Who is the Judge?

Summary

Joseph Lieungh reflects on the complexity of right and wrong, acknowledging that these concepts are not absolute and can change based on circumstances and individual moral compasses.

Abstract

In the guest prompt for Week 1, Day 1, Joseph Lieungh delves into the nuanced nature of morality, questioning the point at which right and wrong lose their clarity. He illustrates the subjectivity of these concepts using extreme examples, such as taking a life, and how context can influence what is considered right or wrong. Lieungh emphasizes his personal belief in natural rights and the importance of respecting others' belief systems without imposing his own moral standards. He suggests that the interpretation of events in life is often a mix of good and bad, and that the lessons learned from these experiences are more important than labeling them strictly as right or wrong. Lieungh concludes with the realization that his own concepts of right and wrong have evolved over time, leading him to ponder this philosophical question further.

Opinions

Lieungh believes in a strong moral compass and natural rights but acknowledges that the interpretation of right and wrong is a continuum.
He recognizes that some laws, while intended as guide markers, can be unjust and create inequality.
Lieungh is against imposing his moral beliefs on others, preferring to respect diverse perspectives on right and wrong.
He views life events as shades of gray, containing lessons rather than clear-cut moral judgments.
Lieungh admits that his own understanding of right and wrong has changed over the years, suggesting that these concepts are not fixed even for an individual.

Guest Prompt Week 1, Day 1: Joseph Lieungh : At the level of humanness, we see right and wrong as guide markers. At what point or level do we no longer see right and wrong

The concept of right and wrong is a fine line. Even in the concept of an extreme thing like taking another person’s life while some might say it is never right, others might say it depends on the circumstance. Are you a soldier in a combat situation? Are you a police officer in the line of duty? Is the taking of one life going to save many other’s lives? Is it a “your life or theirs” situation? Even an extreme case of right or wrong can get gray so what about normal right and wrong situations?

I believe that I have a strong moral compass. I am a firm believer in natural rights. I also believe that one person’s rights end when they infringe on someone else’s rights. The problem with right and wrong is that it is a continuum. We have laws, but some of those laws are not just. Laws at a base are supposed to be guide markers. We find, however, some laws are put in by people trying to create unequal situations. Laws on sexual rights, voting, unequal access to education or housing are some of the examples of these. Some have been removed while others are trying to be created right now. Once again we have a sliding scale of right and wrong. The further I get in life and this journey the less I try to have my moral compass be a standard for anyone but me. I don’t want anyone else’s sense of right and wrong to be markers for me. When I am dealing with other people I do my best to respect their belief system of right and wrong. I will share my beliefs if asked but don’t preach or try to get them to change theirs.

When we talk about things that happen in our lives there are events. We interpret them as good or bad, but usually, there is a mix. There are lessons in all situations. Most situations are just shades of gray. When we change that to right and wrong is it fair if someone does something that doesn’t affect me one way or the other but I use my standard of right and wrong on them? Why should it matter? I think it is more likely it should be a lesson to learn.

I can have things in my life that I think for me are right or wrong. But even for me, those things have changed over the years. So the entire concept of right and wrong even for me is gray. I am not sure that I answered the prompt but I do have a new philosophical question I will be reflecting on for the time to come.

Peace be with you