Superheroes and Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on April 15, 2009 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
What are the ethics of winning and losing? If I compete with someone for a job and get it, or don’t, how should I behave, morally speaking? If a politician wins, or loses, how should her supporters behave?
Sincerely,
Worried About Winning (and Losing!)
Dear Worried About Winning (and Losing!),
Competition often, though not always, brings out the best in us. But there is also little doubt over the reality of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Your question is quite relevant, since many of you are now in the process of competing with each other in a brutal job market, whether for permanent positions or for summer internships. It’s also a relevant question when we look to the national stage and see how members of the two political parties are behaving in light of the past election.
A distinction I’ve made in the past is worth emphasizing again. There’s a prudential dimension to your concern and a moral one. Here’s how you should see the difference as it concerns national politics. Congressional Democrats were big winners in this past election. They have the power to more or less ignore the GOP. And morally speaking, they’re permitted to do that, given the legitimate authority they possess. But prudentially speaking, such behavior might be cautioned against, on the grounds that sooner or later, the GOP will regain power in Congress. When that happens, they will likely behave at that time as they were treated at this time. So a case can be made that acting with restraint is what Congressional Democrats prudentially ought to do in this situation, though they’re not morally obligated to behave in this way.
With that in mind, recall the platitudes we’re acquainted with concerning victory and defeat: one ought to win or lose graciously, not be a poor sport, etc. Is there more to say than this? Of course. It seems to me that it’s of the utmost importance, when considering competitions, that both persons or groups willingly compete. So long as that’s true, it is perfectly permissible, morally speaking, to publically celebrate victory if you’re the victor, and to publically express sadness and disappointment if you’re the loser. It’s also permissible to enjoy the benefits of victory.
If Jane and Joe are competing for the same job, and Jane ends up getting it, she’s not morally obligated to “play it down” to Joe, or to let him find out on his own, or to not bring it up at all, or anything like that. They both willingly and fairly competed for a job only one of them could get. She’s not doing anything morally wrong should she choose to openly express happiness at getting the job, even if Joe’s around. And Joe isn’t obligated, morally, to bury his disappointment if Jane’s around.
This might seem obvious, but at HKS, I think folks sometimes mistake supererogatory actions for obligatory ones. Supererogatory actions go above and beyond the call of duty. Jane may choose to withhold public exuberance because she’s extremely interested in not hurting Joe’s feelings. That’s fine, of course, but doing so isn’t morally required of her.
Superheroes and Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on February 25, 2009 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Dear Professor,
The economy continues to tank, political and business scandals are happening left and right, and the list of ‘hot spot’ areas around the world grows by the day. Like many of us here, I am a proponent of the idea that good government is uniquely positioned to help with these things. And like many of us, I also believe that I can do my part. But I’m genuinely worried about how effective any of us are going to be, given how big the problems are. This isn’t exactly a moral question, but I am wondering how honest we should be with ourselves about our abilities to fix these things. Is optimism self-delusional at this point?
Sincerely,
Crisis of Faith Read more
Superheroes and Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on December 10, 2008 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Dear Professor,
Although a large number of us were very pleased recently with the election of Barack Obama, some of us were not. I’ve heard of several instances where McCain supporters here were made to feel ridiculous for their views prior to the election and other instances where their feelings were not taken into account in the post-election celebration that ensued. At an institution that on paper promotes tolerance, it seems many people aren’t really tolerant of opposing viewpoints. But then maybe tolerance is overrated. Is there a moral demand for tolerance? And if so, what should tolerance look like at HKS?
Sincerely,
Troubled About Tolerance Read moreSuperheroes and Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on October 29, 2008 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Dear Professor:
Recently, Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart refused to enforce evictions due to the current financial crisis. Many of us might soon find ourselves as public servants facing similar choices. How should we reconcile our moral convictions with our legal obligations in circumstances like these?
Sincerely,
Perplexed Professional Read moreSuperheroes and Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on October 1, 2008 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Dear Professor:
I came here wanting to enter the public sphere after graduating. But when I consider the financial cost of attending HKS, I’m tempted to enter the private sphere when I leave, even though my passion lies in public service and I think I would do more good there. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Reluctant Realist Read moreSuperheroes & Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on February 26, 2008 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor, Features
Dear Professor:
RobichaudIs it morally appropriate to apply for and pursue a job that I really don’t want and don’t see myself taking in order to gain an advantage-like being able to negotiate a higher salary-for other job opportunities that I am more serious about?
Sincerely,
Ethically Concerned Job SeekerSuperheroes & Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on December 6, 2007 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Dear Professor:
Am I morally bound to tell the complete truth on a federal job application even if I know that doing so will probably disqualify me for consideration? I believe I would provide a great social benefit for years to come were I to get this job, and it’s a job I desire very much. (Just to be clear, my past transgression is something I consider very minor—i.e., it’s not that I killed someone or anything like that—but it’s nevertheless something that couldn’t be explained away for this particular job.)
Sincerely,
Distraught Dissembler
Read moreSuperheroes & Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on October 17, 2007 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
I’ve had several opportunities at KSG to debate, either in print or on video, high-profile issues, like whether torture under some conditions should be allowed. I have strong opinions about these things, but worry that publicly taking a stand on them might jeopardize my future political aspirations. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Conflicted Conscience
Read moreSuperheroes & Villains: Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
by Christopher Robichaud on October 3, 2007 in Diary of a Mad Ethics Professor
Normally I buy all my course packets for my classes, but one of my packets this semester has the hefty price tag of $275 (it weighs even heavier). I’m on a limited budget and recently had a baby, and a couple friends who are in the class suggested that we split the cost and photocopy the packet, even though it seems as though this is against copyright rules (and apparently frowned upon by the school). Is it wrong for me to engage in this activity even though it’s a means to education that will enable me to be a better public servant?
Sincerely,
CMO junkie
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