Question:
Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?
Value and Importance:
Knowledge can be both beneficial and destructive to an individual, it all depends on how the person decides to utilize it. We, as humans, must understand and learn the guidelines and the extent by which we can further extend the knowledge we obtain. Individuals must explore the limitations of knowledge and decide weather or not everyone deserves to know everything by looking into the ethical boundaries created as a result of the possession of knowledge.
Sources:
· Shelley, M. W. (2008). Frankenstein, or, The modern Prometheus. Waiheke Island: Floating Press.
Mary Shelly’s fictional novel revolves around the main character, Frankenstein. This main character obtains a scientific power that allows him to create a creature. As the events of the novel take proceed, Frankenstein is put in various situations and is forced to make numerous choices. The choices he makes are of ethical controversy, and they are all results of his knowledge.
· Shakespeare, W. (199). The tragedy of Hamlet, prince of Denmark. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg.
The events in the play “Hamlet”, written by William Shakespeare, start off by Hamlet encountering his father’s ghost and learning that his uncle murdered his father. This piece of information results in Hamlet feeling the urge to avenge his father by killing his uncle. Hamlet’s motifs are seen to be unethical by some people, for he is planning to kill someone. However, others find them ethical for his intention is to avenge his father.
· Mezrich, B. (2009). The accidental billionaires: the founding of Facebook. London: William Heinemann.
Ben Mezrich presents the story of the creation of the well-known social network “Facebook” in his book, “The Accidental Billionaires.” It is said that the Mark Zuckerberg intentionally misled the people who proposed the creation of the website to create his own. Evidence by many people who were present is displayed in the book, and his ethical intentions are subject to controversy.
· Isaacson, W. (2007). Einstein: his life and universe. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Albert Einstein’s knowledge of nuclear physics affected human kind as a whole. He had revealed his knowledge to the United States during the World War, and they used it to bomb Japan. It is said that Einstein wasn’t aware of the negative consequences of his actions before imparting the knowledge he had. Thus, many questioned his morals.
· Pacino, A. (Director). (1998). Scent of a woman : Universal Home Video.
The video is a scene of a speech from the movie “Scent of a Woman.” This speech is part of a trial that revolved around an ethical matter. Al Pacino beautifully addresses the matter with his speech.
· TED Conversations. (n.d.). Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/conversations/15972/does_the_possession_of_knowled.htm
TED is a non-profit organization that is devoted to spreading ideas. Any person is welcome to spread his ideas through organized event. In their website, they host discussion boards. One topic what the question “Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?”
· Scurlock-Durana, S. (2012). Navigating Ethical Boundaries. Massage Today. Retrieved from http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14652
In order to address my question directly, I must answer the following: what is our boundary in utilizing the knowledge we obtain. This article about navigating ethical boundaries tackles this question.
Conclusion:
After my exploration of the texts to answer my question I concluded that knowledge and ethical responsibility go hand in had. I strongly believe that knowledge does often carry an ethical responsibility in which one should share useful knowledge and keep harmful and misleading knowledge to one’s self.
Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?
Value and Importance:
Knowledge can be both beneficial and destructive to an individual, it all depends on how the person decides to utilize it. We, as humans, must understand and learn the guidelines and the extent by which we can further extend the knowledge we obtain. Individuals must explore the limitations of knowledge and decide weather or not everyone deserves to know everything by looking into the ethical boundaries created as a result of the possession of knowledge.
Sources:
· Shelley, M. W. (2008). Frankenstein, or, The modern Prometheus. Waiheke Island: Floating Press.
Mary Shelly’s fictional novel revolves around the main character, Frankenstein. This main character obtains a scientific power that allows him to create a creature. As the events of the novel take proceed, Frankenstein is put in various situations and is forced to make numerous choices. The choices he makes are of ethical controversy, and they are all results of his knowledge.
· Shakespeare, W. (199). The tragedy of Hamlet, prince of Denmark. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg.
The events in the play “Hamlet”, written by William Shakespeare, start off by Hamlet encountering his father’s ghost and learning that his uncle murdered his father. This piece of information results in Hamlet feeling the urge to avenge his father by killing his uncle. Hamlet’s motifs are seen to be unethical by some people, for he is planning to kill someone. However, others find them ethical for his intention is to avenge his father.
· Mezrich, B. (2009). The accidental billionaires: the founding of Facebook. London: William Heinemann.
Ben Mezrich presents the story of the creation of the well-known social network “Facebook” in his book, “The Accidental Billionaires.” It is said that the Mark Zuckerberg intentionally misled the people who proposed the creation of the website to create his own. Evidence by many people who were present is displayed in the book, and his ethical intentions are subject to controversy.
· Isaacson, W. (2007). Einstein: his life and universe. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Albert Einstein’s knowledge of nuclear physics affected human kind as a whole. He had revealed his knowledge to the United States during the World War, and they used it to bomb Japan. It is said that Einstein wasn’t aware of the negative consequences of his actions before imparting the knowledge he had. Thus, many questioned his morals.
· Pacino, A. (Director). (1998). Scent of a woman : Universal Home Video.
The video is a scene of a speech from the movie “Scent of a Woman.” This speech is part of a trial that revolved around an ethical matter. Al Pacino beautifully addresses the matter with his speech.
· TED Conversations. (n.d.). Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/conversations/15972/does_the_possession_of_knowled.htm
TED is a non-profit organization that is devoted to spreading ideas. Any person is welcome to spread his ideas through organized event. In their website, they host discussion boards. One topic what the question “Does the possession of knowledge carry an ethical responsibility?”
· Scurlock-Durana, S. (2012). Navigating Ethical Boundaries. Massage Today. Retrieved from http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14652
In order to address my question directly, I must answer the following: what is our boundary in utilizing the knowledge we obtain. This article about navigating ethical boundaries tackles this question.
Conclusion:
After my exploration of the texts to answer my question I concluded that knowledge and ethical responsibility go hand in had. I strongly believe that knowledge does often carry an ethical responsibility in which one should share useful knowledge and keep harmful and misleading knowledge to one’s self.