6. Ethical Dimensions Flashcards
TEST
What is “Ethical Dimension”
Taking historical perspective demands that we understand the differences between our ethical universe and those of previous societies. We do not want to impose our own standards on the past.
-> Learning from the past that helps us face the ethical issues of today.
Explain moral judgement
It is essential to identify and differentiate moral judgement from historical fact when dealing with historical investigation (particularly with secondary sources).
e.g.,
-> Factual Claim: European fur traders believed that selling liquor to First Nations people gave them an advantage in trade.
-> Moral Judgement: Present day Canadians shouldn’t condemn fur traders for selling liquor to First Nations people. They were simply doing what was necessary and logical given the time and place that they lived in.
It is essential to…
consider historical context when making moral judgements on historical moments, eras, actions, and/or actors. It would be unfair to overlook historical context and look at history in a contemporary viewpoint.
How do you judge an individual’s moral responsibility for a historical event?
Consider more than whether or not the person was the cause of the action, who had obligations or power to affect the outcome.
What are the three levels of Moral Responsibility?
- Historical Individual
- Historical Collective
- Current Generations
Authors make…
implicit or explicit ethical judgements in writing historical narratives.
When making ethical judgments…
it is important to be cautious about imposing contemporary standards of right and wrong in the past.
A fair assessment of the ethical implications of history can inform us of
our responsibilities to remember and respond to the contributions, sacrifices, and injustices of the past.
Our understanding of history can help us make informed judgments about
contemporary issues, but only when we recognize the limitations of any direct “lessons” from the past.
