open to different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing one narrow way of reasoning. Absolutism may stop us from considering multiple reasonable approaches and balancing out their pros and cons. Sun's Theoretical Background Moral Absolutism, a form of Deontological Ethics (based on the wisdom of philosopher Immanuel Kant and others). Sun's Conclusion... and What do I do now? Absolutism highlights a valuable lesson: there are some things that are clearly and consistently right or wrong (e.g. human trafficking). However, it seems that more than just one perspective often has at least part of the truth. These different approaches can be held in an absolutist way (e.g. “X is the only worthwhile approach”), therefore it is important to remember the pros and cons of absolutism as they apply to different approaches. We suggest considering a few well-respected approaches when deciding what is right (see Pluralism and the 5Cs: Character, Code, Consequences, Care and Consult). Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals/objects.
24.
Mirror & Candle (Dark Blue)
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This survey was designed to help you better understand how you decide "What's the right thing to do?" in life and leadership. It is not a personality assessment. Your answers indicate that you lean towards a EGOISM approach and the CANDLE of SUBJECTIVISM perspective. When deciding what is right you focus on what's best for you (Egoism Approach: Mirror). However, you believe that this is just your personal opinion and that there's no way to prove that one person's opinion is more right than another person's opinion (Candle of Subjectivism). Why a Mirror? (Egoism Focus) A mirror represents a focus on the self. When deciding what's right you tend to focus on an EGOISM approach that is most concerned with how things affect you. You may ask yourself, represented by the mirror: "How will this benefit me?" You believe in the importance of doing what you want. Mirror's Strengths (Pros) Egoism can remind us that we do have some responsibility to look out for ourselves and we may know what will benefit us better than others will. We may need to stand up for ourselves or even protect our own lives sometimes. Mirror's Challenges (Cons) Egoism seems to support doing some terrible things (e.g. cheating, stealing) as long as they benefit the self. Also, why is one of us any more important than others of us? Don't we all have the capacity to experience happiness as well as suffering? Egoism doesn't provide solutions for conflicts between people so we must look to other approaches for help... Mirror's Theoretical Background A criticized philosophy called Ethical Egoism. Mirror's Conclusion... and What do I do now? EGOISM is NOT a highly respect approach. It can be seen as a type of CONSEQUENCES approach that only focuses on results for the self. It has some important lessons (see above), but to be ethical we must look beyond ourselves and consider other approaches like Otter's CHARACTER, Hawk's CODE, Wolf's CONSEQUENCES, and Bear's CARE. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the animals that represent the other approaches! Why a Candle? (Subjectivism) A Candle's flame is often created by, and for, an individual. This is similar to the Subjectivist's idea that we each decide what is right individually, and that there is no independent standard of what's right, just different opinions (e.g. different candles). You likely believe that right and wrong are up to each person’s feelings and that there's no way to prove that one person's feelings are more right than another person's feelings. Different individuals may hold different opinions, just as different individuals may hold different candles. You tend to believe that the morals of an individual cannot be wrong, just different. You may live by some of these sayings: “Who am I to judge?”, “To each their own”, “Live and let live”, “You be you” or “You do you.” Candle's Strengths (Pros) Some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong (e.g. preferring public praise or a private note to acknowledge your good work). By asking: “Who am I to judge?” you remain open-minded and focus on the idea that some things are just personal preference. You accept different ways of viewing the world and get beyond imposing individual preferences. You avoid the assumption that one person's perspective (including your own) is based on some universally accepted objective standard and that it is better than another perspective. Some behaviors and ideas are just based on feelings. Candle's Challenges (Cons) In your efforts to be open-minded you may not consider evidence that there can be very good reasons why one decision is more right than another. There are some things that seem to be clearly wrong regardless of what someone feels (e.g. child abuse, genocide). For example, person A may accept person B discriminating against someone in an interracial relationship (“Who am I to say that their beliefs are wrong?”), but person A changes their mind when their own child is in an interracial relationship. Then person A decides that it is clearly wrong for person B to discriminate against people in interracial relationships. Candle's Theoretical Background Ethical Subjectivism Candle's Conclusion... and What do I do now? Subjectivism highlights a valuable lesson: some attitudes are just how people feel and are neither right nor wrong. However, this does not mean that nothing is right or wrong. Reasonable people agree that standing up against unfair persecution is right, even if we are not the perpetrators (e.g. the unfair treatment of people with disabilities). Therefore, we must look to other perspectives (e.g. see Pluralism) when deciding what is right or wrong. Note: Subjectivism can be seen as a more extreme type of Relativism. Click on the link below for more information and to see the descriptions of the other animals/objects.

Ethical Perspectives Survey (EPS)

Uncover your views!

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Quiz Outcomes