MID TERM:What does it mean to be an ethical democratic citzen?

The first step to being an ethical democratic citizen is that of being ethical.Which is making a decision based on moral values.By viewing a situation as either right or wrong. One aspect of being ethical is that of relativism. Relativism being the idea that there is no absolute truths.However contrasting relativism is the idea of absolutism. Absolutism is believeing that there is in fact an absolute truth.


The Second step to being an ethical democratic citizen is being an active part in democracy. A democarcy is a form of government that is created by the people (citizens vote for the government), for the people. Meaning that the people basically get to choose there government, based on what they believe is best for the country.

The third step to being an ethical democratic citizen is being a active citizen. A citizen is a native person to a certain state or country. In order to achieve being an active citizen, you must consider using your right to political participation.Being an active citizen is based on fufilling your roles as a citizen by working to make your communtiy, the best that it can be whether that be through voting for the proper leadership, or by voleentering your time to help other people or your community.

Another improtant aspect of an ethical democratic citizen is the concept of hope. Hope being the belief that good will come from circumstances or events in your life, even when it may look like there is a slim chance of positive outcome.

In conclusion, I believe that from person to person, in order to achieve that of being an ethical democratic citizen, you need to clearly determine whether there is right and wrong in a situatuion. at the same time it needs to be determined that the decision you make is best for both you and your country.

security Vs. Civil liberties

After watching FRONTLINES presentation that was primarily based on President Bush's decision to use "domestic spying" post 9/11, I believe that in a way the president did abuse his power to some extent, for I dont believe that he really has the power to just listen in on anyones conversation that he pleases to.Throughout this program alot of people were interviewd however few questions were answered, for many stated that they could not give an answer to the question, for they are not allowed to.
Although I do not really like that the president is doing this, I do however believe that he does have the power to do so. As well I think that it isnt really a big deal I supose if you have nothing to hide,however for me it is just the fact of privacy, I would like to beable to have privacy when I am talking on the phone.

The mass man

Rob Reimen describes the "mass man", basically as being what I would consider a selfish man who doesnt care about anything except possesions. Throughout this podcast, Reimen basically explains how people tend to have a hard time expressing there emotions with words, so many of use tend to pull towards our possesions to help make it feel better.

I definetly do notice what Reimen is talking about throughout the podcast, just in my own personal experience. for example My boyfriend has a tendance to buy me things such as jewelry, flowers, or chocolates, when he wants to show me that he loves me or he is sorry, when rather it means alot more and is alot more clear if he would just say it himself.

Premise & Conclusion

Premise: There is NO one certain truth.

Conclusion: With the option of more than one truth, then no one person can be wrong.

#1. Are They an active citzen?
-Yes. Aaron appears to be a very active citzen. When reading his posts, he seems to put his true thoughts and beliefs into what he post. Hes not just posting to get a grade.His posts give a strong sense of who he is.

#2. Do they consider issues seriously?
- Yes.When reading his post,he clearly states how he feels on the issues, then he follows by supporting his ideas or beliefs.


#3. What is their ethical frame work?
- I believe that he is an Absolutist.One of the

Relativism

According to the internet dictionary, relativism is defined as "The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, “relative” — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied." The idea of relativism is that there are no absolute truths.In fact, what is to be considered truth, is all based on the beliefs of each person as an individual.As well generally people who support relativisim, believe that truths vary by person, socitey, and culture.

I believe that a continuously debated topic, that is very relativistic, would be abortion. Considering Anti-Relativist believe that this is absoultly wrong, no matter what the situation, culture, or reasoning behind it. However a relativist, such as my self, believe that you can not tell a woman what she can and cant do with her own body. Which is were I believe that there are many justified reasons for a woman having a abortion. One of the most scarce, yet must understandable reasons being that of rape. I completley understand that it may appear as though those woman whom sleep around and get pregnant, should not be having a abortion, however it goes back to the point, that no one person should be able to tell a woman what to do with her body. She will decide what is right for her, on her own.

I believe that I am a relativist. Considering I believe that every culture is different. As well every person is different, and it is not right for any one person to push their beliefs onto someone else.As well I find it to be wrong for someone to take there believes above someone elses, and implying, that yours be more important.That is just not right for anyone to do.Whether you agree with them or not.

Is love a necessary part to being an ethical democratic citzenship?. I dont believe it is. However it is a necessary piece in being an ethical citzen. Yet I feel as though being a ethical democratic citzen is a totally different thing than being an ethical citzen. For an ethical democartic citzen is more or less consentrated around supporting or not supporting governmental dissions, were as an ethical citzen I believe is more or less about showing love for your fellow citzens.