tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5173950.post2257543084819291128..comments2024-03-28T09:56:06.298-04:00Comments on Grim's Hall: Ethics & LeadershipGrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543082562999855432noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5173950.post-3724587033558061462017-05-28T10:17:16.965-04:002017-05-28T10:17:16.965-04:00Knotty questions. I have thoughts, but I'm not...Knotty questions. I have thoughts, but I'm not sure I have answers.<br /><br />1. In general, among adults, I think consent is the ethical basis of power. In our current military, formal authority is contractual. For a period of time, people become soldiers and give their consent to their leaders' lawful exercise of authority. Informal power is earned and also depends on consent. There is danger in power; it can always be used selfishly.<br /><br />2. People fail morally in different ways. I guess it is possible to fulfill one's moral duties as a leader and yet have other moral failings. Still, there has to be some consistency; some private failings would impact one's performance as a leader, and I don't think someone could be utterly moral as a leader and utterly immoral outside of that role.<br /><br />I do think it's better for all involved if the leader does serve as an ethical role model, and I think it is better for unit performance if the whole unit shares the same moral framework.<br /><br />3. In general, I think it is wrong to use people as a means to an end. However, what is the telos of a warrior? Is sending a warrior into almost certain death in order to achieve the mission always using him or her as a means to an end? Or is potential death in battle part of the telos of a warrior? Isn't a large part of the respect we have for warriors because of their willingness to risk death?<br /><br />4. I think the big picture is framed by the necessity of keeping the war just.<br /><br />"What if some of their followers (or others) must suffer for this to be achieved? Is that ethically permissible?"<br /><br />That is an odd question to ask in the context of the military. It is tantamount to asking if it's moral to even have a military at all.<br /><br />The rest will have to wait. Gotta run.Tomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5173950.post-71769699575244805342017-05-25T18:14:39.944-04:002017-05-25T18:14:39.944-04:00It's an excellent start that you answered some...It's an excellent start that you answered some of those questions with questions. :) Grimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07543082562999855432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5173950.post-80662983756537904322017-05-24T23:59:52.720-04:002017-05-24T23:59:52.720-04:001. The ethical parts are based on the expectation ...1. The ethical parts are based on the expectation of the culture the leader and followers share. Historically, power is morally corrosive.<br /><br />2. A leader does not need to be a paragon, but they must not disgust the followers. I do not believe man can compartmentalize enough to be a moral leader, but a cad in private life. Note I said moral leaders, the question asked about good leaders​. Good at what?<br /><br />3. The duties depend on the stakes. The acceptance of sacrifice depends on the stakes and the perceived virtue of the leader. An immoral leader may ask for a just sacrifice, but their immorality clouds the necessity. The virtue of the followers is also of interest. Does a leader have different duties to a band of thieves versus clergy?<br /><br />4. It is ethical to commit orders that will cause suffering if the stakes warrent it. At some point the ends justify the means. To fail in facing suffering in the short term may cause disaster.<br /><br />5. What is charisma? Is it a thing of nature or spirit? I think the rest is situationally dependant on the persons involved? Can athiest discuss things of spirit?<br /><br />6. If the ethics are not in sync, one or both parties are going to regret it. The methods of resolution are going to vary based on the followers and stakes. Screaming drill Sergeant is not leading senior citizens at yoga.<br /><br />Some of these questions are like asking what is life. We have observations, experience, intuition, but our hands fail to touch the substance.<br /><br />-stc Michael<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com